Post/Author/DateTime	Post
#1 shatteredtower Jun 18, 2003 15:28:26	The graveyard, situated behind the Great Temple of Ordemetrex, contains various sized tombs, gravestones, and monuments. Trees of myriad shapes and sizes appear on the large grounds. Flowers and other plants decorate many grave sights of loved ones departed. [OoC: Please note that not everyone gets buried here. Plots don't come free. Neither do headstones.] Many people claim that ghosts and other strange sights can be seen roaming the graveyard in the evening hours. This is also the entrance to The Avowed, though this is a very well-guarded secret, one penetrated by very few individuals, and often only for a very short interval. (This is the first Graveyard thread on these boards, as indicated by the number in the title. The previous thread can be found here.)
#2 zombiegleemax Jul 25, 2003 12:56:01	[From Elsewhere] *she walks along the path, passing by tombstones and then comes up to the statue of the angel, wings outspread* *she takes a deep breath before walking into the shadow's* To Avowed
#3 zombiegleemax Jul 27, 2003 20:30:39	[From Avowed] *she appears behind the statue and lifts the hood of her cloak* *she walks along the pathway, passing tobstones till she comes to Lan's* Hello friend. Sorry I haven't been to visit you in a while. *she dusts off his tombstone and cleans the plants up a bit* *she stairs at his tombstone for a while and thinks for a while about Lan when he was live, and about Alissa and her death before heading out of the graveyard* To Elsewhere
#4 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 17:26:58	[from elsewhere] *she walks down the path and comes to the familiar statue of the angel, wings outspread and dissappears into the shadows* To Avowed
#5 zombiegleemax Aug 27, 2003 20:37:01	[From Avowed] *she steps out of the shadows behind the statues and walks down the path that leads out of the graveyard* .oO(Who could I ask to go on this venture with me?) *she thinks as she walks* .oO(Natala may be interested, but I wouldn't want to take her away from her shop...Miri might be interested, just for the research..but manticores are hard to find, let alone to subdue, let alone keeping it alive without it killing us first...I need to find someone with the right skills...) *she recollects the venture she went on with Aria and the werewolves* .oO(Talhin and Donnavin would be great for something like this, and I doubt Donn would ask too many questions...but I haven't seen Talhin for quite some time now...) *she walks through the gates* To Elsewhere
#6 number_2_dup Oct 30, 2003 14:59:53	Two darkly dressed figures walk on the fallen leaves in between the rows of tombstones. The robed one, taller, and much smoother in his mannerisms stops beside a large oak. The smaller one looks around nervously before speaking. “Why must we talk here? They live near here, and like as not can hear all we speak..” says the small one “Nonsense you worm, I would sense it. Besides we are not here to discuss them anyway, my master is well aware of their presence…” responds the robed figure, much more collected than his paranoid friend. “As is mine!” the smaller one says with reassurance. “Yes, yes, I know of his dealings with them. However, my master requests a meeting. The heads of our organizations, and our spies are long due a gathering. He feels the balance is not in our favor anymore in the city, and measures need to be taken to tip the scales. As you are aware of, I am sure, the Jackals are weakened. We must take advantage of this situation before their numbers, and strength is regained. Tell your master and have your spies attend, we must share our knowledge in order to further our causes…” he pauses “Do you understand?” “Of course. However my master will have to consider the offer, and weigh the situation. You will be required to divulge what you know as well, will you honor that?” “Do not question us you fool! Deliver the message and let your lord deal with that.. Two nights from now, under this tree, come alone with his terms ..” The robed figure walks off slowly deep in dark thought. The smaller waits a moment or two then darts off in a different direction, as if the dead were after him.
#7 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 21:09:02	*Silis wanders into the graveyard, making sure his new potion is secure* *he soon finds a seat on a raised tomb* *he sits crosslegged, hood down, and the wind begins to blow his hair as he closes his eyes* [color=darkblue].oO(I need to test this new magic...I don't know its limits...And I have to know my limits...)[/color]
#8 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 21:24:28	Dark grey boots crumple leaves underfoot as Kywyn appears from behind a praying statue. He crosses the path with NaShae, scanning the cemetery for Silis. Kywyn notices the accretion of matter at the feet of the tombstones: cast off leaves and twigs, and the normal miscellaneous detritus from a city this size. After a few quiet minutes of searching, he comes across the boy, his brother, sitting atop a stone tomb.
#9 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 21:32:37	*wind blowing his shaggy hair, Silis pulls at the strings of a dreamcatcher* [color=darkblue].oO(The nightmares' have to get through sometimes...)[/color] *something changes in the area in front of him and Silis opens his eyes* *he pushes his hair out of his eyes to see Kywyn* *his heart gives a little jump, and he gets the urge to run to his brother and hug him* *his eyes flicker down to Kywyn's hand, and from there up to NaShae's face* [color=darkblue].oO(No...I can't do that with her here...and he might not...)[/color] *he fluidly stands and hops down on to the path* *he takes a few steps towards the couple* "Kywyn. NaShae." *he bows to each of them, trying to remain detatched* *his eyes linger on their clasped hands just a moment too long*
#10 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 21:35:55	"Ennorath. NaShae's home. We're going there. Are you up for a trip?" Kywyn says in stop-go rhythym. He observes Silis with an even gaze.
#11 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 21:46:04	*Silis nods, a tad too much* *he stops himself and clenches his fist unconsciously* "Just us?"
#12 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 21:53:09	"One or two others from the Jackals will be coming. Makes the watches safer," Kywyn replies.
#13 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 21:56:38	[color=darkblue].oO(Jackals...Malifaeyr's warriors...)[/color] *Silis nods* *he walks towards the pair, and stands slightly closer to Kywyn than NaShae* "What's in Ennorath? Other than your family NaShae." *he quickly makes eye contact with Shae, but then turns his attention back to Kywyn*
#14 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 22:01:14	"Dakarai..." Kywyn answers for his part in almost a whisper. He watches his younger sibling, the way he stands, the measured way he sometimes talks. It seems familiar... Kywyn sees some of his own mannerisms and is mixed between subdued flattery and disdain. "Our parents. I wanted you to make your peace with them ever since you came here. You shouldn't leave things the way they are... It's dangerous out here. At least a letter, Silis, before we leave."
#15 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 22:30:41	*at the mention of his nephew's name, Silis looks confused* *he whispers* "Dak?" *his face tightens when he thinks about his parents* "They ended it, not me." *he looks up his brother with a pleading look* "They changed after you left, Ky. Everything I did was wrong." *he opens his hands and lets some grey energy flow between his fingertips* "And then when this started to happen, all I could think of was how mad they'd be. How they'd think I'd be just like you and run away." *he looks back up to Kywyn* "That's what they all said about you. That you abandoned us." *he closes his eyes and shakes his head* "No, not us. Them. I tried to defend you Ky, but they just said I was too young to understand anything." *he looks down to his feet* "I don't care about them any more. But I'll write one if you want me to." *he kicks at a leaf* [color=darkblue].oO(Maybe I should just send one to Akana...No...They'd steal it from him, and just get him in trouble...)[/color]
#16 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 22:35:11	"Don't speak ill of our parents while I'm here, Silis," Kywyn says with a slightly intimidating edge to his voice. "That may be your point of view, but they worked hard to give us everything. You're still a kid, you don't see what they see, what I've come to see." "Make peace with them," he repeats.
#17 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 22:40:41	*again, his face tightens* *he can feel himself grow warm and bridal with rage, and glares up at his big brother* *a million things come to his mind but he visably chokes them down, knowing that he couldn't win against Kywyn* *he takes a few breaths before replying* "Only because you want me to."
#18 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 22:42:36	"Thank you," Kywyn's tone melts to a gentler sway. "One day, you'll see." "I hated when poeple talked to me like that when I was young..." Kywyn realizes. "I mean, you'll figure it out..."
#19 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 22:45:32	*Shae's eyes grow cold as Silis glares at Kywyn* *she moves to step between, but seeing Silis back down, she moves back* *frowning, she watches them, not sure why all the tension exists*
#20 zombiegleemax Dec 24, 2003 23:05:33	*his look softens and he searches his brother's face* *he speaks very softly* "Why? Why one day? Can't I already have it figured out? I just might have come to a different conclusion than you did." *he looks away* *his next comment is barely audiable* "You're not the only one in love you know."
#21 kywyn Dec 24, 2003 23:13:56	"Everyone has a different conclusion... I think that's the point. You should see other views." Barely catching the last comment. "Are you now?" he says quietly, "Then that's something." "If you're being yourself, then I hope you find what you're looking for. You don't need to live up to anyone... not me, not our parents... you don't need to act the way you do because it's my point of view."
#22 zombiegleemax Dec 25, 2003 1:17:08	"But..." *he stops, tries to start again but can't* *he bites his lip and just breathes* "You were the only one who made sense. You were the only one I could understand. Everyone else was so confusing. Including me. I didn't understand why so much of what I thought was right was what everyone else thought was wrong." *he looks up at Kywyn and attempts at a shrug* "You were so detached from everyone else, I figured you must be almost safe from all of it. So I thought that if I could do the same..." *he swallows hard* *his eyes close and water begins to pool under his eyelids* *a single tear runs down his cheek*
#23 kywyn Dec 25, 2003 1:22:30	"No one is safe," Kywyn consoles. He touches Silis's shoulder breifly. "I know it can be hard to find one's way... but you have to try. Otherwise nothing means anything. You have to give it meaning."
