"How dare you?!" Shouted Connavar, Matti began to interrupt "Conn, hang..."
"No Matti! Leave it yourself! This man has no right to act like he has! How dare you have the gall to insult my God and I?! I gave you respect and was polite and have you returned that respect? Who in Torm's name do you think you are? You walk around here, acting like some kind of hard man? 'I go where I please...' Come on you fool, get serious! What is it with you Elves? Do you think you are above us? Do you think you are better? My sword says different!"
Connavar kicked his chair back and grabbed the hilt of his sword.
The whole tavern went silent and a few nervous coughs from the quieter patrons.
Connavar was not by nature an angry man, but his God was the one thing he knew he could rely on. He was someone he trusted implicitly.
"Do you think you can best me? Do you think that you would beat a man with a God's strength behind him? Do you think that a Paladin is weak?"
Connavar's eyes burned with fire and spittle came out of his mouth. His voice was quiet but there was a force of a God behind it...
"Come then, and meet your death..."
Blades Story Thread
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average joe
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So much for any hopes of a pleasant atmosphere....The second Saien stepped through the entrance of the tavern, he felt a sense of apprehension. Eyes swarmed towards him and his companions, and the gazes were not that of mere intrigue. A dispute was taking place between a sour-faced guard and the barkeep, and the guard's partner was eyeing Saien's party. Sizing them up it seemed. The guard realized he had been noticed, and directed his attention back towards the bar. The entire situation was odd.
Saien wished that was the worst of it, as at least the barmaid had a pleasant figure. But he now looked upon a changed Connavar. Saien had figured Connavar to have the most sense between he and Matti, but the paladin now stood enraged before Bel, threatening the odd Elf with his sword. True, Bel's words had been more than a little harsh, but Saien could shrug off such things. Connavar obviously took exception to them, however, and Saien was glad he was not on the receiving end of the fury he directed towards Bel.
Nevertheless, a duel here in the middle of a strange tavern would not solve anything, and Matti's attempt to calm Connavar had no effect. Saien opened his mind towards both Connavar and Bel, and let the peace he felt flow amongst them. Casting Calm Emotions on the paladin and the elf, Saien hoped the two were not beyond reason.
The two guards were now approaching the scene, hands on hilts, but Saien directed all his focus towards calming the man and elf before him.
Saien wished that was the worst of it, as at least the barmaid had a pleasant figure. But he now looked upon a changed Connavar. Saien had figured Connavar to have the most sense between he and Matti, but the paladin now stood enraged before Bel, threatening the odd Elf with his sword. True, Bel's words had been more than a little harsh, but Saien could shrug off such things. Connavar obviously took exception to them, however, and Saien was glad he was not on the receiving end of the fury he directed towards Bel.
Nevertheless, a duel here in the middle of a strange tavern would not solve anything, and Matti's attempt to calm Connavar had no effect. Saien opened his mind towards both Connavar and Bel, and let the peace he felt flow amongst them. Casting Calm Emotions on the paladin and the elf, Saien hoped the two were not beyond reason.
The two guards were now approaching the scene, hands on hilts, but Saien directed all his focus towards calming the man and elf before him.
Totino's party pizzas rock! All a college kid needs to get by....
A cool breeze floated through Connavar's mind and the weight of aggression was lifted. He let go of the hilt of his sword and slumped down on his seat. He looked up at Bel and stared grimly at him. His voice was low but the tone was not lost on the Elf.
"If I hear you make one more comment about my or anyone elses religion I swear, so help me Torm, that I will string you up where you stand and leave your corpse for the carrion crawlers to eat. You should learn some manners..."
Connavar turned to Matti.
"I'm sorry for my outburst my friend, I didn't mean it, you should know what I'm like about my faith though..."
"It is nothing my friend. You should be proud of your devotion..."
Conn then whispered to Saien.
"I thank you my friend. I know what you did and I thank you for not letting me spill innocent blood this day..." He smiled and thanked Saien again.
"Now then! Onto this broach. Why don't you start answering some questions instead of asking them?" The sarcasm was obvious in Conn's voice...
"If I hear you make one more comment about my or anyone elses religion I swear, so help me Torm, that I will string you up where you stand and leave your corpse for the carrion crawlers to eat. You should learn some manners..."
Connavar turned to Matti.
"I'm sorry for my outburst my friend, I didn't mean it, you should know what I'm like about my faith though..."
"It is nothing my friend. You should be proud of your devotion..."
Conn then whispered to Saien.
"I thank you my friend. I know what you did and I thank you for not letting me spill innocent blood this day..." He smiled and thanked Saien again.
"Now then! Onto this broach. Why don't you start answering some questions instead of asking them?" The sarcasm was obvious in Conn's voice...
Perverteer Paladin
Rail nodded at the apology of Conn, even as he hated the man's temper and loss of control. It would be his downfall yet. How was he supposed to protect the man, if he kept going off at mere comments, no matter how offensive they were. What had the priests seen, so many months ago?
Matti knew. Mattias Il-Amin was no idiot, no matter how jovial he appeared. He turned toward the elf.
