Rousing herself, Dragon Wench shifted carefully, and did a mental check of her fire spells. As she did so, Zaaman Rul confronted the beholder......bludgeoning it with mass and force.
Focusing, she murmured the words to "flame arrow," and watched with satisfaction as the fiery missiles buried themselves into the monster's core. The beast screamed its agony, and moved to turn it's attention back to the two women who had once again become visible.
"Oh no you don't," whispered Dragon Wench....and hastily she cast mass invisibilty, once more rendering them indiscernible to the beholder's gaze.
Rapidly they changed locations; as they ran Yshania reached for her sling and aimed a few sunstone bullets at the beast. A blast of magic uselessly hit the spot from where the flaming arsenal had originated.
Recalling that she had another meteor spell memorized, Dragon Wench issued its incantation. The beholder, hearing her, dodged a swipe from the fire elemental and floated in her direction.
Yshania cursed, and recited "flame blade;" with stealth she approached the beholder, and drove the magical weapon into the maloderously oozing expanse. Their enemy bellowed in fury, and Yshania quickly retreated, again concealing her position. Seizing the opportunity, Dragon Wench hurled the glowing spheres towards the monster, noting that it finally appeared to be losing strength.
Observing from his vantage point, Gwalchmai saw that the fire elemental had left them to their fate; concerned, he briefly wove his hands in the air, and a second fire elemental appeared near the beholder. Losing no time, it launched an attack.
Now visibly weakened, their foe let forth a terrible roar. The air, thick and sulferous, seemed rent assaunder by the beast's hideous cry.
Rage, agony and despair throbbing in her heart, Dragon Wench flung her remaining meteor, and with a visceral wrench unsheathed her sword. Savagely, she hacked into the creature, her slashing an unremittingly tormented rhythm.
Finally, she felt a gentle arm on her shoulder. "It's dead now," came a soft whisper.
The Order of the Dark Flame: Book 5. (story, no spam)
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dragon wench
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Gwalchmai
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“I assume my services are no longer needed?” Like a flame in a high wind, Zaaman Rul seemed to flicker and return to the Elemental Plane of Fire.
Gwalchmai looked at the smoldering and deflated body of the Slime Beholder. “Now, that is what I call the victory of the light over the dark!” He laughed as he gathered up the Symbols and Tome of Amaunator. “This ritual is complete.” As if in response, a low rumbling was heard, and the floor of the rampart began to shake.
Yshania, who had been tending to the wounded Dragon Wench looked up. “Earthquake?” The rumbling increased in volume to a roar, sounding like something – or someone – deep in the earth were crying out in anger and frustration. The shaking became more violent, with cracks appearing in the rampart. Gwalchmai hurried the two women to the doorway just as the rampart crumbled and slumped off side of the keep. They watched as the floor they had been standing on mere moments before disappeared in a cloud of dust., destroying the eastern altar. Abruptly, the earthquake stopped.
“What was that all about?” Yshania asked, astonished. “I hope no one was hurt! What part of the keep lies below this rampart?”
“Just my room,” Gwalchmai said, “No one should have been in there.” His eyes widened as the dust cleared, revealing a gaping hole in the side of the keep below them. “My Room! It’s completely destroyed!”
“C’mon,” Dragon Wench growled, “Let’s see if any other parts of the keep have been affected.” The trio made their way back down toward the kitchen, observing that the rest of the keep was largely untouched by the earthquake. Just a few things shaken off the walls, but no structural damage. The earthquake had been focused on the eastern rampart alone, suggesting that it was no natural phenomenon.
They entered the kitchen to find it full of their friends and most of the newcomers. Vivien and Nippy were cleaning up one or two broken dishes. T’lainya smiled. “Ah, you are here. We need to strategize.”
Gwalchmai looked at the smoldering and deflated body of the Slime Beholder. “Now, that is what I call the victory of the light over the dark!” He laughed as he gathered up the Symbols and Tome of Amaunator. “This ritual is complete.” As if in response, a low rumbling was heard, and the floor of the rampart began to shake.
Yshania, who had been tending to the wounded Dragon Wench looked up. “Earthquake?” The rumbling increased in volume to a roar, sounding like something – or someone – deep in the earth were crying out in anger and frustration. The shaking became more violent, with cracks appearing in the rampart. Gwalchmai hurried the two women to the doorway just as the rampart crumbled and slumped off side of the keep. They watched as the floor they had been standing on mere moments before disappeared in a cloud of dust., destroying the eastern altar. Abruptly, the earthquake stopped.