#24 zombiegleemax Dec 25, 2003 1:35:25	*Silis looks over to watch his brother's hand move away from him* [color=darkblue].oO(It's been too long since I've been touched...)[/color] *he goes to wipe his eyes, but remembers his gauntlets* *he rips the gauntlet off his hand and throws it to the ground* *sniffling, he wipes his eyes with his bare hand* "You're right. You're always right. It's annoying sometimes." *he looks back up at Kywyn with his red eyes and mischeviously smiles, bringing back memories from their more impulsive youth*
#25 kywyn Dec 25, 2003 1:43:03	Kywyn nods slowly, almost understandingly. "This trip will be good for you, I think.... After the letter to get out your thoughts on paper." "Find us in the compound or at our apartment," Kywyn adds.
#26 zombiegleemax Dec 25, 2003 1:44:18	*Silis nods* "When did you want to go?"
#27 kywyn Dec 25, 2003 1:48:45	"Soon... Next few days, I think," Kywyn remarks.
#28 zombiegleemax Dec 25, 2003 1:56:07	*he nods again* "Alright. I'll get that letter done soon." *he crouches down and picks up his gauntlet* *he stands and puts it back on* *he looks up at his brother and sighs* "Good talking to you bro." *he nods to Shae* "NaShae." *he smiles* "Nessai'mithe..." *he disappears*
#29 kywyn Dec 25, 2003 13:28:01	"Strange brother..." Hex remarks in Kywyn's mind. Kywyn raises a hand to the shoulder at which the frog is hiding. "Perhaps. He'll find his way." Kywyn flashes back briefly to a childhood where the limits of the field they played in were the limits of their world. It helps put things in some perspective with everything going on inside his head recently. He remembers the grassy autumn field now. How would he look back on the present later? His blood remembers. Something more, he is sure of that now. What he sought by sleeping in this very graveyard, atop the cold ground, when he first came to this city is closer to being seen than ever before in his short life. In a way, he had found the key in her... Taking NaShae's arm, Kywyn nudges her to see if she is ready to go home. Walking at a slow pace, they exit. --- [To Elsewhere]
#30 zombiegleemax Jan 23, 2004 20:24:37	[From Elsewhere] *she walks through the gate and enters the graveyard, walking down the gravel path and behind the statue with spread wings* Ascarar To Avowed
#31 zombiegleemax Jan 25, 2004 1:17:26	[From Avowed] *she appears from behind the statue and looks around for a moment, then continues on her way back to the boarding house* To Weatherby's
#32 kywyn Apr 13, 2004 12:03:53	The wind whistles lightly through the rows of tombstones and statues. Three figures pass unnoticed from the Temple of Ordemet. Kywyn makes his way through the graveyard with NaShae and Dakarai close behind. They walk past the headstones in plain view, into the older section they used to gain access to the Avowed compound. Kywyn finds a patch where the snow has melted and the dirt shows through, beginning its thaw. The gusts of wind carry Kywyn's ripped cloak into a flutter and blow his hood back. He doesn't object. "Here, Dak," Kywyn motion Dakarai closer. "Nothing to be scared about. It's a gesture, a symbol. We're putting Silis to rest in our hearts. Leaves and flowers might grow from here. It'll remind us." Finding a spot in the dirt where it looks like the plants of last season will return, Kywyn kneels down with NaShae and Dakarai to form a wind break. The urn is opened, and the grey ash is scattered into the earth. Feeling like he should maybe say a prayer of some sort but recognizing he doesn't really know any, Kywyn remains silent. A small glob of shadow climbs his way onto Kywyn's shoulder. The frog raises his body and cranes his head skyward as if sensing the coming moisture. Hex chirps inaudibly to Kywyn, "Guo-guo. What did you expect to find? What is something you left behind?" "No. Nothing. I feel contagious. I gave the idea of death to Dak. How can we go back?" "We knew the way back." "..."
#33 kywyn Apr 13, 2004 22:32:46	After a few moments of silence, Kywyn walks the grounds with NaShae and Dakarai. Dak explores ahead, and Kywyn hurries to keep him from straying too far. "What's that, Dak?" Kywyn asks when Dak kneels by a rough headstone propped up in the debris off to one side. "Papa, is that your name?" Dakarai points. Kywyn gazes upon the rough letters carved into the tombstone, which he himself made more than a year ago when he was in one of his bouts of despondency. He was wanting to bury part of himself back then. Not now, though. He had forgotten about that leftover symbol. "Yes, Dak," Kywyn replies, "But it's someone else." "Is it pain that makes you real? Cut me off before it kills me," the stone still reads in eroded scratches. "Come on, let's go home and get some food in you." Kywyn catches a knowing glance from NaShae as they join hands and walk after an ambling Dakarai. --- [To Elsewhere]
#34 kywyn Apr 18, 2004 14:09:01	Kywyn steps out of a criss-cross of shadows and into the graveyard. He stops to look up at the grey sky and take a deep breath. Walking over to a headstone, its the engraved words all but worn away, Kywyn places both hand on top. He shifts his weight onto his hands and kicks up his legs over his head in an attempt at a balancing act. The shaky handstand doesn't hold for more than a second and Kywyn is forced to flip over, crashing down heavily on his lightly-armored knees. "Ouch... Never could do one of those," Kywy stands after clenching away the pain. Hex suddenly jumps away from Kywyn's cloak. "Hey." Kywyn runs after him, and the old section of the graveyard becomes an obstacle course. Vaulting over headstones and leaping around rubble, Kywyn follow Hex through the grass and snow. Finally man bests frog, and Kywyn jumps to catch Hex in mid-leap. "Guo-guo." "Exactly." His heart beating heavily, Kywyn stands to perform a slower moving exercise to return his energy to a restful state. He winds his frame in waves of motion that lead from one stance to another. Kywyn's loosley opened hands raise with focus as if pushing aside a cloud. His foot sweeps out in a curve to turn his body, and then shoots out at an acute angle to lower his cetner. He ends in a strong pose with his legs bent into a horse-riding stance. His arms spread apart to match, one hand in a bent palm with index finger slightly more extended, other hand in a rounded hook, fingers touching thumb.
#35 kywyn Apr 18, 2004 14:23:00	Finding his heartbeat and breath more stable, Kywyn retrieves his pack from the ground and heads out of the cemetery. --- [To Elsewhere]
#36 kywyn May 26, 2004 17:57:28	Even before reaching the cemetery, Kywyn readies himself. Using chalk runes, he focuses the body channeling to bolster his aura with false life as a safeguard and has escape routes in mind if things do not go as planned. Kywyn walks into the graveyard from elsewhere in the city. He debated what to wear to this encounter but decided to stick with the off-white apparel he has worn lately rather than a darker option. Before coming here, Kywyn assuaged NaShae's concerns about meeting a stranger who seems to want a sporting duel of some sort, telling her he did not think there was a real danger... yet. The choice of time and place was also Kywyn's, making the rendezvous more of an exercise in observation than anything else. Arriving as soon as night falls, Kywyn steps into the older part of the cemetery where the roots run deep and dark. He surveys the area and sends a psychic missive into the Avowed web, not certain if anyone is listening or if his message is strong enough to be heard. "Someone is coming. He seems to have information, and a vendetta which indirectly involves me somehow. Watch him if you can, what he is like, what he is about. Never know if it may be useful." Kywyn walks away from this portion of the cemetery to a central location with more space, expecting his rival to pop out of any shadow. His darkvision allows him to scan the area for possible lurkers while he keeps his back to a tall statue. "Guo-guo. Why do you bother with him?" Hex the frog chirps from a hidden spot on Kywyn's pack, "He is a shadow." "No substance, right?" Kywyn whispers, "You might be wrong. I don't know. I almost see a bit of something familiar in his rage. Was I ever that far gone?"
#37 zombiegleemax May 26, 2004 22:09:20	Looking up into the night sky, the elf lightly steps into the graveyard. He lowers his gaze and immediatly darts off into the shadows of the tombstones, statues, and tombs that litter the place of death. Kai calmly and lightly moves through the graveyard hidden and silent. Backing up into a tree, the elf slowly draws both swords. For a moment he stands still and listens to the light breeze before making his move deeper into the graveyard. .oO( He's already here...I feel it.) The masked elf crouches down behind a tomb when he comes to a part of the graveyard with a tall statue and open space for just a duel. Kai keep both of his swords and his side under the tattered cloak just in case a his swords feel like giving him a way with a reflection of light. .oO( This area would be my first choice.) Narrowing his eyes the elf scans the area while hidden away. Pain shoots up through his head as he clenches his jaw after catching sight of Kywyn's head just around the corner of the statue. Smiling from under the mask, the elf slowly moves from his crouched position closer to the statue. .oO( You may have heard me before, but it will not happen again.)
#38 kywyn May 26, 2004 22:31:08	Kywyn stands looking side to side but not making any sudden movements.
#39 zombiegleemax May 27, 2004 9:59:31	Kai slowly walks towards the statue, his movements soundless. Just as Kywyw's head turns towards him Kai leans forward and dashes in for the attack. His tattered cloak flails in the dark as he leaps up into the air and comes crashing down on Kywyn, longsword held above his head. Lets see how fast you really are! The elfs longsword slashes through the air, ready to taste Kywyn's blood. Kai slightly turns the blade to it side making sure he avoids his opponents vitals. .oO( Honor...right.)
