The Order of the Dark Flame: Book 5. (story, no spam)

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Fri Jan 11, 2002 11:37 pm

While Dragon Wench was greeting and assessing the red-headed stranger, Gwalchmai touched Jerren’s elbow. “I wanted to explain our concern for Georgi’s whereabouts. In all the time we have known her, she has always been at the front of the line. It seems inconceivable that she wouldn’t have come running at the first sign of trouble, just as you and the others did.”

“Perhaps she was unaware of the situation?” Jerren offered.

“I think half of Faerun could have heard that Banshee’s wail. It was loud enough to wake the dead!” Gwalchmai said, then added with an eye to the scattered bones at their feet, “In fact, it did wake the dead.” He shook his head and grasped the pommel of his sword. “I fear some evil may have befallen her.”

“Don’t worry, my friend,” Jerren said, clapping Gwalchmai on the back, “We will no doubt find her in the kitchen obliviously munching on a bit of curry. Besides, she struck me as fully capable of taking care of herself – more so than almost anyone I’ve ever known.”

Still, Gwalchmai’s worries were not allayed.

[ 01-12-2002: Message edited by: Gwalchmai ]

EMINEM · Post by **EMINEM** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 7:26 am

(How does this "Dark Flame" discussion actually work? Is it a continuous story? Who are the characters? What's the plot line? Any theme? Please explain. Thanx.)

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 7:53 am

Originally posted by EMINEM:
<STRONG>(How does this "Dark Flame" discussion actually work? Is it a continuous story? Who are the characters? What's the plot line? Any theme? Please explain. Thanx.)</STRONG>

The plot line is whatever we come up with!

The Dark Flames are just a group of people role-playing and story writing in the D&D world. The characters are our own and the NPC's are from anywhere.

It is a continuous story and has been written for nearly a year and a 1/2 (I think, maybe more...)

Hope that helps, if you have any further questions post 'em in the discussion thread, thanks.

Der-draigen · Post by **Der-draigen** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 9:06 am

The jeweler hefted the gem in his hand, feeling its weight and balance. His jaw hung slightly open as he marveled at its perfection...The odd thing was, it had no facets, relfected no light, displayed no prisms. It was basically just a big red rock, matt in color, with slight veins running thorugh it. But it was flawless. It held his attention as if some sentience within was mesmerizing him...

He swallowed, and with an effort placed the stone gingerly on his worktable. He turned to his settings materials. He felt the gem's presence at his back.

Could it be?... No, it wasn't possible. That stone was lost in the great war, taken, it was rumored, by Gaur the silver dragon. No one knew of its subsequent fate. Wasn't it supposed to be somewhere in Candlekeep now?...Besides, it was all only a legend. A very, very old legend...

The stone was to be made into a talisman. Taking a deep breath, the jeweler set to work on the order. A slender silver band, that was the only setting requested; and a heavy chain. His customer had insisted on hanging about in the doorway and observing his every move. He wasn't accustomed to being watched, but the commission was too good to pass up. Where this person had obtained so much gold he couldn't begin to guess...

It took a long time, and sometimes his hands shook at the sight of the cold black eyes staring into him. But at last it was done, and done perfectly. There was just one problem. By this time, having worked with it so closely, for so long, the jeweler knew what stone this really was. It had told him.

He received his payment, and handed the talisman over (with very great reluctance) to his customer, who gazed at it with frightening covetousness for a long while, till she solemnly slipped the chain about her neck, and tucked the stone into her cloak.

"Do you know what you have there?" the jeweler said quietly. The customer looked at him. "That...I think that's the Stone of Rohais."

The woman smiled. It was a cold smile, like her eyes.

The jeweler cleared his throat. "I...I think it is...It m-matches...the description...I...it would be best if you...took care of it properly...took it to...m-maybe to the paladins perhaps?...They would...I think they would know what to do with it...to...protect it."

Der-draigen's smile widened. "I'm sorry you feel that way," she said, very quietly. Then in an instant two fingers were deep in the jeweler's throat, and his body sank quickly and heavily to the floor.

Der-draigen, whose smile never left her face, took her gold back, and left.

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 11:51 am

Dragon Wench stared into the flames. In her unsettled state, they seemed to beckon her, flickering tongues......suffused by an inner life force that was all their own.

She watched her three friends; they still appeared locked within an alien dimension, or maybe....it was a battle of wills.....she was unsure. Georgi's absence stil weighing heavily in her thoughts, she nonetheless found herself smiling wryly at the recollection of Jerren and Gwally amicably discussing something...."Life is so strange sometimes," she mumured to herself. Distractedly, she wondered what they had been talking about, "probably Georgi," she muttered absently.