"You are a fool! You are obviously in need of friends, judging from your reception we saw here. You finally meet some who are ready to accept you and treat you with respect, and you scoff at their very beliefs. So, you think the gods are distant and care not for humanity. You think their followers are leeches, only living off the power of a divine being. That is your right! You will find, however, that there are many like me who simply believe. I do not merely rely on my god. He has granted me gifts, but should he take them away if I ever gave him cause, I would still be quite capable. You will come to learn this sooner or later, either from one whom you've offended," he said, nodding to Connavar, "or from one you've abandoned," pointing toward the heavens.
"You may judge by appearances. I will not. I will disregard any offensive words and continue judging you based on your actions. I am neither offended by your comments, nor angered that you do not have the same view as me. You don't know what I know. How can I condemn you for that?"
Matti turned to Connavar. "And you! You need to remember your vows. Bloodshed does not come first, but as a last resort. Your beliefs are not shaken by any elven tongue. And your honor remains intact thanks to Saien the Levelheaded."
The young paladin turned toward the barmaid who now stood several steps back from the table, a frightened look crossed her face. "I apologize you had to witness that, m'lady. They're not usually so cross and droll." Matti motioned in the direction of Bel and Conn. The barmaid grew a sly smile, as if she began to think this may have been planned all along.
Matti then turned toward the approaching guards and crowd, and with an arrogant smirk he loudly proclaimed, "It's alright, folks. Everything's okay. We've got it all under ontrol."
Several in the crowd chuckled and returned to their drinks, but the guards frowned and continued toward the group.
Matti knew. Mattias Il-Amin was no idiot, no matter how jovial he appeared. He turned toward the elf.
"You are a fool! You are obviously in need of friends, judging from your reception we saw here. You finally meet some who are ready to accept you and treat you with respect, and you scoff at their very beliefs. So, you think the gods are distant and care not for humanity. You think their followers are leeches, only living off the power of a divine being. That is your right! You will find, however, that there are many like me who simply believe. I do not merely rely on my god. He has granted me gifts, but should he take them away if I ever gave him cause, I would still be quite capable. You will come to learn this sooner or later, either from one whom you've offended," he said, nodding to Connavar, "or from one you've abandoned," pointing toward the heavens.
"You may judge by appearances. I will not. I will disregard any offensive words and continue judging you based on your actions. I am neither offended by your comments, nor angered that you do not have the same view as me. You don't know what I know. How can I condemn you for that?"
Matti turned to Connavar. "And you! You need to remember your vows. Bloodshed does not come first, but as a last resort. Your beliefs are not shaken by any elven tongue. And your honor remains intact thanks to Saien the Levelheaded."
The young paladin turned toward the barmaid who now stood several steps back from the table, a frightened look crossed her face. "I apologize you had to witness that, m'lady. They're not usually so cross and droll." Matti motioned in the direction of Bel and Conn. The barmaid grew a sly smile, as if she began to think this may have been planned all along.
Matti then turned toward the approaching guards and crowd, and with an arrogant smirk he loudly proclaimed, "It's alright, folks. Everything's okay. We've got it all under ontrol."
Several in the crowd chuckled and returned to their drinks, but the guards frowned and continued toward the group.
Matti Il-Amin, Paladin, comedian, and expert adventurer. Proudly bearing the colors of the [url="http://www.svelmoe.dk/blade/index.htm"]Blades of the Banshee[/url]
Excuse my interruption... i merely wish to know if you guys eventually could patch this story togheter. IMO it would be much better to read as a whole, rather then fragments.
Great story btw
Great story btw
"The measure of our hearts is taken by the kindness we show to the least of our brethren."
- Keldorn, Paladin of Torm
"Alea iacta est"
"The die is cast"
- Keldorn, Paladin of Torm
"Alea iacta est"
"The die is cast"
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average joe
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Well Mr. Impatience,
Since we're making this story up as we go it's kinda hard to put it all together. We're each writing our own parts. It's supposed to be drawn out to give all you guys something to look forward to. Ya know, kinda help draw all of us closer together as Blades of the Banshee and all that.
Maybe later on after we've been writing for some time we'll go back and edit it all and put it together in one volume, but that's a ways off if it even happens.
Since we're making this story up as we go
it's kinda hard to put it all together. We're each writing our own parts. It's supposed to be drawn out to give all you guys something to look forward to. Ya know, kinda help draw all of us closer together as Blades of the Banshee and all that.Maybe later on after we've been writing for some time we'll go back and edit it all and put it together in one volume, but that's a ways off if it even happens.
Totino's party pizzas rock! All a college kid needs to get by....
Well, what a strange day it had been today for the young bard.
He had been chased by mobs, threatened twice by an elf and now witnessed a slip in emotions by a hot-headed paladin. And to make matters worse, the one they called Matti began inquiring about his family name.