#40 kywyn May 27, 2004 12:25:47	His eyes take in all the available light on this clouded night and then some, letting Kywyn see into the dark. "Where are you?" he asks in his head. When Kai makes his rush, Kywyn spots the motion a bit too late. "Quick one." Kywyn just barely manages to get a circling arm up; the bracer and gauntlet armoring deflect the blade into the statue behind Kywyn. Nonetheless, the strain shoves Kywyn to the side. Hopping back and atop a headstone, Kywyn shifts his hands into a defensive position as he utters a mantra of invulnerability. His will solidifies into a shield around him. Kywyn shakes his battered arm and adjusts the elbow guard. "Hello," he mutters softly, his voice carried on the cemetery wind. "I don't know what you consider a friendly fight, but that was cutting a bit close, eh?"
#41 zombiegleemax May 27, 2004 14:42:59	Kai claws the blade across the statue as he bring it up to rest on his shoulder. His off-hand is kept beneath his cloak to hide the shortsword. I was confident that you would deflect the attack... Kai slightly tilts his head, the scarf already in disarray from his last attack. I suppose I'm testing you...maybe the same way your testing me. A light gust of wind passes through the graveyard just as Kai lowers the longsword from his shoulder. Well then shall we?
#42 kywyn May 27, 2004 15:07:24	"What have you to show me?" Kywyn lets a dark charge wash over his gloved hands. He holds his palms out before him in a ready stance. "As a whole becomes a part... I strike to burn." Thus imbued, the hands become fists. The dim blue hue just barely illuminates the shadows of his face. Kywyn stays perched on the gravestone like a creme-colored bird.
#43 zombiegleemax May 27, 2004 20:53:43	The stillness last for mintutes as Kai gazes upon his opponent. Finally, Kai brings the blade close to his masked face catching a refection of light. Using the speed that so well served him, Kai moves in with a cross-slash to the chest. At the same moment Kai bring up the shortsword hidden beneath the tattered cloak with a second slash. Come on! Give me a battle that I'll remember!
#44 kywyn May 27, 2004 22:57:44	"He's really out of control," Kywyn broods while watching the metal skull mask zip closer. Jumping back off the headstone and away from Kai's longsword, Kywyn is surprised by the appearance the second blade. Luckily, it fails to penetrate his abjuration aura and is diverted. Kywyn does his best to parry the barrage of slashes with his armored forearms and shins. One slash nicks Kywyn on the lower jaw yet no blood is drawn as his aura of ersatz vitality assimilates the cut. "Do you have a name? Or was that sold as well?" Not looking like he felt anything, Kywyn takes the opportunity to reach out with a twisting, azure-tinted palm to just touch Kai's attacking arm while skip-stepping to the right at a lowered slant.
#45 zombiegleemax May 27, 2004 23:44:40	Kai's shortsword comes up to meet Kywyn's arm but misses as a cold shock surges through his right arm. With his attacking arm gone limp, Kai take two quick leaps back and come to a skidding halt. Not bad. The elf straightens out and calmly rotates his shoulder until feeling sets back in. He tilts his head from left to right making a loud cracking sound, then raises both blades and readies himself for the next series of attacks. My name is Kai...that still belongs to me. And you?
#46 kywyn May 28, 2004 0:00:48	"Kywyn..." he says sotto voce. "I'm not telling you much you don't already know or couldn't find out on your own." Kywyn starts forward slowly but with incresing acceleration. "What are you after?" He initiates a sharp, right roudhouse kick aimed to throw Kai off balance before bending out with a pressing open hand to again siphon into his stamina reserves.
#47 zombiegleemax May 28, 2004 1:15:34	Kai hops back avoiding the kick then steps to his left as Kywyn's open palm strikes out. He lashes back with a two slash counterattack before taking a few more leaps back. Nothing from you...at the moment. You know, I've spoken more words to you in a day than I have in a year to any other person. I wonder why. Shrugging, he leaps back foward and whips his longsword around. After the attack Kai returns to taking quick steps backwards while attempting to avoid any of Kywyn's.
#48 kywyn May 28, 2004 9:50:25	The elf’s blades are turned by Kywyn’s force of will and his gauntlets raised into an X-formation. The last counter forces Kywyn into a lower crouch as he feels the wrenching in his shoulders from the power of the attack. Kywyn grasps out with a hand as Kai retreats a step and then pursues to assail with a circular, flowing swipe of another palm to just tag the shoulder. “Maybe because I’m like you. I know what you’re thinking, ‘No one is like me.’ I think the same thing. But I’ve found thought and belief are different animals.” “So what? They all team up on you because you’re different, because they don’t understand where you’re coming from. You didn’t ask for any of this, you were just born into this world like the rest. And the reaction is to lash out at them, the self-righteous, blind saps that can’t see anything more.” Somehow incensed, Kywyn continues in a blur of beige and metal in the darkness, trying to stay clear of the deadly long and short swords while contacting with Kai. “If reality is an estimate made by our senses and beliefs, what separates you from me? Because you wear a mask to hide your face and ‘sold your soul for revenge’? You say there is nothing left, but what if there’s nothing to begin with?” Kywyn’s form becomes more serene, though he still presses forward among the forest of blades. He kicks at the shadow and pounces forward to shove with his open hands. “We’re all just particles and waves.”
#49 zombiegleemax May 28, 2004 14:19:14	Kai's focus hardens as Kywyn's barrage of attacks almost starts to over take him. Still on the retreat, Kai quickly looks to his side to see whether they have finally made it to the destination he's been leading Kywyn too. Rows of tombs and statues litter the place, almost perfect for him to use his better abilities. Your like me? I think you may assume too much. Kywyn's last attack finds its mark knocking Kai into a gravestone. With a grunt Kai leans foward and steadies himself. The elf steps back with his right foot and begins to dig into the dirt. Now, lets see how well this tactic works. Kai pivots off his right foot and dashes foward at his opponent with all his speed. With his longsword, Kai strike out as he passes by Kywyn.
#50 kywyn May 28, 2004 14:43:25	Spinning to keep facing Kai as he darts past, Kywyn pirouettes on one leg. Nonetheless, Kai’s sword traces a thin line on Kywyn’s collarbone. Again, no blood is seen and Kywyn continues forward like a relentless zombie. "Perhaps..." “If you are nothing but hatred and that mask, maybe the merciful thing to do would be to put an end to your existence. Right? That might solve everyone’s problems, including yours.” Parrying the bladed retorts that come his way as best he can, Kywyn jumps over a tomb to keep the pressure on his adversary. Spotting a random rock in the dark, Kywyn punts it at Kai to distract him. Rushing forward now, Kywyn springboards off a headstone and flies at Kai with his right arm extended in a ridge-hand clothesline. "What are you fighting?"
#51 zombiegleemax May 29, 2004 14:14:40	Kai spins around to face his opponent, both swords readied for Kywyn's attacks. The elf slashes at the incoming rock but is caught off guard with the human's clothesline. Taking all of the force from the attack, Kai is slammed to the dirt. Steadily, he makes he was back to his feet. I cannot die just yet...there is too much left undone. The last attack takes some effect on the elf as he tries to slow his breathing. Shaking his head, he pivots off his right foot and dashes in for another flurry of piercing attacks. The time of my death may come sooner than you think. My enemies are powerful and many...it would be a surprise if I survived them. Kai launches a blur of sword as he strikes out. If you turn out to be another enemy of mine...than death is certain.
#52 kywyn May 29, 2004 14:33:58	After the collision with Kai, Kywyn lands on his armored knees and then down to his stomach on the ground. Flipping over on his back, he coils his legs, then a Lunatic's Frog Leap to his feet in a kippup. "..." Kywyn's shield of willpower and his defensive bracers turn away Kai's offending strokes. However, the masked elf's last arcing strike does crash into Kywyn's gauntlet heavily, clubbing the dark-haired man sideways several steps. "If this is a test, how good are you at range?" he relates quietly to alter the subject momentarily. Kywyn backpedals lightly and then turns to dash over a pair of tombstones until he is about twenty feet away from the hunting Kai. Kywyn stops abruptly and holds a receiving stance with indigo-tinted hands at chest level, fingers and thumbs touching in a triangle. "Do you assume to know my reasons for fighting now?"
#53 zombiegleemax May 29, 2004 21:49:11	Kai chases down his opponent, as he gets closer he throws his longsword into the dirt a few feet away from him. Still on the move, he draws a dagger from inside his cloak and launches it at Kywyn. After throwing the dagger he reaches down and pulls the longsword free. I've never been good reading people to tell you the truth. This lack has cost me greatly but why don't you indulge me.
#54 kywyn May 29, 2004 22:27:30	Kywyn turns his frame sideways and sweeps an arm up to deflect the thrown dagger away. "Hmm... well tonight, I am fighting because there is a man who claims to have information which will involve me." Letting the charge in his hands dissipate, Kywyn channels a different permutation of the dark touch. Raising his hands to the sides of his mouth, he mutters something while inhaling. Leaning forward, Kywyn exhales a strong breath which is transformed to hoarfrost as it passes through the field of his hands. The stream of frost breath takes on its own momentum as it glides toward Kai.