“What was that all about?” Yshania asked, astonished. “I hope no one was hurt! What part of the keep lies below this rampart?”
“Just my room,” Gwalchmai said, “No one should have been in there.” His eyes widened as the dust cleared, revealing a gaping hole in the side of the keep below them. “My Room! It’s completely destroyed!”
“C’mon,” Dragon Wench growled, “Let’s see if any other parts of the keep have been affected.” The trio made their way back down toward the kitchen, observing that the rest of the keep was largely untouched by the earthquake. Just a few things shaken off the walls, but no structural damage. The earthquake had been focused on the eastern rampart alone, suggesting that it was no natural phenomenon.
They entered the kitchen to find it full of their friends and most of the newcomers. Vivien and Nippy were cleaning up one or two broken dishes. T’lainya smiled. “Ah, you are here. We need to strategize.”
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
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Yshania
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Nodding an acknowledgement to T'lainya, Yshania thought better she allow Gwalchmai to discuss the way forward, since she herself had never been too organised before, and was not as knowledgeable about the nature of their foe...she was happy to follow where her friends deemed necessary. Ysh was still concerned for Dragon Wench, she was hanging outside the kitchen, seemingly reluctant to come in...she was still boiling from her recent grief and the aftermath of the battle.
Pulling out a pan, Yshania poured in a bottle of red wine, and heated it through...adding a few spices to taste. Noticing all the wine glasses were dirty, Yshania found two clean mugs and poured herself and her friend a generous measure of the mulled wine...a little early in the day, but then it had been a long and testing start to the morning...in more ways than one. The two women downed the wine...the warmth of the alcohol soothing...
'I need to get cleaned up' Yshania informed the kitchen, 'I won't be long' She headed for the shower room, taking the opportunity to heal the minor wounds she had received in the battle with the beholder.
Returning to the kitchen she took a seat at the table, wondering aloud which spells she should memorise.
Pulling out a pan, Yshania poured in a bottle of red wine, and heated it through...adding a few spices to taste. Noticing all the wine glasses were dirty, Yshania found two clean mugs and poured herself and her friend a generous measure of the mulled wine...a little early in the day, but then it had been a long and testing start to the morning...in more ways than one. The two women downed the wine...the warmth of the alcohol soothing...
'I need to get cleaned up' Yshania informed the kitchen, 'I won't be long' She headed for the shower room, taking the opportunity to heal the minor wounds she had received in the battle with the beholder.
Returning to the kitchen she took a seat at the table, wondering aloud which spells she should memorise.
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Guinness, black goes with everything.
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Gwalchmai
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“Wait a minute. Hold that thought.” Gwalchmai ran to the door of his former room and climbed down into the rubble. He salvaged what clothes and equipment he could, ran to the showers, cleaned himself up, and returned to the kitchen smelling as fresh and clean as a spring day. He swiped some of Yshania’s mulled wine, helped himself to sausage and bread, and sat back at the table before most knew he had gone. “Well, before we worry about spells, we still have two more rituals to perform. Judging from the response we’ve been getting, the rituals are having the desired affect.”
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
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Bloodstalker
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Bloodstalker entered the kitchen just as Gwally words had ended.
Taking a seat, he listened to the conversation.
"There are Drow about.", he spoke when he had opportunity, " I discovered a mage not far from here. I believe he had summoned something, something big from the size of the tracks."
"Where is Aegis?", Gwalchmai asked, concern lining his features.
"We split up just after you left. He trailed the tracks you came upon, and I made my way back here. That was when I came across the wizard. He said to meet him in 2 hours, so I plan on having a bite to eat before setting back out. It worries me leaving him out there, but I doubt I have the skill to find him before he returns."
He got up and went to fill his mug. Something stirred in his memory, and he faced the room again.
"About this creature the Drow summoned. Not only was it big, but the tracks were strange. It seemed as though wherever the creatures foot fell in the snow, it had melted to puddles"
Taking a seat, he listened to the conversation.
"There are Drow about.", he spoke when he had opportunity, " I discovered a mage not far from here. I believe he had summoned something, something big from the size of the tracks."
"Where is Aegis?", Gwalchmai asked, concern lining his features.
"We split up just after you left. He trailed the tracks you came upon, and I made my way back here. That was when I came across the wizard. He said to meet him in 2 hours, so I plan on having a bite to eat before setting back out. It worries me leaving him out there, but I doubt I have the skill to find him before he returns."
He got up and went to fill his mug. Something stirred in his memory, and he faced the room again.