He sighed as he knew what would often happen. It was beginning to become too much cliched for his liking, as usual an adventurer would stumble into town, find a lead about the Khans. And would then disappear during the night. Never to be seen again. And now there was all this talk, of a brooch and the Blades? He had heard of the Blades, for he knew through journals and such that his family had played a part during their final days. He had sought to redeem his families name by finding out what actual role they had played. He was certain, that the Khans may of held some malice towards the Blades and contributed to their downfall. But he kept this to himself, for he knew of troubles that would arise should he share his secret. He decided that he would like to live for the next few days, and maybe then tell them. Then he sensed it....
For if Tamerlane had to choose one trait above all else, to trust his life with. It would of been his intuition, like a cat his instinctively sensed danger. However unlike the warriors he was not focused on the guards. For the guards, whilst watching the antics of the fighters had noticed suspicious movements beyond the windows which lay behind the party. Tamerlane knew of this, for he too sensed the agile speed and determination which can only come, from spending almost a lifetime of training in the Eastern Lands. He knew the servants of the Great Khan were always watching him and he also knew that they would not risk his association with tempremental fighters. He remembered before of the travellers, and of how they commented on his speed. Well now they would see him in full flight. Not wanting to witness a poisoned knife piercing the back of his new comrades.
He did what was becoming almost natural for him. He flung himself out of the windows towards the assassins, knowing full well that they would not attack him. With agility and speed which was far greater then his, the assassins stepped out of his path, one grabbed him off the ground. Whilst the other two entered the bar, determined to complete their orders. With a shrill cry, Tamerlane alerted his comrades to his troubled situation as he was carried through the back streets.
He had been chased by mobs, threatened twice by an elf and now witnessed a slip in emotions by a hot-headed paladin. And to make matters worse, the one they called Matti began inquiring about his family name.
He sighed as he knew what would often happen. It was beginning to become too much cliched for his liking, as usual an adventurer would stumble into town, find a lead about the Khans. And would then disappear during the night. Never to be seen again. And now there was all this talk, of a brooch and the Blades? He had heard of the Blades, for he knew through journals and such that his family had played a part during their final days. He had sought to redeem his families name by finding out what actual role they had played. He was certain, that the Khans may of held some malice towards the Blades and contributed to their downfall. But he kept this to himself, for he knew of troubles that would arise should he share his secret. He decided that he would like to live for the next few days, and maybe then tell them. Then he sensed it....
For if Tamerlane had to choose one trait above all else, to trust his life with. It would of been his intuition, like a cat his instinctively sensed danger. However unlike the warriors he was not focused on the guards. For the guards, whilst watching the antics of the fighters had noticed suspicious movements beyond the windows which lay behind the party. Tamerlane knew of this, for he too sensed the agile speed and determination which can only come, from spending almost a lifetime of training in the Eastern Lands. He knew the servants of the Great Khan were always watching him and he also knew that they would not risk his association with tempremental fighters. He remembered before of the travellers, and of how they commented on his speed. Well now they would see him in full flight. Not wanting to witness a poisoned knife piercing the back of his new comrades.
He did what was becoming almost natural for him. He flung himself out of the windows towards the assassins, knowing full well that they would not attack him. With agility and speed which was far greater then his, the assassins stepped out of his path, one grabbed him off the ground. Whilst the other two entered the bar, determined to complete their orders. With a shrill cry, Tamerlane alerted his comrades to his troubled situation as he was carried through the back streets.
!
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average joe
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Saien was just as surprised as his comrades when Tamerlane raced past the group and threw himself out a window.
"The man's gone loony!" Matti exclaimed. No sooner had Saien rushed to the window to see Tamerlane being carted off yelling, than the tavern door crashed open behind him. The entrance of two grim men, very alike Tamerlane in appearance, and the drawing of swords brought screams from the various patrons located throughout the tavern. The guard who had stood closest to the door, eyeing the group when they first entered, went down with a dagger in his throat. Quick reflexes kept a dagger from Saien's own heart, placing it instead in his upper arm.
He grunted as he landed to the floor. The man rushing Saien suddenly froze in place, held by magic. Another dagger was just at the point of release in the held assassin's hand. Lying as he was, Saien would not have escaped that second blade. He tried to rise and meet the remaining assassin, but he fell again to the ground, weak and unable to support himself. Pulling the blade from his shoulder with a stifled moan, he noticed a strange substance mixed with his blood on the steel. His vision clouded and his heart pounded.
"The man's gone loony!" Matti exclaimed. No sooner had Saien rushed to the window to see Tamerlane being carted off yelling, than the tavern door crashed open behind him. The entrance of two grim men, very alike Tamerlane in appearance, and the drawing of swords brought screams from the various patrons located throughout the tavern. The guard who had stood closest to the door, eyeing the group when they first entered, went down with a dagger in his throat. Quick reflexes kept a dagger from Saien's own heart, placing it instead in his upper arm.
He grunted as he landed to the floor. The man rushing Saien suddenly froze in place, held by magic. Another dagger was just at the point of release in the held assassin's hand. Lying as he was, Saien would not have escaped that second blade. He tried to rise and meet the remaining assassin, but he fell again to the ground, weak and unable to support himself. Pulling the blade from his shoulder with a stifled moan, he noticed a strange substance mixed with his blood on the steel. His vision clouded and his heart pounded.