Somewhere far away, wind rushed through trees...."or was that a wolf........reaching for the pale lunar domain silhouetted above?"

[ 01-12-2002: Message edited by: dragon wench ]

GandalfgalTTV · Post by **GandalfgalTTV** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 3:10 pm

I was tired, drained even. But she was right, I had a task. I started walking, slowly walking, thinking about how her sudden departure had affected my plans. But I couldn’t think straight, emotions ragging through mind and body alike. Had I been wrong, should I have stayed. Did she understand, did I. The love and the pain fighting their eternal struggle. My mind was slipping again, the wish for death was consuming me. And like an answer to my prayers, I could hear a wail, the wail of the banshee. Revelling in the sound, somehow my sanity came flooding back. It wasn’t wailing for me. For a moment I stood there, silent and completely motionless, as the magic gathered within me. Closing my eyes, the image of the keep appeared in my mind. It was wailing for one of the flames. I needed to move fast, a quick casting of haste later I was running towards the keep.

On the edge of the forest, the rumbling voice of the Earth filled my mind ‘Why do you run, the tale has been told, the damage done, the pain is caused and you do not posses the means to mend it.” Like always, it was right, the wailing had stopped. The banshee was defeated and I was no cleric. There wasn’t much I could do. And while my plans where disrupted, destroying them myself would not be wise. But my heart was not at ease. So I sat down on a log listening as the Earth told the whole tale of the battle.

T'lainya · Post by **T'lainya** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 4:55 pm

T’lainya packed quickly, driven by fear of what the crystal had shown her. She donned the finely worked elven chainmail, covering it with a warm blue cloak. She packed some potions and healing herbs, as well as some notes on her studies of the shadow master. She fastened the heavy flail at her side and carefully opened a chest at the foot of her bed. She stared down at the weapon in her hands. Reverently lifting it towards the sky, the metal gleamed azure, reflecting the star of Corellon. The priestess quietly finished her packing and started off to the stables.
T’lainyas horse was waiting for her. She made her farewells to the other priests and rode quickly down the path to the main city gates. She greeted the guards as they opened the gates for her and she sped down the narrow path. T’lainya saw a shimmering door appear on the trail and whispered thanks to her father. She urged the great chestnut through the portal. Her skin tingled and she heard the stallion snort in protest at the magic.
“Easy Ironheart, we’ll be there soon. You’ve felt the magic of dimension doors before.”
The stallion whinnied softly and relaxed at the gentle tone. T’lainya recognized the path she was on and nudged the stallion forward again. She still felt the sense of urgency, although she knew the Dark Flames were well able to take care of themselves. She had a longing to see her friends again, to share the warmth of their friendship. Ironheart thundered down the path, leaving a small cloud of dust behind him. T’lainya rode into the courtyard shivering at the palpable evil that lingered there. She called loudly, hoping for a friendly response.

Der-draigen · Post by **Der-draigen** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 8:39 pm

"Dark...Flame..."

The words left Der-draigen's lips in a whisper, slowly, as if she were trying to figure them out. Where had such a name come from, she wondered...She bit her lower lip. "Dark...Flame," she repeated. It interested her.

Her eyes narrowed as she squinted into the darkness. She could see nothing through the inky blackness of the night, past the branches of the tall tree she was crouched in. But she felt them, miles away though they were. Their name was now legend. In Der-draigen's country they were fireside tales, heroic stories to entertain children and inspire the feeble militias of the region. Well, that was fine, Der-draigen thought, with a cold little sound that might have been her version of a chuckle. She was curious about them. And now she was about to travel through their country. Maybe even see their Keep, or pass by it. Maybe even encounter one of the formidable warriors themselves. She smiled. Could she be so lucky?...

Well, luck seemed to be on her side of late. She gathered herself and leapt from the tree. Only it wasn't so much a leap, as it was a controlled kind of launch, traveling a little through the air and gradually landing slowly, softly, and utterly soundless, on the ground. She was learning to use the stone. Rather quickly, in fact...Be patient, she forced herself to remember. You have got to be patient with this...

She started out again, in the direction of the territory of these near-mythical Dark Flames. On the way she observed quite casually, what an interesting feeling it was, to have gone without sleep for about four days in a row. The power of the stone was hard at work in her blood.

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 9:46 pm

(I hope I know what I'm getting into here...