#55 zombiegleemax Jun 01, 2004 9:23:36	Kai leaps to the side of the frost stream, unsure of the spell Kywyn had cast. I see... The elf moves in after his opponent, the swords readied for another attack. I'm sure my true enemies already know I plan to destroy them. So telling you won't really change a thing, now will it.
#56 kywyn Jun 01, 2004 9:33:52	“Suffering can deepen us. Do you believe this?” “Fighting is about more than just hurting and breaking,” Kywyn says as he reaches into a pocket to pull out a small piece of chalk. “I told you it often ends badly... because of the things that are ended, and the things we learn about ourselves.” Drawing crossing lines on his hand, he intones words of focus once again to refresh the pool of artificial life in his aura. “Life is pain. Anyone who tells you different is trying to sell you something. But we survive and grow and love. Do you think you're the only one who has ever lost something?” "Tell me," Kywyn stands in a prepared defensive stance, not motioning to meet his attacker.
#57 zombiegleemax Jun 01, 2004 15:56:41	Survive and grow maybe...but not love. I will never love aga.... Kai cuts his sentence as he slashes at Kywyn with an irritating frustration. Both sword let out a howl as they come crashing down on the human standing before him. You know nothing. Those emotions are lost to me, all I am is hate and anger. Now, does it really matter if other have lost something?
#58 kywyn Jun 01, 2004 16:50:28	“I know nothing,” Kywyn agrees as he sidesteps the first attack, “Less than that sometimes. But knowledge is not wisdom…” He dodges the next shove. “Wisdom is not truth...” Step back. “Truth is not beauty...” Step back. “Beauty is not love…” Stop. Kywyn seems aloof and lost in thought for a moment. Now Kai’s sword digs into Kywyn’s exposed sternum at the low neck of his shirt, but Kywyn doesn’t feel it. Pulling back to get himself free, Kywyn parries the followup slash with a reinforced forearm and ducks the next swipe. No blood seeps from his chest and hardly a mark is seen. “Circumstances…” he sighs inwardly. Kywyn couldn't imagine what shape he himself would be in if he ever lost the things he held close... No, can’t think about that. He would die. Or somehow find a form of survival, but he would be broken. Maybe that is what Kai has endured, though Kywyn cannot see the elf as too much right now. ”Had enough of him for one night... His presence isn’t good for my mind. End it.” Kywyn bounces backward, narrowly avoiding the hounding sword slashes. ”As above, so below,” he intones as he shifts his hands, one palm facing up, the other facing down. A cerulean glimmering of vampiric energy surges into his hands, dimmer and more pallid than the glow before. Kywyn’s skin goes pale, and in the darkness, he seems to fade into the shadows a tad more. The scene grows darker in Kywyn’s vision. “There was a girl, and now there isn’t,” Kywyn deduces. “Fine. You are hate and anger. Tell me what I want to know now or tell me after one more touch,” his voice is a restrained undertone. “Prove yourself, Avenger -- I'm hungry tonight.”
#59 zombiegleemax Jun 02, 2004 18:12:57	Kai holds back a growl, restraining the anger thats surfacing. The throbbing in his hands only gets worse as he tightens the grip on his weapons. .oO( Calm yourself.) The elf takes a deep breath to regain his composure, only to hiss after a sharp pain rattles his ribs. Kai stands still, gazing upon Kywyn as the colors of his eyes seem to drain of color after realizing the fight was coming to an end. After a moment of silence, he lowers the swords and sheaths them. Grabbing the end of the scarf, he tightens it around his face, concealing the mask. His dark and quiet demeanor having returned. One is the person that controls the actions of the Demmionites here in the city. He will meet a violent end…I swear it. Another is a self-righteous paladin I have seen you with some time back. When he knew me, I was naive and simple, but that is no longer the case. His name is Gamis and I can never forgive him. Kai draws his hood and turns around facing the south end of the graveyard. He turns his head as a slight breeze rustles his tattered cloak. You are the only person I've told this too. Now do as you wish, but if you get in my way then I will be forced to destroy you.
#60 kywyn Jun 02, 2004 18:44:59	"If this is how it is..." Kywyn lets the charge on his hands circulate through his veins but keeps it restrained. "Then we all have our path to find." He catches his breath after the physical exertion. "It's tough that way." "And I'll be up front with you, Kai. I don't tend to stick my nose in others' business. But if I do get the chance to speak to Gamis, I will probably pass along your name." Kywyn slouches against a tomb into an impassive seated position. "Is there no way back for you?"
#61 zombiegleemax Jun 03, 2004 2:11:03	I never made plans of coming back...even if I survive. I cannot feel them anymore...I don't think I ever will again. Kai returns his gaze back unto the night sky, welcoming the cool air. Maybe we are alike...but if thats so, than do you think you truly deserve to keep your happiness. People like us are destined to live sad and destructive lives, it is something I've come to learn. So therefore, whatever happiness you have now is only temporary...you will lose it all sooner or later. That is ofcourse, if you truly are like me.
#62 kywyn Jun 03, 2004 9:16:23	"My happiness?" Kywyn questions in a tone that asks what the elf is assuming. "Maybe we are not so alike," Kywyn shrugs. "Or maybe you are wrong about some things. If happiness is temporary, why not sorrow? Why anything at all? Why not nothing?" "But that is for us to find out, I suppose." "I think I've found the better question is, 'Why nothing? Why not everything?' Sometimes you see things that open your eyes." Kywyn peers through the darkness to mark Kai's form. "I would ask if that mask ever comes off, but I can respect the cover." "If we have no other business tonight," he stands. "It's time to part."
#63 zombiegleemax Jun 03, 2004 16:29:45	The elf stands for a few moments unmoving as he runs Kywyn's words through his mind over and over again. Shaking his head, he slowly starts off onto his lonely course. Not possible...He whispers to himself. Tonight was interesting...though it would be a shame for us to become enemies. I think...maybe you too were alone at some point of time in your life. Kai dissapears into the the shadows of the night, his only place of solitude, a place where he can think...a place to be alone.
#64 kywyn Jun 03, 2004 17:06:19	With advanced eyes, Kywyn watches Kai leave through the dimness. “Light a candle or curse the dark… either way, you still might not see what you want,“ he allows as subdued parting words. The diffuse cobalt glow fades from his hands. Kywyn walks back along the cool grass and gravel path. He stops to look down at a tombstone, speaking in silence. "I hope you got all that..." he messages the others. Hex climbs onto Kywyn’s shoulder and then hops into the grass to cool down amidst the dew. ”Shadow may yet have substance,” Kywyn advises the frog. Hex just chirps and hops onto Kywyn’s reinforced boot and finds a spot to cling to in the shin guard. Dusting off his pale clothing, Kywyn leaves the graveyard to head home.
#65 kywyn Jun 06, 2004 3:36:31	"Be of one mind. That was one of the teachings. Think and move. Know and act. A punch is just a punch; a kick is just a kick. At the extremes of mindlessness and oneness, the simplicity shows through either as weakness or strength. It was in the intermediary of over thinking that many things can become stuck." A pale clad man sits on a large rock deep in the graveyard. No tombstone lies in front of him. The temperature is still following the dropping trend of the night before, and a cold wind blows through. Kywyn practices his gentle open hand forms in the shadows of the spring trees. Drifting from stance to pose like a cloud, he finds his center and tries to lead all movements with it. From the slow winding and buildup of energy, he switches modes to become a rainstorm of motion. A handspring through the young grass into a spinning jump through the air. He is getting better. His frog has reminded him of how to move, and it is coming back to his form. The black amphibian Hex hops from Kywyn's satchel to the lawn. From the ground where his brother's ashes were laid to rest, small clusters of Reisian phlox have begun to grow. The groups of petite, white flowers trimmed with pink sometimes symbolize sweet dreams when sent to a lover. Five petals to a bud, a miniature star. It has been weeks since, and Kywyn still isn't sure if he has grieved properly. Perhaps they weren't close enough for him to lament the loss as a family member should. Or is it more like a loss of an agent to Kywyn, one that he brought into the fold? That he cannot answer either. The past is gone. That much dawns on Kywyn's brooding. He had made Silis write a letter home to make his peace with their parents before the fateful trip. Now, Kywyn couldn't see explaining how his brother had fallen. It seems like a pointless death, a side casualty, the stray claws of a devil. Kywyn sits cross-legged in the grass, by the phlox. "Everybody's got to learn sometime." NaShae has said that his parents deserved to know about everything that has gone on in both their sons' lives. He couldn't really argue that point, but at the same time, they had all parted paths. It was the best thing to do, Kywyn considers. How could he go back? He starts thinking about his own child Dakarai, and how they would part sometime as well. And the thought makes Kywyn sad suddenly. Would Dak leave one day and never be heard from again? Would he vanish as if he never had been? Different circumstances, Kywyn counters himself. He knew he parents loved him and Silis like all parents, but there was a distance, still is a distance. Their paths diverged, and Kywyn accepted that. NaShae and Dakarai were his now. He could lose himself, it was them he wouldn't live without. But would all paths eventually part? That is what that masked elf Kai had believed when they spoke and fought. And tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow... and Kywyn could not wrap his head around it still. We will never be again, and yet here we are. Those were his words when he was training with the shepherd monk girl Ely. They still rang true to Kywyn. Never... No, 'never' is as dangerous a word as 'always.' He has more than his fair share of everything: love and melancholy, adversity and luck. Part of him is on fire, threatening to burn up along with everything he knows. The other is perfectly still, in a state of harmony that he knows in the touch of his love. Duality and transitions are troublesome. Kywyn sits near the blanched blossoms for a long while in silence before leaving.