Totino's party pizzas rock! All a college kid needs to get by....
"What in the name of..." Connavar was amazed at the speed of actions of the group. Tamerlane had jumped out of a window and Saien was now lying on the floor. His eyelids flickered and the wound on his arm began to burn. Bel moved towards the assassins that had just entered the romm and Connavar noticed one stood stiff, held in his stance. Bel made short work of the other one, while Matti knocked the held assassin unconscious with a powerful fist to the face.
Moving to Saien, Connavar casted the spell Detect Poison and he was overwhelmed with the strength of it. A successful cast of Delay Poison would slow it down for a few hours but he had to get him to a temple. Tamerlane gone and Saien out of action, the group was split. The only remaining people were Bel Haladrin, the c0cky elf, Matti and Connavar himself. The guard that had been harassing the bartender was nowhere to be seen.
"Matti, I suggest you try and follow Tamerlane with Bel here. If he really wants his money back he can go and earn it." Matti nodded and the Elf glared at Connavar but followed swiftly. Matti's past made him the perfect tail.
Connavar grunted and hefted Saien on his shoulder. On his entrance to the town he noticed a small temple of Ilmater. That would be his best choice. In a feat of strength he grabbed the immobile attacker by the collar and dragged him along through the door.
A couple of beggars were standing outside the door and Connavar shouted at them to grab the man.
"Whats it worth to ya then mate?"
"5 silvers each! Now get it done!" They scurried up to the immobile man and hefted him under the armpits.
Connavar set off for the temple and the beggars were as good as their word. They arrived at the temple and left the man on a seat nearby the door.
"Here's your coin. Stay by the inn. I may need some help later..."
They looked at each other and scurried off to the inn to spend their earned cash.
Connavar walked into the temple and called out for a priest. A bustling sound came from the back and a tall thin man came out of a recess. He looked at Saien and beckoned for Connavar to follow with the poisoned man. Connavar laid him on the bed, and then brought the assassin in, laying him on another bed. He could keep an eye on him and hopefully get some answers from him when the man came to.
While the priest was tending to Saien, Connavar wondered how Matti and Bel were getting on...
Moving to Saien, Connavar casted the spell Detect Poison and he was overwhelmed with the strength of it. A successful cast of Delay Poison would slow it down for a few hours but he had to get him to a temple. Tamerlane gone and Saien out of action, the group was split. The only remaining people were Bel Haladrin, the c0cky elf, Matti and Connavar himself. The guard that had been harassing the bartender was nowhere to be seen.
"Matti, I suggest you try and follow Tamerlane with Bel here. If he really wants his money back he can go and earn it." Matti nodded and the Elf glared at Connavar but followed swiftly. Matti's past made him the perfect tail.
Connavar grunted and hefted Saien on his shoulder. On his entrance to the town he noticed a small temple of Ilmater. That would be his best choice. In a feat of strength he grabbed the immobile attacker by the collar and dragged him along through the door.
A couple of beggars were standing outside the door and Connavar shouted at them to grab the man.
"Whats it worth to ya then mate?"
"5 silvers each! Now get it done!" They scurried up to the immobile man and hefted him under the armpits.
Connavar set off for the temple and the beggars were as good as their word. They arrived at the temple and left the man on a seat nearby the door.
"Here's your coin. Stay by the inn. I may need some help later..."
They looked at each other and scurried off to the inn to spend their earned cash.
Connavar walked into the temple and called out for a priest. A bustling sound came from the back and a tall thin man came out of a recess. He looked at Saien and beckoned for Connavar to follow with the poisoned man. Connavar laid him on the bed, and then brought the assassin in, laying him on another bed. He could keep an eye on him and hopefully get some answers from him when the man came to.
While the priest was tending to Saien, Connavar wondered how Matti and Bel were getting on...
Perverteer Paladin
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wolven86
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o0O That damn fool paladin he cannot understand what has happened to me what i have sufferedO0o
The last assassin threw his dagger at Bel yet it simply glanced off his armour. With a quick flash of a dagger the assassin fell to the ground his throat slashed. Bel stooped and thrust his dagger through the assassin's temple just to make sure of death before he calmly walked out of the tavern.
Sprinting after Matti he noticed the last assassin struggling under the weight of Tamerlane while he tried to evade Matti, noticing the assassin duck into a alleyway, Bel signalled Matti to continue the chase while Bel attempted to cut off the attacker. Ducking into a different alley Bel cut across to the next street and sprinted towards the entrance to the alleyway the attacker had just ducked into. No one appeared, the assassin was not coming. Bel glanced down the alley and only saw Matti appear at the other end.
Matti called out "Where is he???"
"I don't know he didn't come out of this end, see if you can find any tracks"
"They seem to stop midway down the alley! Look for a door."
Bel and Matti examine the walls around where the tracks stopped, Bel was peering closely at the cracks in the mortar of the wall, when suddenly he exclaimed,
"Theres a door here, but I can't find a way to open it!"
"Try and force it."