"About this creature the Drow summoned. Not only was it big, but the tracks were strange. It seemed as though wherever the creatures foot fell in the snow, it had melted to puddles"
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
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dragon wench
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Noticing that her friends had went off to clean themselves, Dragon Wench realised that she needed to do the same. The stench of the beholder was still upon her, and the grime of battle had mingled with sweat and tears.
Breathing inward, she bowed her head for a moment and departed for the shower, stopping by her room for a change of clothing. On entering, her gaze took in the strewn bedding, muted shadows, and the harsh white light filtering through the slats in the shutters. Jerren's presence, and the essence of the previous night still lingered.
Gritting her teeth, she quickly scooped some fresh garments and ran to the shower.....stumbling in her haste and anguish. Steadying herself, she opened the door and rapidly proceded to run the water and soap herself down.....wishing that this simple ritual could cleanse her of the debris within.
Dragon Wench stepped from the shower room, and left for the kitchen where she found a seat with Gwally and Yshania. Saying little she helped herself to some coffee and stared listlessly into the strong, black brew.
Breathing inward, she bowed her head for a moment and departed for the shower, stopping by her room for a change of clothing. On entering, her gaze took in the strewn bedding, muted shadows, and the harsh white light filtering through the slats in the shutters. Jerren's presence, and the essence of the previous night still lingered.
Gritting her teeth, she quickly scooped some fresh garments and ran to the shower.....stumbling in her haste and anguish. Steadying herself, she opened the door and rapidly proceded to run the water and soap herself down.....wishing that this simple ritual could cleanse her of the debris within.
Dragon Wench stepped from the shower room, and left for the kitchen where she found a seat with Gwally and Yshania. Saying little she helped herself to some coffee and stared listlessly into the strong, black brew.
Spoiler
testingtest12
Spoiler
testingtest12
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Yshania
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At the mention of drow, Yshania's skin crawled...yet somehow the hate she had once felt was becoming distant, overshadowed by recent events they seemed no more than an inconvenience. Pushing a lump of bread towards Dragon Wench, she turned to Gwalchmai...
'You are right...Rai'ya was right...the rituals do need to be performed...they are obviously having an effect, though I am yet to understand why...and I dread to think what they have in store for us' Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Dragon Wench had pushed the crust of bread to one side and was staring into her mug of coffee. Deciding the alcohol may cloud her judgement, she stood and opted for a mug of coffee herself, pouring out two she placed one mug before Gwalchmai.
'How long do we each need to prepare?' she asked. Glancing out of the window she observed the sun was rising high into the morning...it's light offering only a cold promise of illumination, and no warmth...'and who do you want with you Gwalchmai?'
'You are right...Rai'ya was right...the rituals do need to be performed...they are obviously having an effect, though I am yet to understand why...and I dread to think what they have in store for us' Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Dragon Wench had pushed the crust of bread to one side and was staring into her mug of coffee. Deciding the alcohol may cloud her judgement, she stood and opted for a mug of coffee herself, pouring out two she placed one mug before Gwalchmai.
'How long do we each need to prepare?' she asked. Glancing out of the window she observed the sun was rising high into the morning...it's light offering only a cold promise of illumination, and no warmth...'and who do you want with you Gwalchmai?'
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Guinness, black goes with everything.
T’lainya sipped her coffee and picked at her breakfast. She rummaged through the small pouch that normally fastened to her belt. She pulled out a small silver crescent and smiled. The small holy symbol was the first she had owned. She smiled at the memory, at how proud she had been when she first wore it. She rubbed the silver between her fingers and returned it to her pouch. She wasn’t sure why she kept it with her, only that it comforted her to have it. The symbol she normally wore was forged of mithril and had appeared on the altar of Corellon when she was ordained a priestess of the faith. A gentle reminder that half elves were part of the faithful too, she supposed. She shook her head, ruefully thinking that she was daydreaming a lot lately.
[url="http://www.gamebanshee.com"]GameBanshee[/url] Make your gaming scream!
"I have seen them/I have watched them all fall/I have been them/I have watched myself crawl"
"I will only complicate you/Trust in me and fall as well"
"Quiet time...no more whine"
"I have seen them/I have watched them all fall/I have been them/I have watched myself crawl"
"I will only complicate you/Trust in me and fall as well"
"Quiet time...no more whine"
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Gwalchmai
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“‘Who do I want with me?’ Well, let’s see…” Gwalchmai quickly named each female adventurer in the room then smiled. Yshania rolled her eyes and Dragon Wench fingered the pommel of her sword while making a threatening noise deep in her throat. Mysteria seemed surprised and confused, Jenna rubbed her temples, and T'lainya seemed to be preparing a quick 'Harm' spell. Gwalchmai felt that his joke was not appreciated and quickly amended his answer. “Any help will be appreciated. Lets just see who volunteers.”