#66 codrian Jun 29, 2004 15:14:50	About two months ago Walks into the graveyard, still in his traveling clothes having only dropped his pack off at the boardinghouse. Stands by one statue for few minutes, inhaling fresh air of early spring. Andir. Vanishes from the view immediately after saying the word.
#67 ghost_theory Nov 01, 2004 10:45:41	”This isn’t so bad,” Kywyn thinks as he lies in the coffin. At least NaShae was next to him. Their captors had been gracious enough to bury them all in the same casket... buried them alive, but still. She hasn’t moved in several hours though (Kywyn thinks it’s been hours anyway). Elves could go longer without food and water, Kywyn had supposed. Maybe she is unconscious. The shock and exhaustion from the screaming and clawing could take its toll. Maybe she is dead. Dakarai lays curled at their feet, though they couldn’t even move to console the boy. He is dead now for certain. They had cried and said, “Don’t be afraid.” Now, he is gone, and Kywyn is fairly certain he is just about insane. It wasn’t the diminishing sniffles of his only son. It wasn’t the way NaShae had lost the ability to speak. It was feeling the warmth, Dak’s bodily heat, against his legs fade until it was cool as the coffin walls. You would think there is a limit to how much pain, physical or emotional, that the body can take before sweet nepenthe or sensory overload would shut you off. But maybe that threshold is higher that you would like to believe. How Kywyn wishes he turn off his darkvision. What a strange curse that he should be the only one to see everything in their final resting place. He keeps his eyes closed now. There is a crawling feeling, like a large spider climbing his leg, but Kywyn cannot reach it. He can just feel the tiny feet move in succession. The humane thing to do would be to use his dark touch to end her suffering. But he just can’t do it. Maybe he could destroy the coffin, but then what? Would suffocating in dirt be any better a fate? For all their powers and abilities, they were helpless here under who knows how many feet of dirt. And no one could or would answer their pleas. ”This isn’t so bad,” Kywyn thinks because he is no longer thinking. He is some place else: in a warm bed, lying on some grassy hill in the sun, floating in a clear pond. Anywhere but here. And as soon as he convinces himself of that fact, he is gone. Kywyn’s eyes are open in the dark.
#68 kywyn Dec 17, 2004 17:39:19	You never know what kind of trouble you’re going to get into at the start of the day. Keeps things interesting. I guess. Whatever. I had the weirdest dream last night. Can’t really remember what it was about, but I’m sure it’ll come back to me. Usually just takes a random reminder during the day. Was too busy this morning to think about it too much. Said goodbye to NaShae and Dak, and Palasha and Mon’Qui. So many souls hanging around us. This should be a pretty quick trip, but from what Ulerian says, it probably has its share of dangers. Hard time explaining that to NaShae; didn’t even try to explain to Dakarai. But it’s something I feel like I should look into. I wasn’t sure at first, but if they insist on digging around the graveyard and below, best to keep an eye on them. The Avowed doesn’t like snoopers. Anyway, kissed them goodbye and told them I’d be back soon as possible. I’ve heard the advice to always say goodbye like it’s your last chance. Makes sense in a way. But really, you have to go on assumptions. The sun will rise this morning. The people you care about will still be here. The world doesn’t stop when you close your eyes. I love them, and that’s something. I can’t know what’s going to happen next, but that love is the best assumption I can make. Kywyn closes his eyes for a moment. He holds his backpack as he walks, checking through what he has. They would be traveling light.
#69 kywyn Dec 17, 2004 17:40:48	Why does it always feel like I’m drifting? Well, not always. When I’m with them, there’s something I can hold on to. Just sort of let life happen. And there are those moments of delirious clarity. Sometimes getting lost in artwork, or physical training, or arcane visions. I’ve gotten better at it at least. The living part rather than just the brooding. Kywyn walks into the graveyard from the streets just before dawn. He is wearing old, form-fitting attire that used to be black but has since faded to a medium grey. It is the closest to his signature black outfits the man has worn in a long while. These days, Kywyn has clung to the off-white clothes he wore into the desert, or simple, casual wear. The black is reserved for serious work now, he guesses. He has a square of black cloth wrapped around his gauntleted forearm that would be used as a face covering. The sewers wouldn’t be pleasant. The Avowed haven’t given Kywyn any superior information on the location, the party might have to just rely on general knowledge and common sense. He didn’t like that. The red sun peeks over the horizon, and Kywyn takes a seat on a broken statue pedestal not too far from the road. “They will be coming,” he transmits to those who watch the graveyard paths. There is just the matter of finding a map…
#70 zombiegleemax Dec 17, 2004 18:16:04	Boirin fully prepaired the night before to leave on adventure comes to the graveyard. His attire is his usuall, now well worn studded leather, its dark brown leather and black studs familar to Boirin. At his left hip he wears his sword, at his right, his crossbow pistol rests in its holster. Over his shoulder is his heavier crossbow. He carries his backpack fully loaded. However he peers into the gloom since he left his lantern and oil at home. Coming into the graveyard he sits atttop a grave. Dropping his pack on the ground he fiddles with it. Boirin pulls out his flask and takes a sip of spirit. Then returning it about his person Boirin begins to warm up. Stretching out legs and arms he prepairs for any strenuous activity. This goes on for several minutes. When he is ready he springs up onto a grave and holds himself in a handstand. Slowing his breathing he waits a minute then reverses himself. Now standing up right on the grave does a backflip back onto the grass and then takes a seat on a grave. As the red eye of dawn peers out from his resting place Boirin looks around for anyone else who might be allready waiting in the cememetary. [ooc: and with that I relinquish Boirin to the DM or another player as the case may be. Have a nice weekend everyone :D!]
#71 kywyn Dec 20, 2004 0:41:29	Kywyn sits still, resembling an old tree blown into that position by years of wind. Eventually, he spots Bioirn and approaches the leather-clad man. "A good way of getting someone's attention is by sitting on their grave," he says impassively. If Kywyn feels the morning chill, he does not show it.
#72 zombiegleemax Dec 20, 2004 10:15:02	After picking up a medium crossbow and some bolts, Ulerian finds his way to the cemetery for the meeting of the companions. He too is in a different attire than usual. Instead of his normal midnight blue robes, he has on dark blue leggins, and a black tunic. He wears over this a thin leather vest, ladened with various gear. His normal black leather boots actually go to his knee and are completely visible. "I have prepared a couple of scrolls to aid us. I was unable to make as many I would have liked due to lack in funds, but these will be of some service. Have we seen the dwarves?"
#73 kywyn Dec 20, 2004 12:46:44	"Not yet," Kywyn says softly. He appraises Ulerian's modified adventuring outfit with an even gaze. Academic robes would definitely have their disadvantages away from the city streets. "Are we going to plan out how to research for a map here?"
#74 zombiegleemax Dec 21, 2004 7:14:04	"No, I have one." Ulerian gives the map to Kywyn. "I question its validity"
#75 zombiegleemax Dec 21, 2004 12:57:10	Boirin hops off the grave, thinks about looking at the map, and realises he's not that great at them. No worries. He continues to strentch, and after awhile does a series of cartwheels, round-offs, and handsprings to the end of the row then strolling back. he continues to stretch.
#76 kywyn Dec 21, 2004 15:27:24	After glancing back for a second as Boirin breaks into his gymnastics routine, Kywyn focuses on the map. "Where did you get it from?" he asks Ulerian. Kywyn tries to pick out the details. "And can you make out where we need to go? Maybe we should make some quick copies in case we get separated."
#77 zombiegleemax Dec 22, 2004 8:11:35	Ulerian nods. "That would be a good idea, staying together will be very important..." After they have a look he begins rolling it back up. "I simply copied this map from one at the gaurd house.."
#78 kywyn Dec 22, 2004 13:07:08	"Should be as good as any if you got the information there," Kywyn shrugs. "I have some parchment," Kywyn offers to make four fast copies before the map is stowed away. The man in grey glances around to make sure all members are still near by. "Where do we go now?"
#79 zombiegleemax Dec 22, 2004 15:18:52	*After some time of walking the two brothers finally arrive at the graveyard, they immediatly spot Ulerian, Boirin, and Kywyn. They causually walk up to them and bow. "Good day ter ye both." "Indeed, tis a fine day ter go huntin in sewers."
#80 zombiegleemax Dec 22, 2004 16:20:59	Boirin has his ankle close to his head in a stretch when the dwarves show up. [dwarven]"Good Morning Friends![/dwarven] Yes it is a good day to do a little deader huntin'." Standing straightening himself he looks at the others. "How many copies of that map are we making? Where do we start this little job of ours anyway?"
#81 kywyn Dec 22, 2004 16:46:53	Kywyn nods a slight greeting to the two dwarves. The man folds and rips two letter sized sheets of scrap parchment to make four halves. On each one, he does his best to replicate Ulerian's information. "One small copy for each of us," Kywyn answers Boirin's first question. He leaves the second to the fair-haired wizard. "Boirin, you're going to be at the lead position in our walk?" asks Kywyn of their scout, "And I guess we'll need to use a small light source." "Maybe Aramil can keep near behind you, followed by Ulerian, myself, and Oskar?" Kywyn suggests, "Depending on how tight the passage is... We'll want to stay close together, but spaced out enough not to hinder each other if we are surprised."