"It wont move, lets take a run up."
They moved as far back as possible before running into the wall/door shoulder first, a large crack in the wall showed, they tried again and the door gave spilling both of them into a long passageway.
"Come on after him" Bel shouted as he began moving quickly down the passageway.
Matti cursed the elfs rashness but still ran after him if a little more cautiously.
The last assassin threw his dagger at Bel yet it simply glanced off his armour. With a quick flash of a dagger the assassin fell to the ground his throat slashed. Bel stooped and thrust his dagger through the assassin's temple just to make sure of death before he calmly walked out of the tavern.
Sprinting after Matti he noticed the last assassin struggling under the weight of Tamerlane while he tried to evade Matti, noticing the assassin duck into a alleyway, Bel signalled Matti to continue the chase while Bel attempted to cut off the attacker. Ducking into a different alley Bel cut across to the next street and sprinted towards the entrance to the alleyway the attacker had just ducked into. No one appeared, the assassin was not coming. Bel glanced down the alley and only saw Matti appear at the other end.
Matti called out "Where is he???"
"I don't know he didn't come out of this end, see if you can find any tracks"
"They seem to stop midway down the alley! Look for a door."
Bel and Matti examine the walls around where the tracks stopped, Bel was peering closely at the cracks in the mortar of the wall, when suddenly he exclaimed,
"Theres a door here, but I can't find a way to open it!"
"Try and force it."
"It wont move, lets take a run up."
They moved as far back as possible before running into the wall/door shoulder first, a large crack in the wall showed, they tried again and the door gave spilling both of them into a long passageway.
"Come on after him" Bel shouted as he began moving quickly down the passageway.
Matti cursed the elfs rashness but still ran after him if a little more cautiously.
Bel Haladrin - paranoid elven fighter - proud member of The Blades of the Banshee
Hilden moved from shadow to shadow, trailing the large Paladin who carried two men. A strong one he must be, Hilden thought to himself, And no doubt a talented fighter with that sword strapped to his back.
Hilden had left the bartender and retreated to the shadows when the two Khan assassins had entered the room. He knew he was not their target and had no wish to be at odd with such formidable opponents. His fool partner had not been so quick, taking a dagger in the throat for standing in the way. Hilden had never liked the man anyways, but these Khan assassins were quickly becoming a nuisance. He would have to deal with them at a later time, but at the moment his attention was focused on the strange party that had assembled in the tavern. They, too, must be quite formidable having faired as well as they did against the Eastern assassins.
He had observed the first two leave, fast on the tracks of Tamerlane Khan, and he had also seen the largest pick up both the assassin and the man’s comrade, who had taken a dagger in the arm, no doubt poisoned.
He now stalked the man, watching him, looking for weaknesses. The paladin was right handed and walked with that stronger foot, so Hilden would try to keep to the left-hand side putting the big man at a disadvantage.
He followed the paladin to the temple, and crept inside, keeping out of sight. Hilden only wanted to send a warning, though he doubted it would be sufficient. When he had the chance, he calmly stepped up behind the large man, hitting him on the back of the head with the hilt of his sword. Enough to knock him out, but not cause any harm. He took the typical measures, rubbing some ash on the mans forehead and he also took the time to scribble a quick note:
Hilden tied up the loose strings and left the temple.
********
Connavar woke up with a pounding head. He was outside in the main church room and he got up quickly. He ran through to check on Saien and found him sitting up rubbing his arm gingerly.
"Are you ok Saien?" Asked Connavar.
"I should be asking you that! You look as if you’ve been hit by a hammer! Whats that on your forehead?"
Saien got down and walked towards Connavar. The normally mild-mannered man took on a ferocious emotion. His eyes blazed and his mouth twisted into a furious snarl.
"They... They are here! Connavar we must get them... We must... We must get them. They'll get me but I'll stop them. We will stop them. Will you help me?"
"Slow down Saien! Who is this ‘they’? What are they? You must tell me if I am to help!"
Hilden had left the bartender and retreated to the shadows when the two Khan assassins had entered the room. He knew he was not their target and had no wish to be at odd with such formidable opponents. His fool partner had not been so quick, taking a dagger in the throat for standing in the way. Hilden had never liked the man anyways, but these Khan assassins were quickly becoming a nuisance. He would have to deal with them at a later time, but at the moment his attention was focused on the strange party that had assembled in the tavern. They, too, must be quite formidable having faired as well as they did against the Eastern assassins.
He had observed the first two leave, fast on the tracks of Tamerlane Khan, and he had also seen the largest pick up both the assassin and the man’s comrade, who had taken a dagger in the arm, no doubt poisoned.
He now stalked the man, watching him, looking for weaknesses. The paladin was right handed and walked with that stronger foot, so Hilden would try to keep to the left-hand side putting the big man at a disadvantage.