)

Aegis reached the edge of the woods. Before him the rolling plains seemed to stretch out for miles, seemingly endless. Across his shoulder, he adjusted his ling bow, a weapon of fine, elven craft and design, he also readjusted his sword on his hip. He strode out of the darkness of the forest, and began to walk the grassy plains, his dark green cloak trailing gracfully behind him. He let his hood fall back, and the wind pick his honey blonde hair up, revealing his delicate elven ears. This was what he enjoyed most about this land, the pleasant tapestry of the wilderness, and quiet nature that surrounded him. He had left Trademeet weeks ago, slowly picking his way across Faerun, and through the wilderness, rarely going into cities. He took his time, savouring every step of the way, having no fear of brigands or theives, but rather walking with an aire of confidence. He hunted what he needed, thus had only a small pouch, with only a few coins to get him past.
He had left his home to seek out the legendary "Dark Flames". Not for any reason, but just to see what they were about. He had heard of their exploits, and were intrigued to see what these people really were like. Nothing else drove him, but nothing held him back. Aegis just continued to walk forth, a happy smile creeping onto his face, and his step full of spring...

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Sat Jan 12, 2002 11:29 pm

Jerren went to Dragon Wench, and placed an arm on her shoulder while he offered some words of comfort and support. Gwalchmai continued scanning the trees for any additional foes that would wish to disrupt the healing of Yshania. Simbul floated haughtily in the air, looking bored, while Jennabard gravitated toward the sweet grass fire near Dragon Wench and Jerren. Nippy stayed close to Yshania, Thantor and Vivien, determined to act in their defense should another attack come.

Gwalchmai saw that the recently arrived Ranger was also scanning the horizon, appearing wary of potential threats. He should introduce himself to her, but such niceties should wait until the danger to Yshania had passed. The young Ranger might be handy to have around if another fight broke out. She seemed nice enough and he sensed no evil in the young woman – though it was odd that he should sense anything about her since he normally had no access to any form of extra-ordinary perception except when he cast the appropriate spells.

This reminded him of something he had forgotten, and he cursed himself for a fool. He was so used to being around Paladins who seemed to cast Detect Evil every five minutes that he forgot that he could do the same. So, casting the spell, he scanned their immediate surroundings in the garden and saw no individual evil entities that might pose a threat. The garden itself appeared tainted, but not malevolent in and of itself. With a thought to the missing Georgi, he turned his attention to the Keep. There, at the furthest extent of his range, he could see the smallest pin-prick spot of evil.

“There appears to be no evil entities in this immediate area, but there’s something evil at the Keep,” he said to the group, “I’m going to check it out. I’m sure Simbul can continue to watch over Yshania, if any of you wish to join me."”

Simbul waved her hand dismissively, “Yes, by all means, please go.” Gwalchmai turned and trotted toward their home.

Mysteria · Post by **Mysteria** » Sun Jan 13, 2002 1:31 am

As Dragon Wench moved to light the fire, Mysteria took a closer look at the people around her. The two men she had been introduced to, Jerren and Gwalchmai were talking together, but she couldn't hear about what. The woman on the ground had still not regained consciousness and Mysteria wondered what had happened to her. There were a man and a woman helping her, and she hoped they knew what they were doing. Somehow, the man seemed familiar, but she didn't know why. Letting that thought drop for the moment, she turned her attention once more to the unconscious woman. She really wanted to help, if only... Quickly, she averted her eyes, this was not the right time to get excited, she didn't want to risk an unwanted discharge of magic. Her eyes met those of yet another woman, a mage by her looks. She seemed haughty and bored, but somehow she still managed to send shivers down Mysteria's back. Turning towards the woods to avoid her gaze, she began scanning them. She had no wish to be surprised again.
She could still feel the woman watching her and she was relieved when she heard Gwalchmai announcing that he was going to investigate the keep. As he moved towards it, she moved to follow him, avoiding the mage and giving a last look to the man that seemed so familiar. She hoped it was alright for her to go with the, hm, druid, she guessed. She loosened her bow, carefully watching the gloomy keep ahead.

Der-draigen · Post by **Der-draigen** » Sun Jan 13, 2002 6:40 am

Der-draigen, who was now beginning to move with impossible speed, stopped and scanned the area. Her vision had increased its range alarmingly, and she could literally see for miles and miles and miles...Some things were still fuzzy, but the stone was bonding itself to her blood more intrinsically every day, becoming part of her on an almost cellular level. And with continued training and adaptation...well, the possibilities were literally endless!