#82 zombiegleemax Dec 22, 2004 17:03:53	Boirin nods at Kywyn's question. "Yeah that was the plan, me up front. The order seems to make sense to me." Boirin takes the scrap of paper and it dissapears somewhere about his person. "I am ready to go when everyone else is."
#83 zombiegleemax Dec 23, 2004 11:46:25	[ooc: So lemme get this strait... Boirin, Oskar, Kywyn, Ulerian, and Aramil. Right?] [Dwarven]"Good day ter ye Boirin" "Aye, good day ter ye friend"[/Dwarven] *Aramil simply bows to Kywyn's request and Oskar mearly nods his head. Oskar kindly accepts the pieces of the map that are for the Dunskar brothers. He goes over to Aramil and hands him his piece of the map. Aramil gladly accepts it and begins to memorize it. Meanwhile Oskar just tucks it away to listen to the others talk.
#84 kywyn Dec 23, 2004 21:25:52	Kywyn steps back to look around the cemetery and check that they are alone. He glances at each of their number in turn and wonders why they are helping Ulerian. They each must have an angle or motive. Kywyn picks up his pack and readies to follow Ulerian's lead. A black frog hides on Kywyn's satchel, observing the group as well. Kywyn trusts Ulerian, as much as he would trust a relative stranger from the Hightower, but it really would be best if they stayed away from anything that might be near the Avowed. "Does anyone need anything else before we go?" Kywyn asks no one in particular. The somber dressed man gives some thought to their goal. What exactly drove this wizard underground? What could they expect? Secret lairs wouldn't be on the map, and with magics involved, most things were possible, with the right intent and sacrifice. With all the possibilities, perhaps motive is the only thing that isn't limitless. The necromancer went down to avoid being bothered. He would want to keep them out. Even if he is gone, that intent of the lair would be unchanged. Kywyn stands next to Boirin and offers some suggestions, "Boirin, when you see anyhting unusual, let me or Ulerian help with detecting auras that you can't see. Don't read anything without us checking, and don't get too far ahead. I'm sure you know about traps that spring some time after someone has passed the trigger."
#85 zombiegleemax Dec 23, 2004 23:16:31	Boirin abstains from rolling his eyes when the mage talks about traps. "Yah, I do know a little about traps, and your right traps that are all magic, I can't deal with, cause when there shifting as you try to pick them and are half majick, half mechachanical, and half not there its hard to work with them. But I will do my best to disarm those I can. Anything majickal I can see I'll tell ya all about." Show As Boirin finishes his speach he pulls and top hat and cane and begns to sing and dance the beginning is slow and minor "Oh in this frigthfull time there are many types of traps that you can spring, so let me explain to you about the many different traps that you... can...FIND! As Boirin finishes the last word in a fabrato cressendo, the tune turns upbeat and quickens noticably. He dances on gravestones and twirls the cane with flourish. Oh so you've got your simple arrow pressure pannels, sure to leave holes in your mantle, there often hidden near doors! Speaking of panels how 'bout the hidden wall blades. Sharpened till they good to kill, they'll leave your neck with quite a chill. Over head and under foot, the shooting spikes will make gasp, as they can leave a nasty rash. Click, thump, spring, twang, waahting, caplomp, all are sounds that leave a man with a fright, there often subtler than the knives But lets not talk about them, how about those hidden rooms, filled with gass that hides in the gloom, You'll never know your dead, till you fall inside that deep, deep hole from which there is no excape. I'll never forgett that time when the floor fell right out under our feet, that was scare, and I do share that I'll not forget real quick. Lightning traps are often seen that kill the men before there seen by guards who walk the halls. Luckily for us, that most of them wonce sprung will never spring again. Unlucky for the man who steps upon the wrong panel! But by far the worst are those traps that spring, sprang, sprung again and again, there the ones that will throw you for... the. HURSSE
#86 kywyn Dec 24, 2004 15:21:10	Watching Boirin with even eyes, Kywyn holds up a hand, either in apology or appeasement, "Just checking. 'Magic' is natural as anything else, just depends on how you look at it... sometimes it's not so easy to tell." There's interest in Kywyn's gaze. Working with new people on an objective comes with surprises, both pleasant and otherwise. They would be a patchwork team but that's about the only type Kywyn has really been a part of. Words run through the back of his mind. An agent works alone, unless it benefits the cell to do otherwise. Keep your cover, gather your information, watch your connections. He shakes his head slightly and raises a gauntleted hand to his temple.
#87 kywyn Dec 27, 2004 13:58:09	As a swarm of stray leaves blows past the headstones, Kywyn converses with Ulerian over their course. They lay out a map on a bench and try to deduce the best method of entry. "So this is the area you're interested in," Kywyn makes a circle on the paper with his finger, "The closest workable entrance would be... here." Kywyn traces a path to a large grate near the back of the Last Lich Inn. Kywyn prepares his black bandana, tying it around his neck to be raised when they descend. At least nothing should be frozen down there this time of year. After the map is folded away, Kywyn looks to the others. "We have a target to try," he says mildly. Following Ulerian, Kywyn motions for the others to move out as well. --- [To Adventure Thread]
#88 zombiegleemax Dec 28, 2004 8:54:43	{Ok, sorry, Holidays over, and nice good ole routine sets in} "This map looks to have been drawn begining where the sewers empty into the middens. That would be my suggested starting place, but if you feel confident with the grate by the Last Lich, then we can try it." Ulerian picks up his pack and shoulders the crossbow. "Lets go then..." [To Adventure thread}
#89 zombiegleemax Dec 28, 2004 11:23:53	As they walk Ulerian gets out his map. He stops them suddenly. "Perhaps here, at Nobody's would be a better location." He nods to himself, rolls the map up, and off they go
#90 culex_dup Jan 08, 2005 5:33:50	[From Market Square] Culex wanders into the graveyard after coming across it. He occasionally runs a gloved hand across a headstone, but, for the most part, he doesn't actively touch much. Out of respect to the dead, he supposed. He actually felt fairly comfortable here, yes he did. It was quiet, and his heart held no fear for death, even if he would prefer to stay alive, yes he would. He remains as quiet as possible as he walks between the headstones and around the plots. Smiling to himself, he stops in front of each grave and looks at the carving and th epitaph, if there is one.
#91 culex_dup Jan 11, 2005 22:32:13	Culex stands and takes one last look at the place before he turns to leave. He had spent enough time with the dead. It was now time to rejoice with those who yet live, yes it was. [To the Halfling Party]
#92 zombiegleemax Feb 03, 2005 21:53:51	Rides up to the gates of the graveyard and ties Maya to a tree I'll be back soon. Enters through the gates and follows the path to the group of statues bearing wings. She passes by one and goes into the shadows. Acsarer
#93 kywyn Apr 23, 2005 13:56:04	Hex: To his two hands, he gave his life. Kywyn: He came from the gloom in my mind but sometimes seems like a memory not my own. The white shadow stands among the old stones. A black shadow is cast along the path. Through craft and art, it haunted him. If he was born of my thought, where do his older notions come from? The shadow-tinted frog on his shoulder watches on as Kywyn moves to a crumbling pedestal and closes his eyes. The slender man sits, crossing his legs and aligning his spine to center his aura. He looks around casually; the cemetery seems peaceful on this breezy day. The same tools, the same connection, could create and destroy with equal vision. Can a dream have a memory? Kywyn’s gauntlets clink under his wide sleeves as he removes them to flex his pale fingers in the open air. He lays the gloves down next to him and stares at them for a moment. Are they still a precaution or some badge of penance? Until he realizes that destruction is a form of creation… If you ever want to last longer than your problems, you have to let go of your baggage. The air is dry and crisp today. Kywyn brings his knees up to his chest and settles into a crouch as he continues to survey the cemetery. Rising to his feet, Kywyn progresses to another stage of aura-focusing. He raises his hands to his chest and interlocks the fingers. He shifts the positions of his hands subtly at first, just weaving the fingers into a shape like a dragon’s head. These movements continue to grow until he is shifting his arms at the elbow into different fighting positions, visualizing twisting and controlling an opponent’s arm.
#94 kywyn Apr 23, 2005 13:58:33	That’s the story I don’t wish to hear. The narrative of our lives evolves, and you evolve with it. Accompanying the motions, Kywyn whispers repeating mantras to himself – recurring strings of nouns and verbs that coordinate images in his mind. His voice grows in strength, and the whispers become utterances that echo out. His aura alters, the energy in his cells changing color. His will solidifies into a sort of shield that he pictures circling his head. Next, an adjustment in his living energy field moderates the flows of heat in his system. Other areas of his powers are primed but find no release without a seal or rune to gather around. Kywyn lets the mind-body energy circulate. We need the memory more but want it less. He’s gotten smarter, more aware, since I found him. Kywyn feels his heart beat and can visualize a dark matter pumping out into his veins. His arm motions become firmer, though still circular and unstrained, as the dark touch permeates his aura. The shadow is ready to be tapped, but Kywyn concentrates on keeping it contained. A balance between trying to remember and trying to forget. Maybe I dreamed him to life so that he could wake me up. His motions now include his waist instead of just his center. He twists side to side as his arms wheel and thrust and return. In sudden momentum changes, he feels his whole body vibrate. As above, so below. Guo-guo. As above, so below. The world keeps spinning. Kywyn moves his feet lightly, settling into lower stances and rising to single-leg poses to keep up with his hand targets.