He followed the paladin to the temple, and crept inside, keeping out of sight. Hilden only wanted to send a warning, though he doubted it would be sufficient. When he had the chance, he calmly stepped up behind the large man, hitting him on the back of the head with the hilt of his sword. Enough to knock him out, but not cause any harm. He took the typical measures, rubbing some ash on the mans forehead and he also took the time to scribble a quick note:
You seem to think that you can walk around here unchecked. You think wrong. Look in a mirror and you shall know your enemy. Your actions have already affected our numbers, and for this you are marked with death. You should be careful in the future, and leave while you can, or we will make that mark. This is your first and final warning.
Hilden tied up the loose strings and left the temple.
********
Connavar woke up with a pounding head. He was outside in the main church room and he got up quickly. He ran through to check on Saien and found him sitting up rubbing his arm gingerly.
"Are you ok Saien?" Asked Connavar.
"I should be asking you that! You look as if you’ve been hit by a hammer! Whats that on your forehead?"
Saien got down and walked towards Connavar. The normally mild-mannered man took on a ferocious emotion. His eyes blazed and his mouth twisted into a furious snarl.
"They... They are here! Connavar we must get them... We must... We must get them. They'll get me but I'll stop them. We will stop them. Will you help me?"
"Slow down Saien! Who is this ‘they’? What are they? You must tell me if I am to help!"
Perverteer Paladin
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average joe
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"The Ash Hand!" Saien answered. He quickly lowered his voice and looked around to be sure no one could hear his words. Flaming hell! Had they come here searching for him? No, that was a foolish thought. He was a nobody to them, just a rogue who had plied his trade on the wrong territory. No doubt if he walked up to an assassin of the Ash Hand and declared his state of affairs with the organization, a very bloody fight would ensue, but they would not come all this way for him. Suddenly recognition hit him.
"That guard at the Blue Lotus, the one harassing the barkeep! His two fingers on his right hand, they had ash on them! It is used as a mark by the Ash Hand of Soberdan. The same mark now on your forehead. What happened at the tavern?"
Connavar answered, "The second of the assassins at the tavern was slain by Bel. He and Matti then went off in search of Tamerlane, while I brought you and him here to the temple."
Saien looked over to the man lying on the table in the room. It was the assassin he had held, only the man’s throat was slit, his eyes wide. Saien looked to Connavar, and could tell the paladin was surprised by this turn of events. “No doubt for the death of the other guard at the tavern,” Saien replied, Connavar nodding in agreement. “We seem to be leaving quite a few bodies in our wake,” Saien said with remorse. “Even if this man meant us harm, I do not like seeing human life treated like this.” Connavar only looked on, and Saien wondered what his large friend was thinking. He then looked to his now healed shoulder. "Thanks," he said to Connavar.
"You would do as much for me,” Connavar entreated. “When we arrived here at the temple, I stood in wait outside this room while you rested. I awoke on the floor just moments ago with a pounding headache and this note,” he said, handing Saien the note. “But as to this Ash Hand...how do you know so much about them? What do you mean they will 'get you?' "
Saien felt uncomfortable under Connavar's gaze. His past was something he felt ashamed for, but it would do no good to keep secrets from those he must work with. Saien told Connavar of his younger days. He told of how he had survived as a thief, taking what he needed to survive and moving from village to village. He then recounted his Soberdan experiences. How his repeated acts of thievery had angered the Ash Hand, the ruling thief guild of Soberdan. Saien had been forced to flee, and he had gone into hiding with a group of traveling clerics, the same he had left only yesterday.
"We must find out what they are doing here in Arberdan," Saien said with determination. "It can't be good, whatever it is. With your help I'd like to settle an old score." At that Saien grinned mischieviously.
"We'll see what there is to be done once Matti and Bel get back. We should wait at the tavern for them."
"That guard at the Blue Lotus, the one harassing the barkeep! His two fingers on his right hand, they had ash on them! It is used as a mark by the Ash Hand of Soberdan. The same mark now on your forehead. What happened at the tavern?"
Connavar answered, "The second of the assassins at the tavern was slain by Bel. He and Matti then went off in search of Tamerlane, while I brought you and him here to the temple."
Saien looked over to the man lying on the table in the room. It was the assassin he had held, only the man’s throat was slit, his eyes wide. Saien looked to Connavar, and could tell the paladin was surprised by this turn of events. “No doubt for the death of the other guard at the tavern,” Saien replied, Connavar nodding in agreement. “We seem to be leaving quite a few bodies in our wake,” Saien said with remorse. “Even if this man meant us harm, I do not like seeing human life treated like this.” Connavar only looked on, and Saien wondered what his large friend was thinking. He then looked to his now healed shoulder. "Thanks," he said to Connavar.
"You would do as much for me,” Connavar entreated. “When we arrived here at the temple, I stood in wait outside this room while you rested. I awoke on the floor just moments ago with a pounding headache and this note,” he said, handing Saien the note. “But as to this Ash Hand...how do you know so much about them? What do you mean they will 'get you?' "
Saien felt uncomfortable under Connavar's gaze. His past was something he felt ashamed for, but it would do no good to keep secrets from those he must work with. Saien told Connavar of his younger days. He told of how he had survived as a thief, taking what he needed to survive and moving from village to village. He then recounted his Soberdan experiences. How his repeated acts of thievery had angered the Ash Hand, the ruling thief guild of Soberdan. Saien had been forced to flee, and he had gone into hiding with a group of traveling clerics, the same he had left only yesterday.