Nippy seemed anxious to take the battle to the source rather than waste time on rituals to a dead god. “Are the rituals to Amaunator all that important?” he asked, then turned to look at T’lainya, who was absentmindedly fingering a small trinket in her hand. “I mean, if the Abomination is drawing power directly from the weave…”
“I don’t really understand this talk of the weave,” Gwalchmai interrupted, “but it seems that the keep was built over a place of power. That power sustained Rai’ya even after her death, and it helped her to begin to rebuild her kingdom. Only now, that power is being funneled for some chaotic purpose, and Rai’ya’s essence is fading. These rituals may re-funnel some of that power back to Rai’ya, which helps her and hurts the Shadow Master. Or at least that’s how I understand it.”
“So the Power and the Weave are the same things?” asked Nippy.
Nippy seemed anxious to take the battle to the source rather than waste time on rituals to a dead god. “Are the rituals to Amaunator all that important?” he asked, then turned to look at T’lainya, who was absentmindedly fingering a small trinket in her hand. “I mean, if the Abomination is drawing power directly from the weave…”
“I don’t really understand this talk of the weave,” Gwalchmai interrupted, “but it seems that the keep was built over a place of power. That power sustained Rai’ya even after her death, and it helped her to begin to rebuild her kingdom. Only now, that power is being funneled for some chaotic purpose, and Rai’ya’s essence is fading. These rituals may re-funnel some of that power back to Rai’ya, which helps her and hurts the Shadow Master. Or at least that’s how I understand it.”
“So the Power and the Weave are the same things?” asked Nippy.
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
Mysteria knew nothing about how the Power and the Weave were related, but she realized that she really should get her secret into the open before embarking on any quests.
"I would like to take a look at that tunnel we discovered earlier, it might perhaps lead us to the centre of that reservoir of power and the evil. Also, we might be able to find Georgi."
.... and she would be far enough away from the ritual not the interfere, she thought.
"But", she continued, "I've only recently arrived and don't have a full overview of the situation, perhaps a different course of action would be wiser. I'll follow your lead, but I'd rather not take part in the ritual."
Now, she had to tell them now! "Because I... I am.... I mean...", she faltered and Thantor touched her arm reassuringly.
"Our friend here has a little problem with magic you'd better know about...", he began and quickly explained her situation while she was suddenly fascinated by the contents of her mug.
"I would like to take a look at that tunnel we discovered earlier, it might perhaps lead us to the centre of that reservoir of power and the evil. Also, we might be able to find Georgi."
.... and she would be far enough away from the ritual not the interfere, she thought.
"But", she continued, "I've only recently arrived and don't have a full overview of the situation, perhaps a different course of action would be wiser. I'll follow your lead, but I'd rather not take part in the ritual."
Now, she had to tell them now! "Because I... I am.... I mean...", she faltered and Thantor touched her arm reassuringly.
"Our friend here has a little problem with magic you'd better know about...", he began and quickly explained her situation while she was suddenly fascinated by the contents of her mug.
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."
T’lainya recollected herself with a start. She smiled apologetically at Gwally for her lapse of concentration. She thought for a moment, choosing her words carefully.
“Not exactly. We are speaking of two different things, although they are related, twined together as part of the entire universe. The land itself has power. In some places like the grounds of the keep, the land has an abundance of energy. That energy nourishes and sustains life, from the waters and the fields, the flora and fauna. That life energy can be used or manipulated, sometimes even drawn out and cast as a form of power. The weave is the actual essence of magic, the source for all wizardry in the world. Mages learn to call on this power and control it. Wild mages such as our new friend Mysteria also draw this power, but with none of the controlling rituals. Some believe that the surge in wild magic is due to the disruptions of the weave during the time of trouble, although wild magic had been chronicled before. Clerics and druids don’t use the weave to cast spells, their magic comes from a divine link to the gods. Mystra, the goddess of magic controls how much of the weave can be drawn upon and how. The only exception is the use of certain elvish magics and rituals that are controlled by Corellon Larethian. Scholars speculate that the weave might be a plane of existence, a natural element like fire or earth, or a demiplane like that of shadow or brilliance. None save the gods truly know. According to my vision, and some of the evidence I believe the Shadow Master and or the Abomination have been drawing power from the land, corrupting the existing life and the new growth. There is also a disruption of the weave. Whether that is from the excessive changes of the land or our enemies also pulling raw magic from the weave I cannot say for sure. The rituals of Amauntor use some of the lands power to reclaim it from the corruption and restore it to its natural essence. This weakens the Shadow Master and his minions, effectively leeching power back from him and strengthening both those who oppose him and the lands natural defenses.”