She saw the keep of the Dark Flames, not so far off as she had suspected. She must be in their territory now, then. Her refined senses told her they were embroiled in some crisis. How interesting. Would this be a good time to test her power? Appear as a guiding light, to offer assistance?...

She smiled, closed her eyes, concentrated, and changed her human appearance to halfling form. Laughing icily at the change, she took off again. Good thing she had taken a sword as a trophy from the last bandit she'd been assaulted by. A weaponless halfling would surely look odd. She would have to start learning to use the sword along the way. That was all right. Her powers of quick learning had also increased dramatically since discovering the stone. By the time she reached the keep, she would raise no suspicion at all, she was certain.

She went onward.

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Sun Jan 13, 2002 9:35 am

Aegis crunched down on an apple. He had recently passed through an orcherd, and knew he was getting close again to civilization. On his way through, he managed to stuff his pack with fruit, mostly apples that had fallen from their branches already. He finished off the current, apple, and tossed it to the ground, allowing it to degrade into the soil, and return the land. He smiled, a warm, glowing smile, and continued to press forth. Off in the distence, the perfect blue sky was marred by a structure of stone. A building of some sort, possibly a tower, or a keep. He wondered if maybe his long trek would soon be over, and if that was in fact the Keep of the fabled Dark Flames. He smirked at the thought of the Dark Flames. They had done nothing to influence Trade Meet, or even be off concern, yet he was filled with an unelven desire to meet these people. Aegis began to wonder as to what he would receive as a conclusion to this journey. He pushed forward even more, his steps seeming lighter, and quicker, as if the mere sight of this building in the distance rejuvenated him. He took another look at the building, gauging the distance. About two days travel, he figured to himself. That was little compared to distance he had walked since leaving his home. The same smile found it's way onto his face again, and step continued..

Aegis · Post by **Aegis** » Sun Jan 13, 2002 7:27 pm

Aegis left the fields surrounding the keep of the Dark Flames, and once again stepped onto the well worn dirt road that would take him the last leg of his journey.He walked to the side of the wagon ruts, avoiding the uneven ground. To either side, there were patches of bush, or rocks, but nothing to too large or vast. He could see the keep rise above the horizen, the sun does every morning. Everytime he looked at the building, he felt... Happy...

A sudden arrow whizing by his head snaped his thoguhts back to reality. He watched it as it thudded into a tree on the opposite side of the road. He then turned his head the other way, and saw a couple of highwaymen climb over top of a large rock, joining the archer that tried to 'remove' Aegis from the mortal coil. On the other side of the road, he heard some twigs snap, and heard two more men exit the brush on the opposite side. The lead man, one who had left the bush, stepped forward, onto the road, a twisted, ****y grin plastered over his face.

"Yer money now, elfie..." He spoke condescendingly, and flashed a toothless grin. From more then five yards away, Aegis could smell the cheap ale and foul stentch of the man. "Ors I might hafta hurt dem pretty ears o' yers..." He flashed the gin again, and chuckled. It was immediatly followed by his band chuckling. He withdrew a short blade from a scabbered on his back, and held it front of him.

To the other side, Aegis saw the others do the same, and the archer **** another arrow into his poorly craftd weapon. He bowed his head, saying a silent prayer to Corellan. Then, in a sudden blur of movement, the bow slung across the elf's shoulder was in his hands, and ****ed. In the blink of an eye, he turned to the brigand with the bow. The birgand, shocked at how fast Aegis had moved, loosed his own arrow, but he panicked, and his shot missed terribly. It was his last mistake. An arrow bored into his head, sending him backwards, and off the rock. The two nearest companions stood dombfounded, then not at all. Aegis loosed anoth two arrows there way, claiming to more targets. Behind him, the other two men were less surprised, and adavnced quickly, weapons brandihsed violently. Aegis expected this much and spun on his heel, facing the other two. The subordinate charged first as Aegis was drawing another stock from his quarrel, but instead of fitting it to the weapon, he jabbed forward to the over eager man. He jabbed for the heart, watching the shaft dig into the birgand, and felling him instantly. Aegis then dropped his bow, and drew his longswod, Sevior, and parried the incoming attack from the brigand captain. The attack was poorly made, and Aegis had no troubles turing it into a disadvantage. The skilled elf twisted the thief's blade arond, and away from the two. He then stepped in quickly, bringing his shoulder in close, too close for an proper defense to be made. He spun once he felt the bodies connect, placing the blade parralel with the ground, and acting as deadly top, he drove the blade into the side of the man, cutting cleanly through the body and spine. He leapt back from the man, just as he became a fountain of blood. The torso slid off the legs, being cutting cleanly by the magical blade.