"We must find out what they are doing here in Arberdan," Saien said with determination. "It can't be good, whatever it is. With your help I'd like to settle an old score." At that Saien grinned mischieviously.
"We'll see what there is to be done once Matti and Bel get back. We should wait at the tavern for them."
Totino's party pizzas rock! All a college kid needs to get by....
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average joe
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All right. To everyone reading or writing on this story: There has been some confusion of facts, which we are currently working out. Once we decide the best way to edit these, we will do so in our previous posts and let you know that the changes have been made. Thanks, and I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far.
Totino's party pizzas rock! All a college kid needs to get by....
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wolven86
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The corridor broke out into a large circular room, at the opposite side to the corridor the final assassin was busy hammering on the door.
"Let me in, I have the one we want, they're chasing me, let me in, before they catch up" he shouted frantically
There was no answer.
Bel could see Tamerlane slumped against the wall already with a large bruise forming on the side of his head and plainly unconcious.
Motioning to Matti to grad Tamerlane both of them spread out to come at the assassin from two sides. Suddenly the assassin span round and noticed them sidling round the walss of the room, with a yell he drew out two daggers and flung them at Bel and Matti but in his rush neither found their mark, and both ricocheted off the walls.
Noticing the assassin was briefly without weapons drawn Bel rushed towards him trying to hold him in a bearhug of a grip.
"Matti knock him out"
However the assassin was stronger than he looked and he struggled while in Bel's grasp, finally the assassin managed to draw out another dagger and made a slash at Bel's face. The blow struck just above Bel's eye slashing deep all the way to the bone, but at that point Matti's blow struck stunnign the assassin slightly, his strength ebbing away from the slash with the knife Bel allowed the assassin to get free, and slumped to his knee's.
The assassin recovered quickly and sprang after Matti, who was trying to back away to allow himself enough room to use his sword. Knives twirled and span in the assassins hands as he leapt upon Matti bearing him to the ground, trying to find a chink in the paladins armour.
Blood filling his eyes Bel struggled back to his feet and staggered towards the frantic sounds coming from his left, lashing out with the last weapon he had in his hands the spiked gauntlet came down on the back of the head of the assassin crushing his skull to a pulp and killing him instantly.
"Let me in, I have the one we want, they're chasing me, let me in, before they catch up" he shouted frantically
There was no answer.
Bel could see Tamerlane slumped against the wall already with a large bruise forming on the side of his head and plainly unconcious.
Motioning to Matti to grad Tamerlane both of them spread out to come at the assassin from two sides. Suddenly the assassin span round and noticed them sidling round the walss of the room, with a yell he drew out two daggers and flung them at Bel and Matti but in his rush neither found their mark, and both ricocheted off the walls.
Noticing the assassin was briefly without weapons drawn Bel rushed towards him trying to hold him in a bearhug of a grip.
"Matti knock him out"
However the assassin was stronger than he looked and he struggled while in Bel's grasp, finally the assassin managed to draw out another dagger and made a slash at Bel's face. The blow struck just above Bel's eye slashing deep all the way to the bone, but at that point Matti's blow struck stunnign the assassin slightly, his strength ebbing away from the slash with the knife Bel allowed the assassin to get free, and slumped to his knee's.
The assassin recovered quickly and sprang after Matti, who was trying to back away to allow himself enough room to use his sword. Knives twirled and span in the assassins hands as he leapt upon Matti bearing him to the ground, trying to find a chink in the paladins armour.
Blood filling his eyes Bel struggled back to his feet and staggered towards the frantic sounds coming from his left, lashing out with the last weapon he had in his hands the spiked gauntlet came down on the back of the head of the assassin crushing his skull to a pulp and killing him instantly.
Bel Haladrin - paranoid elven fighter - proud member of The Blades of the Banshee
The assassin charged and Matti smiled. He knew it wasn't very paladin-like to enjoy such things, but he couldn't help himself. The adrenaline always got the best of him in such situations.
Matti's blade was pushed aside by the dagger-wielding assassin as he leapt upon the smaller man, bearing Matti to the ground, though leaving a large gash on the assassin's arm. But Matti was quicker than the assassin, dropping his prized rapier and grasping the ugly thief on both wrists, preventing any power behind a thrust from either hand. The two rolled back forth, trying to get the upper hand. The assassin was stronger but the paladin was quicker and better skilled. Unfortunately, this was quickly turning into a contest of strength.
Matti was pushed to his back, and the other man grimaced in triumph! But it was short lived. Matti slammed his forehead sharply into the assassin's sneer. He felt the nose crumple from the impact. One hand dropped a dagger as it reflexively tried to fend off another attack from the wiley paladin. For the first time, Matti noticed the man had darker skin, similar to his own. He hailed from Soberdan, most likely.
Matti quickly grasped the fallen dagger, intending to place it on the other man's neck and force him to calm down.