The priestess lapsed into silence hoping she didn’t sound as pedantic as she thought she did.
“Not exactly. We are speaking of two different things, although they are related, twined together as part of the entire universe. The land itself has power. In some places like the grounds of the keep, the land has an abundance of energy. That energy nourishes and sustains life, from the waters and the fields, the flora and fauna. That life energy can be used or manipulated, sometimes even drawn out and cast as a form of power. The weave is the actual essence of magic, the source for all wizardry in the world. Mages learn to call on this power and control it. Wild mages such as our new friend Mysteria also draw this power, but with none of the controlling rituals. Some believe that the surge in wild magic is due to the disruptions of the weave during the time of trouble, although wild magic had been chronicled before. Clerics and druids don’t use the weave to cast spells, their magic comes from a divine link to the gods. Mystra, the goddess of magic controls how much of the weave can be drawn upon and how. The only exception is the use of certain elvish magics and rituals that are controlled by Corellon Larethian. Scholars speculate that the weave might be a plane of existence, a natural element like fire or earth, or a demiplane like that of shadow or brilliance. None save the gods truly know. According to my vision, and some of the evidence I believe the Shadow Master and or the Abomination have been drawing power from the land, corrupting the existing life and the new growth. There is also a disruption of the weave. Whether that is from the excessive changes of the land or our enemies also pulling raw magic from the weave I cannot say for sure. The rituals of Amauntor use some of the lands power to reclaim it from the corruption and restore it to its natural essence. This weakens the Shadow Master and his minions, effectively leeching power back from him and strengthening both those who oppose him and the lands natural defenses.”
The priestess lapsed into silence hoping she didn’t sound as pedantic as she thought she did.
[url="http://www.gamebanshee.com"]GameBanshee[/url] Make your gaming scream!
"I have seen them/I have watched them all fall/I have been them/I have watched myself crawl"
"I will only complicate you/Trust in me and fall as well"
"Quiet time...no more whine"
"I have seen them/I have watched them all fall/I have been them/I have watched myself crawl"
"I will only complicate you/Trust in me and fall as well"
"Quiet time...no more whine"
Aegis was forced backwards under the relentless assault of the drow. He was barely able to make any counters, instead focusing on defending himself. One of the drow came in from the side, and Aegis, noticing at the last moment, spun, and lashed his blade out. he apparently caught the dark elf off gaurd, and his blade slid through the elf's chest. As he truned back to face the other three, his nose with with the flat of a drow scimitar. The ranger reeled backwards, his own blade dropping to the ground. His last glimpse of the clearing, and drow was of the mage casting one final spell. Aegis felt his lids grow heaviy, and his body numb, then he was fast asleep on the ground.
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Yshania
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Yshania listened intently to T'lainya's speech, amidst all the chaos she felt somewhat comforted by the wisdom of the priestess. The company greeted her words with silence, and understandable trepidation...Yshania looked across at Thantor, he seemed troubled but offered her a reassuring smile. Yshania returned the gesture, holding his eye for a moment before turning to Gwalchmai...
'I am with you, Gwalchmai! if my skills can be of any use' Gwalchmai nodded his assent. Searching the faces of the others...she wondered who else would step forward...
'I need some thinking space' she said 'there is not much time, and I have some spells to memorise' Excusing herself, she left the kitchen and headed out of the cloy of the keep and into the cold morning. She decided against going near the clearing, shivering involuntarily, and headed for the bench she had shared with Vivien...that seemed so long ago now. She noted the height of the sun in the pale sky and gauged their time left before the noontide, then made herself comfortable. Falling into a meditative state, she began to slowly and carefully run through her spell repertoire...ensuring a balance since there was no knowing the results of the rituals, nor the power it would invoke...
Some time later, she rose and stretched her limbs, unable to deny the nagging sensation that there was a logical and necessary route to take. As necessary as the rituals themselves...straining her eyes, she studied the crumbling eastern rampart...again wondering at the powers they were challenging...'That is it!' she was sure, so sure... it was obvious now! the dawn ritual on the eastern rampart...the noontide, now where would that be? But there was no southern rampart to the keep...could it be inside the keep itself? No...no, that wouldn't be right, she had come across no altars within the walls of the keep. She studied the area to her west and shuddered...would the dusk altar be anywhere near the poisoned clearing? Would this be their final stand...the area where it first displayed it's evil powers...resolutely she headed south...somehow drawn, and...somehow pushed...