#95 kywyn Apr 23, 2005 14:01:20	People think it’s his touch that makes him dangerous, but they’re wrong. The fire we reach for, the flame inside each living thing, is dangerous. It threatens to consume us. In due course, his legs start with kicking motions. Straight-legged kicks that turn his whole body and snapping kicks that extend his frame. He takes to the air, spinning once and then again while adding a leg attack. He reverses directions and twirls both legs around in a circle. When he lands, Kywyn settles back into a more stable stance, letting his hands wind down and decelerate. At the end, he is left with his hands pushing and coming together, a fist coming to rest on an open palm. It’s his restraint... Strength without restraint can never be power. But strength is in the idea. Once you are sure of that, fire destroys nothing. And you can hold up the earth... the... earth... Hex climbs atop Kywyn’s head to feel the breeze. The man doesn’t mind. Sitting again, Kywyn thinks back to a lesson etched in his mind many years ago. The first instructor he ever found to show him some martial arts forms was a family friend, an older ‘uncle.’ It was a long-fist style with extended strikes and athletic jumps. The first day, Kywyn had to practice a wide horse-riding stance for three minutes straight, which seemed unmanageable for the skinny child. He was told to put his mind elsewhere, that when he found his center, he would be holding the earth up and not the other way around. If you can just look past weak and strong... and see why fire cools and water seeks its own level... Twenty-three years old, and I might finally understand what you meant, old man. Hex jumps down to Kywyn’s shoulder and climbs down the strap to his satchel. Kywyn jumps off the stone surface, landing with both feet in the grass. He reaches back to grab his gauntlets and starts putting them back on while leaning against the stone. Finally, Kywyn rises with Hex to continue on their way. --- [To Market Square]
#96 kywyn Apr 28, 2005 22:16:23	The crescent moon shines solemnly above, filtering down into the crevices of the city. The buildings seem thin and dark. Kywyn feels drawn to the graveyard again, unsure of exactly why. He feels as if he has been in a daze all evening. He steps through the rows of tombstones to a secluded spot where he can enter the shadowy gate. Like so many times before, he speaks his Avowed name and disappears. "I'min-aesi jari..." But this time, something is wrong! The gloom draws him in but does not pass him to the correct place. Instead, Kywyn is standing in darkness that he can see through. It seems he is underground and on some alien surface at the same time. The air itself feels semi-solid. Mind reeling and only part lucid, he chokes on the vapors. Across a black river of molten metal, there stands a line of silhouettes of varying proportions. They seem humanoid for the most part. The shadows simply stare across the gap. They say, "Come as you are, brother." Kywyn looks down to see the Hex Tongues coiling from his wrists without being summoned. The spectral tentacles seem natural here. Kywyn's form is pale and inky at the same time, and his eyes are giving off a golden light. "I can’t," the Avowed agent finishes in a gasp for air. Hunching over, Kywyn holds his head in his hands and tries to think before the blackness comes. He strains to hold on to something before it all comes crashing down.
#97 kywyn Apr 28, 2005 22:17:21	People sometimes whisper of spirits that walk the graveyard paths in Garic's City. Tonight, in hushed tones, they might speak of a black shade that prowled the headstones on all fours, two asp-like tails trailing behind it. Two golden eyes that glowed like a demon's grin and the trail of frosted air that marked its passing... It is best to pass such things off as a figment.
#98 kywyn Jan 17, 2006 13:09:01	[color=olive]I dream I am looking at my own reflection in the mirror, except that it faces away from me even though I face forward. He and I are dressed in black, covering everything except our faces. As time goes by, my reflection becomes less defined, breaking up into splotches and fragments. A knock on the door tells me it’s time to go. I turn away from the mirror and open the door. I am lead down a hall into a larger space. Walking through a deafening blur of shouting, faceless people, I enter a caged-off fighting ring. Inside, the illumination of lamps throws patterned lines of shadow in different directions. I look across the ring at my opponent, again I see my reflection facing away from me. My shadow turns and comes forward, I can’t make out any details of his appearance, only an outline. As I lower my stance and raise my hands, I find my arms are detaching, floating away as clouds of dark color. My legs fall off next, coming apart at the hips. How can I keep it together? [/color] Kywyn surveys the area like a hunting cat. His strides are deliberate and at a zombie’s pace, yet he does seem to have a firm direction set in mind. He lingers from time to time, holding a hand to his head. A frog’s ribbit comes from somewhere on his person, and he continues on. He moves to crouch on a stone platform. The party clouded moon above provides more than enough light for him to see by. His gaze even pierces through the patches of shadow littering the cemetery. There is more here, something below. From beneath, it would consume. What is it again that was waiting? The darkest path started and ended here. But he is not ready to travel that path yet. He knows if he ever treads the shadows again, he won't come back, not like this. Jumping down, Kywyn disappears back toward the street.
#99 kywyn Feb 02, 2006 0:08:02	The waning moon shines down on a dark figure making his way through the headstones. A frog on his shoulder mulls through thoughts that are between a memory and a dream. [color=olive]I dream I am ready for another round in the endless series of fights. Why do we fight? Punch and kick at shadows until we are breathless? You fight... because you think it satiates something within you? A fear... The rabid fans stand in their seats around the squared circle. They have waited for this moment the whole evening: the main event. A stark silence of anticipation swells over the assembled horde, the agonizing calm before the furious storm. What is so moving about watching two souls clash, leaving their bodies and hearts in that ring? Emotion goes into it and comes out of it, and the match ceases to be about two people, and becomes something more... something that draws the breath of the entire world. Is it because we know something more? Then it hits. The lights go out, the arena is cast into darkness, and the crowd erupts. The somber, electric strums of a dark theme fill the atmosphere and, at the entryway, a throbbing blue light starts to build. On the miraculous crystal screen above the entrance, images start to flash by: gravestones and ghosts, rain and lightning, and a hooded figure. That perhaps those fists are to drive things away... The indigo hue grows in intensity until it permeates the aisle and then the flashing lights start. Smoke erupts in front of the entry ramp and a dark figure comes into view, lifted up on a platform from an opening in the ramp. A grey hood conceals my face, and the torn cloak runs in a stream down my front and back. The rest of my body is covered in black, form-fitted cloth except for the distal portions of my limbs, which are sheathed in metal armoring. To hide the things you know to be false? As I stalk down the ramp and then the aisle with the deliberate stride of a zombie, a bell rings distinctly twice, followed by a garbled voice. Is it a replacement for us? We who are always fighting demons of one sort or another? I walk slowly until I reach the ring. In lieu of the ring steps, I grab the middle rope and hop up to the apron. Vaulting over the top rope into the ring, I look around to take in the assembly. I raises both my fists forward and above my head for a few seconds before pacing to my corner. I turn to rest my back against the turnbuckle and slump to slouch nonchalantly in the ring corner and await my opponent. While seated, I pull off my cloak and pass it under the bottom rope to a waiting shadowy attendant. The cage comes down, and the bizzare nightmare continues.[/color] Kywyn stops to crouch and look back and forth along the lines of shadows. After a long pause, he leaps forward and continues on his way home. The wind blows back his hood to reveal a pale, calm face. He has to get back, so he hurries and disappears down the street.
#100 kywyn Feb 11, 2006 13:09:28	Black on black, motion swishes by among the headstones.
#101 zombiegleemax Feb 11, 2006 15:59:40	Moments later Boirin trots into the graveyard, trying to pick the sorceror out among his flight of shadows is difficult. He looks for the shadows blacker than night. He passes by headstones and calls out. "What do you want Kywyn? Why have you come here?"
#102 kywyn Feb 11, 2006 18:30:28	A single shadowy bat flaps by the bearded man coming from further in, among the broken statues and unmended gates.
#103 zombiegleemax Feb 11, 2006 21:56:01	The bearded one flinches slightly as the bat flaps by his ear. He presses further into the graveyard. Nervousness tingles at the back of his mind. .oO(Stay calm, do something, familiar...) Boirin notices his flask is missing. .oO(Suck an elf...) He starts to sing out softly in a slightly shaky baratone an old dwarven drinking song. [dwarven]"Weeeell, theres a bonny lass, with a big ole' axe. And she cut some goblins with that big old axe. And then cut down some more...."
#104 zombiegleemax Feb 13, 2006 10:55:53	Gilgiga comes trotting up a bit after the barman, he wasn't expecting him to be able to move so fast. He notices Boirin's prayer and puts his hand on his knife as he moves in.
#105 kywyn Feb 13, 2006 23:17:51	The same bat wings around the half-orc before vanishing into the sky. Gilgiga spots the silent oddities first through the night air. Approaching him and Boirin from behind the statues are three dark figures. They appear to the druidic ranger as melting, deformed humanoids lumbering forth, shades of some twisted imagination.