Aegis deftly wiped the blade clean, and resheathed it on his hip. He scowled in disgust. In his weeks of travelling, not once had brigands attacked him on the road. This part of Faerun was more wild then the rest, and knew he would need to be on his gaurd more often. This was the first time he questioned the tales of the Dark Flames...

Der-draigen · Post by **Der-draigen** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:33 am

"Craa s'i'tou li'eh, riyy din tha..."

The DREAD wolves {

} sat in rapt attention before Der-draigen, hanging on every syllable of the forgotten language she uttered.

"Ni'h den oryyeh," she chanted, moving her hands softly before the wolves' faces. "Ni'h den saryyeh..."

At length, the wolves rolled over, exposing their bellies, which Der-draigen stroked to cement their pact of trust. The fire of the stone burned red in the beasts' bright eyes.

*********************

Now the keep of the Dark Flames rose clearly before Der-draigen's vision. She was only half a mile or so away. At the edge of the wood, she glanced back at her companions, who awaited her command.

With a wave of her hand, it came. She took off running, and the wolves took off after her. She found it surprisingly hard now to maintain a normal running pace; to hold back the power the talisman infused in her physical frame.

When she was still some distance away, she began: "Help!" she cried. "Help!! HEEELLP!!"

She could see, even from this distance, that no one was around. Had her senses betrayed her? Were they all off on some quest?...No, they were there, she felt it. Still embroiled in crisis...She could not make another slip like that again. There was a ki master among them. No matter -- the stone would supply every disguise, even that of her own life's energy.

Almost to the gate..."HEEEEELLLLLP!!" she cried; but inside she was laughing. If the tales of these people were really true, they would not be capable of resisting the plight of a halfling lass pursued by dread wolves...

"WOLVES!" she shouted as she reached the gate. "WOLVES! WOOOOOLLLLLVES!!!"

[ 01-15-2002: Message edited by: Der-draigen ]

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:39 am

Nippy heard a shrill scream from the front gates. He was loath to leave Yshania and the others but he had a duty to help all those needed it.

He ran around to the front calling out to the others telling them of his investigation.

He reached the courtyard and saw a Halfling being chased by Dire Wolves. He withdrew his bow and launched a flaming arrow towards them. The wolves disliked the hot flame. The arrow impacted against the side of one and it yelped.

He ran towards the Halfling lass and told her to get into the courtyard where it's safe.

Der-draigen · Post by **Der-draigen** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:47 am

"Thank Littleman!" Der-draigen said as she leapt throught the gate, feigning breathlessness. "And thank you too, my friend! I thought I was dead for sure!"

Then there was a mighty howl from deep in the wood and far off, and the wolves outside stopped in their tracks. They ran off, as if distracted by something bigger and better. "Excellent," Der-draigen told them silently, in the language she had used with them before. "Get the wounded one to Gh'arun. I will call on you again." The wolves were off like so many arrow-shots, in the direction of the howl.

[ 01-15-2002: Message edited by: Der-draigen ]

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:49 am

A blast, a blinding flash of light, and then only darkness…

Slowly she regained consciousness, her first thoughts were that she felt no physical pain. Her eyes still closed she concentrated on her growing awareness. She felt strange, detached, not altogether…a jumble of questions and sensations invaded her…they were unconnected and alien to her own gradual awakening…

Opening her eyes, her vision gradually swam into focus, though her perceptions appeared altered…she was amazed that she was back, and except for the retreating visions, she felt somewhat unharmed…though a little perturbed…

Mysteria · Post by **Mysteria** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 10:58 am

{now it'll make sense, hopefully}

As Mysteria had heard somebody yelling for help from the front gate, she had whirled around and started running towards the sound, Fang leaping ahead. She was just in time to see one of the Dark Flames fire a flame arrow at a dire wolf pursuing a halfling. She was ready to dispatch the others, but they turned and ran away. Walking more slowly, she joined the Dark Flame and the halfling at the gate, keeping an arrow nocked, just in case. She really had to get to know their names, she thought, as she realized that she didn't even know the Dark Flame's name.

[ 01-14-2002: Message edited by: Mysteria ]

GandalfgalTTV · Post by **GandalfgalTTV** » Mon Jan 14, 2002 11:22 am

(OOC: Thanks for sparing the animals, *jumps around in joy yelling "They didn't kill the wolves, my plan will still work."*)

[ 01-14-2002: Message edited by: Gandalfgal The Talking Variant ]