Yshania half closed her eyes and instinctively moved...practising what Thantor had taught her, she lowered her mental bastion and opened her mind to the weave...the pull became stronger, as did a dark yet distracted mocking voice 'At one with the land and it's weave? Druid! ' it spat...Yshania fought the darkness, determined now 'You are weakening!' she pushed back 'Do not be fooled! Druid! ' but it sounded unconvincing...as the black laughter resounded inside her mind, she smiled grimly and carried on...
She could feel the weave's power pulling and pulling, until before long there was a cacophany of protesting screams...throwing up her mental bastions against the noise, she stopped and surveyed her surroundings, she noted she wasn't too far from the keep - and just ahead there was a small copse of trees. She made her way through the brush and, finding a small clearing, started pulling away at the undergrowth...and there it was!...perfectly preserved, an ornate altar!
She leapt up and ran back to the keep, to give the other's the news...
'I am with you, Gwalchmai! if my skills can be of any use' Gwalchmai nodded his assent. Searching the faces of the others...she wondered who else would step forward...
'I need some thinking space' she said 'there is not much time, and I have some spells to memorise' Excusing herself, she left the kitchen and headed out of the cloy of the keep and into the cold morning. She decided against going near the clearing, shivering involuntarily, and headed for the bench she had shared with Vivien...that seemed so long ago now. She noted the height of the sun in the pale sky and gauged their time left before the noontide, then made herself comfortable. Falling into a meditative state, she began to slowly and carefully run through her spell repertoire...ensuring a balance since there was no knowing the results of the rituals, nor the power it would invoke...
Some time later, she rose and stretched her limbs, unable to deny the nagging sensation that there was a logical and necessary route to take. As necessary as the rituals themselves...straining her eyes, she studied the crumbling eastern rampart...again wondering at the powers they were challenging...'That is it!' she was sure, so sure... it was obvious now! the dawn ritual on the eastern rampart...the noontide, now where would that be? But there was no southern rampart to the keep...could it be inside the keep itself? No...no, that wouldn't be right, she had come across no altars within the walls of the keep. She studied the area to her west and shuddered...would the dusk altar be anywhere near the poisoned clearing? Would this be their final stand...the area where it first displayed it's evil powers...resolutely she headed south...somehow drawn, and...somehow pushed...
Yshania half closed her eyes and instinctively moved...practising what Thantor had taught her, she lowered her mental bastion and opened her mind to the weave...the pull became stronger, as did a dark yet distracted mocking voice 'At one with the land and it's weave? Druid! ' it spat...Yshania fought the darkness, determined now 'You are weakening!' she pushed back 'Do not be fooled! Druid! ' but it sounded unconvincing...as the black laughter resounded inside her mind, she smiled grimly and carried on...
She could feel the weave's power pulling and pulling, until before long there was a cacophany of protesting screams...throwing up her mental bastions against the noise, she stopped and surveyed her surroundings, she noted she wasn't too far from the keep - and just ahead there was a small copse of trees. She made her way through the brush and, finding a small clearing, started pulling away at the undergrowth...and there it was!...perfectly preserved, an ornate altar!
She leapt up and ran back to the keep, to give the other's the news...
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Guinness, black goes with everything.
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Bloodstalker
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Bloodstalker finished his drink and decided it was about time to head back to meet up with aegis. The more he thought about it, the more he realized he liked the prospect of being away from the keep with all the magic that would likely be flying around.
He considered for a moment thepossiblilty that he may have to track Aegis if the ranger was not at the meeting spot. Not at all sure that he would be up to the task, his thoughts came again to Mysteria. She was a ranger, and Fang would no doubt be a great help if it came to that. And after hearing about her own struggles with magic, he wondered if she would not be willing to leave the keep for awhile herself.
He had felt a sharp pang of fear when Thantor had explained her situation. But the fear had changed when he looked at her and saw the unsureness in her features. He understood what it was like to be forced to avoid people, to have no control over such a powerful aspect of one's Being. He actually had found himself feeling guilty for the fear he had initially harbored when he thought he saw a familiar look of lonliness cross her face. He decided he would ask her. He also decided that he would try to talk to her after this was over.
He played with the notion of inviting Nippy along, but the paladin was still harboring a glare when he looked at BS. BS had to suppress his chuckle.