#106 zombiegleemax Feb 14, 2006 19:15:58	"Barman, pray harder." Gilgiga isn't exactly sure as to what these things are but every aspect of them irks him as unnatural. Twisted aboinations in graveyards often need removing from the enviroment. He shifts his knife to a better postion, and pulls the old black viel across his face, it's time to dance. "Let's see if you're as good aginst these as you were against the orcs!" Gilgiga bounds lightly, bringing the blade down hard on the nearest fiend. Show Initative=19 Attack=Critical Fumble Will Save=22
#107 zombiegleemax Feb 14, 2006 20:03:59	Boirin nods and grins visciously. He continues on to verse two. [dwarven]"This lass was found by the goblin king. He loved as much as an he could. He told to stay, but she ran away, to return with an army of friends. Well they took on that king and they mooked up his spleen and in the end ran him through!" Show Initiative Roll = 25 Attack Roll = 20 critical hit? Confirm Critical 14+10 (charge action) Damage = 14 (7 + 1 + 6) Will Save = 12
#108 kywyn Feb 15, 2006 17:13:32	As the remaining dark things lurch forward to push their counteroffensive, some other motions stir between the garden of stones in the distance. It is there then gone, though Gilgiga might have picked out a glimpse by starlight.
#109 zombiegleemax Feb 15, 2006 20:41:17	"We're fighting the shadows here. . ." Gilgiga mutters as he avoids the devil before him, and notices the lurking presence. The being before thrashes wildly, it's arms passing through the half orc. Gilgiga notices that there's some resistance, although it feels week. Show Lamure attacks 10 and 4
#110 zombiegleemax Feb 17, 2006 8:00:48	Boirin steps forward towards the next nearest horror. He calls out his voice growing louder with every step. It lunches towards him horrible black claws extended. THe first swipe misses the second catches Boirin across the chest, biting through his clothing leaving a very real claw marks that ooze blood. Show Lemure Attacks 10/18 Damage 2
#111 kywyn Feb 17, 2006 11:26:17	Soft thumps shake the ground, though it only seems to be noticed by the two men. The noise almost seems to come from inside their heads rather than through the air. There is motion in the darkness of the cemetery, something stirring from around a broken stone angel statue. Gilgiga's orcish eyes cut through the night to give shape to the creature. A great four legged beast runs forth, looking like some image set loose from a distracted artist's imagination. The dark shade stands taller than a man and seems accompanied by a chill breeze from a mountaintop. It appears powerfully built, stocky up front with a black snout devoid of features. A crown of horns thrust and curve back from its empty face. Strangely, the half-orc hunter finds the beast's features looked more pronouced when he caught them from the corner of his eye. --- [color=dimgray][OoC: shadow celestial bison (Will save DC 18 to see as shadow (causing only 20% damage)), DR 5/magic, SR 10, Resistance to acid, cold, and electricity 5, HP 7, AC 13, Attack: Gore +8 melee (1d8+9), SQ: darkvision (no concealment miss chance from darkness)][/color]
#112 zombiegleemax Feb 17, 2006 17:50:33	"You have got to be kidding me. . ." Gilgiga mutters as the Buffallo charges him. With a flourish of his dearskin cloak Gilgiga attempts to get out of the way, just narrowly failing. Show Buffallo attack: 20 Gilgiga's Will save: Also 20 Buffallo damage: 2 (was 10)
#113 kywyn Feb 20, 2006 22:14:08	Another silhouette lurks from the far side of the four-legged monster. Two vague indigo lights flare on like stars in the sky. The small, glowing forms circle and speed toward the beast. Gilgiga sees that the blue color is from the auras around Kywyn's gauntlets. Stepping forward with a lunging palm strike, his rear hand in a hooked beak form for balance, Kywyn swishes clear through the large shadow. The cloaked man's chilling touch dissolves a hole in the shadow as Kywyn pushes through to other side and bumps into a tombstone there. The dark-clad human slowly spins around with his hands raised as spread palms. The dim blue hue from his hands illuminates the space under his hood slightly, revealing an animal snarl clenched in his teeth. --- [Attacked shadow with chill touch for 2 damage.]
#114 zombiegleemax Feb 21, 2006 16:35:59	As the ebony bison appears Boirin rounds on it. Hes done with the tune and focuses on the job at hand. Show Will Save 21 Attack 8
#115 kywyn Feb 21, 2006 19:46:49	Kywyn hops backward over the headstone behind him as the beast turns around, thrashing with its horns. "Waxatst yeep whoaxad..." Kywyn quietly cautions Boirin in tones that shred. As the three men dance with the creature by moonlight, the air is filled with soft swooshes. Kywyn sidesteps away from the raging shadow as it seeks a target to gore.
#116 zombiegleemax Feb 22, 2006 18:49:53	The Buffalo twists to face it's orginal attacker, and throws its wight town hard on Gilgiga. He recoils from the blow, it may be insubstantal, but there's still some weight behind the force. Show Buffallo Attack-21 Damage- 13/5 = 3
#117 kywyn Feb 23, 2006 9:41:35	Kywyn steps back, shifting his open hands through a cycle of sweeping positions, as Gilgiga finishes the job. Turning around to see that there are no more, Kywyn lowers his guard slightly. The shadow artisan meanders away from the other two, bringing a metal-gloved hand to hold the side of his head.
#118 zombiegleemax Mar 01, 2006 17:02:31	Boirin lowers his weapon slightly and walks closer to Kywyn. "Whats wrong?"
#119 kywyn Mar 01, 2006 19:13:55	Apparently oblivious to Boirin, Kywyn continues to amble back toward the edge of the cemetery.
#120 zombiegleemax Mar 01, 2006 22:49:16	"The poor bastard is completly out of his mind," Gilgiga mutters as the sorcerer walks past, "he doesn't care what you say, or what happens to him. I doubt he even can remember his family."
#121 kywyn Mar 01, 2006 23:55:58	The shadow-clad man looks back and adjust his hood. The two figures seem like a part of the scenery. Kywyn turns his back to them again.
#122 zombiegleemax Mar 02, 2006 13:22:58	"Go ahead," Gilgiga yells at the cloaked man "walk out on them, just let your death deem how you are to live."
#123 zombiegleemax Mar 02, 2006 19:18:54	"He just stould there, and watched, he bloody watched as that thing killed him. As it ripped the life out of your lungs. We all just watched as it killed us. There wasn't much of anything we could do."
#124 kywyn Mar 02, 2006 20:20:38	The grey and black shade ignores them. His image flickers in and out, the projection disrupting as his outline shifts until becoming solid again at a spot a few feet away as the man walks. Kywyn leaves the graveyard without another word. --- [size=1][OoC: displacement spell dismissed][/size]
#125 zombiegleemax Mar 03, 2006 18:23:45	Gilgiga turns to Boirin, "that's what I've never really liked about how the church brings people back, sometimes people just want to stay dead." Gilgiga shrugs; "drinks?"
#126 zombiegleemax Mar 04, 2006 12:47:02	Boirin seems to shake himself out of something. "Yeah sure, just not at Nobody's." "Last Lich, thats the place to go."
#127 zombiegleemax Mar 05, 2006 1:29:04	"Better not stand here in the place of the dead." Gilgiga says as he leaves the graveyard to go to the LL. "It has been too long a night,"
#128 zombiegleemax Mar 05, 2006 18:57:43	Boirin nods and heads out of the graveyard. Heading towards his rival inn.
#129 kywyn Mar 17, 2006 20:04:52	I dream I’m... I'm remembering a little... I was here before. The gravestones rumble and retract into the ground like a cat's claws. The silhouettes of the buildings around the cemetery are ripped up into the night sky. A dump of snow falls down to earth like a blanket and the temperature cools many degrees until it is frigid. The white plains stretch in all directions, broken up only by the occasional copse of black, bare trees. The sky is bright and overcast. I see my breath in the air; this was a winter day back in my homeland. The large robes upon the throne speak to the frog on my shoulder, You found him as I found you, as he found me. Yes... one of us answers. No one could normally understand when Hex speaks to me except me. This small point sticks in my mind among all the other confusing imagery. In the swirling pattern of snow, I see a tadpole evolve into a frog, and a frog becomes a totem, a demon, an archetype and a mythology. The unmovable frog totem signifying the still north star, sitting on the barrier between the water of life and the cold land. When you become, are one or the other, or both or neither? Hex hops down to the snow, light enough to rest atop the white as a black splotch. Come down from your perch, I say, but the large figure does not move. I’m losing my patience as this vision pulls on my sanity. My fists ball up and black ghostly tentacles spring forth from each of my wrists to wrap around the thing that claims to be related. The Hex Tongues cut through the robes, creating holes through which a deluge of dark water flows, drinking into the snow. The large robes float down off the bone throne. The hood falls back, revealing a colorless, frog-like face, camouflaging with the blinding snow. My eyes widen, What are you? Something distant, the robed toad-creature communicates without opening its mouth, Things began when the waters were released, we looked to the future and past... far away. The three of us stand in a circle. The water rises around us illogically. You are here because I am here, because he is here, the pale ghost water demon gazes at me and my frog. I see all three of us at the same time, staring at myself in ternary. Are you my past or my future? A shadowed man ambles between tombstones, looking at the scenery but seeing something else in the recesses of his mind. He is here because he is here. The purpose is in the asking. He starts to remember, to believe that events are not random. Everything is caused by something that preceded it, causes and effects on an infinite scale. You are seldom in a place to be able to see it all, but everything counts for something. Reflections in a mirror have a source. Shadows are cast by something. It comes to him again, with a voice more clearly than before, that’s where he has to be...