Mysteria looked up as Bloodstalker walked over to her.
"Would you like to come with me to Meet with Aegis? there may be a chance I will have to find him if he doesn't show, and could probably use a good ranger along."
He paused and smiled for a moment.
"Besides, if I find anymore secret doors, I may need someone to carry me back" he grinned, rubbing the back of his head.
He considered for a moment thepossiblilty that he may have to track Aegis if the ranger was not at the meeting spot. Not at all sure that he would be up to the task, his thoughts came again to Mysteria. She was a ranger, and Fang would no doubt be a great help if it came to that. And after hearing about her own struggles with magic, he wondered if she would not be willing to leave the keep for awhile herself.
He had felt a sharp pang of fear when Thantor had explained her situation. But the fear had changed when he looked at her and saw the unsureness in her features. He understood what it was like to be forced to avoid people, to have no control over such a powerful aspect of one's Being. He actually had found himself feeling guilty for the fear he had initially harbored when he thought he saw a familiar look of lonliness cross her face. He decided he would ask her. He also decided that he would try to talk to her after this was over.
He played with the notion of inviting Nippy along, but the paladin was still harboring a glare when he looked at BS. BS had to suppress his chuckle.
Mysteria looked up as Bloodstalker walked over to her.
"Would you like to come with me to Meet with Aegis? there may be a chance I will have to find him if he doesn't show, and could probably use a good ranger along."
He paused and smiled for a moment.
"Besides, if I find anymore secret doors, I may need someone to carry me back" he grinned, rubbing the back of his head.
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
Mysteria was still staring into her mug, amazed at how easily they had finally accepted her. They really were not just any people. Slowly, her tension wore off some and she settled back, carefully following the ongoing conversation in the room.
Thus absorbed, it took her a moment to realize she was being spoken to by Bloodstalker, asking her if she would come along to look for Aegis, making her smile with his remark about secret tunnels.
She shortly thought about Georgi, but then this was probably more urgent. Also, it would give her an excuse to leave the keep for some time, she needed some almost solitude after so many people.
"I think that outside you will be safe from stumbling through secret doors", she smiled.
So, she gathered up her gear and Fang and herself waited for Bloodstalker to lead the way.
Thus absorbed, it took her a moment to realize she was being spoken to by Bloodstalker, asking her if she would come along to look for Aegis, making her smile with his remark about secret tunnels.
She shortly thought about Georgi, but then this was probably more urgent. Also, it would give her an excuse to leave the keep for some time, she needed some almost solitude after so many people.
"I think that outside you will be safe from stumbling through secret doors", she smiled.
So, she gathered up her gear and Fang and herself waited for Bloodstalker to lead the way.
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."
Vivien sat sipping a bit of the Mulled wine Yshania had made, still trying to figure out why on earth one would heat wine and then add spices. Wine was best served as nature intended, without any sweetening and in large quantities. She eyed the others again, her mind working over the news, trying to come to grips as they bustled around her.
Mysteria was much more than she had seemed, but Viv had seen the vulnerability and felt an urge to protect her and assure her she would be safe. She was gone so quickly with Bloodstalker that Vivien had no chance but to smile in their direction as they left.
T'lainya's news about the weave and power had been confusing, but she was willing to go along with them. She trusted the others judgements, even if it was about things that didn't even seem real to her.
As to the others, arriving so bedraggled, she wondered if Gwally and the others had been mud wrestling without her again. She felt a surge of disappointment that they hadn't invited her, but then chided herself for being selfish.
With determination she stood and went to her room to try to pull her act together. With everyone running as they were, it meant it was time to prepare for battle or worse...
Mysteria was much more than she had seemed, but Viv had seen the vulnerability and felt an urge to protect her and assure her she would be safe. She was gone so quickly with Bloodstalker that Vivien had no chance but to smile in their direction as they left.
T'lainya's news about the weave and power had been confusing, but she was willing to go along with them. She trusted the others judgements, even if it was about things that didn't even seem real to her.
As to the others, arriving so bedraggled, she wondered if Gwally and the others had been mud wrestling without her again. She felt a surge of disappointment that they hadn't invited her, but then chided herself for being selfish.
With determination she stood and went to her room to try to pull her act together. With everyone running as they were, it meant it was time to prepare for battle or worse...
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Bloodstalker
- Posts: 15512
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Hell if I know
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Travelling quickly, BS and Mysteria made their way to the spot where Aegis had told him to meet. The reality that Drow were about set them on edge, and BS found himself constantly scanning the surrounding terrain fo any sign of company.
More than the drow, however, was the thought of the creature who's prints had led towards the keep. He had his own ideas as to what had made the tracks, but he hoped sincerly he was wrong. He had had enough dealings with that sort of beast in the past, and it was truly one of the few things that BS would admit to himself that he feared.
Had they departed the keep a few minutes later, his fear would have been confirmed. Not five minutes after they had passed the stand of trees that kissed the open area around the keep, the demon appeared just at the edge of the clearing, halting and listening intently, as if searching for some hidden voice in the wind.
As the Demon waited outside the keep, BS and Mysteria arrived at the meeting point. There was no sign of Aegis, so BS settled down to wait. After a short while, he began to grow anxious, and saw the same impatience in Mysteria's actions.
More than the drow, however, was the thought of the creature who's prints had led towards the keep. He had his own ideas as to what had made the tracks, but he hoped sincerly he was wrong. He had had enough dealings with that sort of beast in the past, and it was truly one of the few things that BS would admit to himself that he feared.
Had they departed the keep a few minutes later, his fear would have been confirmed. Not five minutes after they had passed the stand of trees that kissed the open area around the keep, the demon appeared just at the edge of the clearing, halting and listening intently, as if searching for some hidden voice in the wind.
As the Demon waited outside the keep, BS and Mysteria arrived at the meeting point. There was no sign of Aegis, so BS settled down to wait. After a short while, he began to grow anxious, and saw the same impatience in Mysteria's actions.
Lord of Lurkers
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
Guess what? I got a fever, and the only prescription is more cowbell!
As she had stepped outside, following Bloodstalker, Mysteria had taken a deep breath of the still brisk morning air. A sudden gladness came to her heart. It had been evil that had driven her here and it was evil that she saw lying ahead, but still she had been more lucky than she had been for a long, long time.
She had finally found people who could accept her as she was, without trying to pry about her magic, become hostile or try to use her. Still, it felt good to be outside again, all those people had been making her more nervous than she had thought. She shook her head as she quickly followed Bloodstalker, she really had to practise being more sociable.
As she followed him, she quickly scanned the trails they came across, reading them like an open book. She paid special attention to the tracks of the summons Bloodstalker had mentioned. She had never seen the like of them before, and all she could say that they had been left by a probably big, bipedal and above all hot creature.
"A firy creature like this walking on snow, it has to feel like that little mermaid of the fairy tales walking on land .... probably doesn't rise its spirits either.", she thought.
They arrived at the spot Bloodstalker had left Aegis and began to wait. Mysteria grew more and more restless, she had the feeling that something was wrong. Especially the summons' tracks disturbed her, she could only hope it had unsummoned before it reached the keep.
She saw that Bloodstalker was equally anxious, so she suggested:
"I think we should go looking for Aegis, he is late isn't he? The sooner we find him, the sooner we can examine those strange tracks, they make me nervous."
She had finally found people who could accept her as she was, without trying to pry about her magic, become hostile or try to use her. Still, it felt good to be outside again, all those people had been making her more nervous than she had thought. She shook her head as she quickly followed Bloodstalker, she really had to practise being more sociable.
As she followed him, she quickly scanned the trails they came across, reading them like an open book. She paid special attention to the tracks of the summons Bloodstalker had mentioned. She had never seen the like of them before, and all she could say that they had been left by a probably big, bipedal and above all hot creature.
"A firy creature like this walking on snow, it has to feel like that little mermaid of the fairy tales walking on land .... probably doesn't rise its spirits either.", she thought.
They arrived at the spot Bloodstalker had left Aegis and began to wait. Mysteria grew more and more restless, she had the feeling that something was wrong. Especially the summons' tracks disturbed her, she could only hope it had unsummoned before it reached the keep.
She saw that Bloodstalker was equally anxious, so she suggested:
"I think we should go looking for Aegis, he is late isn't he? The sooner we find him, the sooner we can examine those strange tracks, they make me nervous."
"All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players."
The ranger staggered backwords, pain and blood rushing to his head. As he recovered his dazed wits, he narrowly managed to dodge an incoming blade. He sprinted to the side, breaking free of the group of drow, and made a break for the tree line. He knew he had no hope of defeating the remaining drow, and made a mad dash back to where he told BS to meet him. As he ran from the group of drow, which were pursueing Aegis like a hound chases a fox, magical explosions rocked the ground. To the side of the fleeing ranger, a large fireball erupted, cindering a tree, and almost sending the elf to the ground. He hoped he was getting close to the meeting point, and that Blood Stalker was there with help...