Suddenly, the man's head was jolted forward and his body went limp, crumpling forward. The second dagger fell from lifeless hands.
Matti twisted out from under the body and leapt to his feet, grime covered dagger in hand. Bel stood over the assassin staring blankly at his spiked gauntlet dripping with blood. Matti nodded in thanks as the adrenaline still coursed through his veins. He knew he should feel remorse at the death of the assassin, no matter how bad the man had been, but he rarely felt the sorrow he thought a paladin should feel. "Does that make me a bad person?", Matti thought for the hundreth. He still didn't know. He picked up his rapier and slid it back into his scabbard.
His thoughts returned to the bard Tamerlane, and he rushed over to the man. He was relieved to see the bard was unconscious, but not hurt too badly. Lathander was indeed watching them this day.
Turning to the elf, Matti saw him trying to tend to the cut over his eye. He knew the elf's aversion to divine powers; he had been tactlessly clear about that, but they both would need their strength should any reinforcements show up. Matti was surprised at this elf. From what Matti knew, elves were supposed to be slender and quick, but this elf was a heavier build than Matti, though the paladin was a bit quicker. Bel would definitely have be the one to carry the young "Khan" out of passage. if they were going to make it withough a rest or two. So much for stereotypes, Matti thought. He had met so few elves to form his own opinion.
Matti pulled out a clean cloth, his waterbag, and a small vial of ointment and approached the young elf. "I can help that, if you'll permit it, but it would be quicker and easier if you'd allow me to simply heal it." He waited for the sharp-tongued elf's response.
Matti's blade was pushed aside by the dagger-wielding assassin as he leapt upon the smaller man, bearing Matti to the ground, though leaving a large gash on the assassin's arm. But Matti was quicker than the assassin, dropping his prized rapier and grasping the ugly thief on both wrists, preventing any power behind a thrust from either hand. The two rolled back forth, trying to get the upper hand. The assassin was stronger but the paladin was quicker and better skilled. Unfortunately, this was quickly turning into a contest of strength.
Matti was pushed to his back, and the other man grimaced in triumph! But it was short lived. Matti slammed his forehead sharply into the assassin's sneer. He felt the nose crumple from the impact. One hand dropped a dagger as it reflexively tried to fend off another attack from the wiley paladin. For the first time, Matti noticed the man had darker skin, similar to his own. He hailed from Soberdan, most likely.
Matti quickly grasped the fallen dagger, intending to place it on the other man's neck and force him to calm down.
Suddenly, the man's head was jolted forward and his body went limp, crumpling forward. The second dagger fell from lifeless hands.
Matti twisted out from under the body and leapt to his feet, grime covered dagger in hand. Bel stood over the assassin staring blankly at his spiked gauntlet dripping with blood. Matti nodded in thanks as the adrenaline still coursed through his veins. He knew he should feel remorse at the death of the assassin, no matter how bad the man had been, but he rarely felt the sorrow he thought a paladin should feel. "Does that make me a bad person?", Matti thought for the hundreth. He still didn't know. He picked up his rapier and slid it back into his scabbard.
His thoughts returned to the bard Tamerlane, and he rushed over to the man. He was relieved to see the bard was unconscious, but not hurt too badly. Lathander was indeed watching them this day.
Turning to the elf, Matti saw him trying to tend to the cut over his eye. He knew the elf's aversion to divine powers; he had been tactlessly clear about that, but they both would need their strength should any reinforcements show up. Matti was surprised at this elf. From what Matti knew, elves were supposed to be slender and quick, but this elf was a heavier build than Matti, though the paladin was a bit quicker. Bel would definitely have be the one to carry the young "Khan" out of passage. if they were going to make it withough a rest or two. So much for stereotypes, Matti thought. He had met so few elves to form his own opinion.
Matti pulled out a clean cloth, his waterbag, and a small vial of ointment and approached the young elf. "I can help that, if you'll permit it, but it would be quicker and easier if you'd allow me to simply heal it." He waited for the sharp-tongued elf's response.
Matti Il-Amin, Paladin, comedian, and expert adventurer. Proudly bearing the colors of the [url="http://www.svelmoe.dk/blade/index.htm"]Blades of the Banshee[/url]
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wolven86
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"I am sorry for my outburst but at time my emotions get the better of me and i say things that i possibly shouldn't, it must be said that i do not trust the gods any longer for what i have suffered but i would not wish to undermine your faith in your god. I will submit to being healed by your spells but I would suggest you check the blade as it may well be poisoned when it struck me i felt my limbs go slack and it was all I could do to stop myself collapse completely, I can feel it flow thorugh my veins as we speak, I will carry Tamerlane but you may end up carrying us both unless you can cure a poison with you spells."
"This dagger is indeed poisoned and I can only slow the poison, but first i will see to your cut" Matti spoke calmly
The air around Matti glowed as he called on his god to help him slow the poison and heal the wounds that Bel had taken, the owund above Bel's eye closed with only a small line to be seen.
"That will do for now let us see what can be done for Tamerlane"
Staggering Bel picked up the recumbant form and began to stride down the corridor wavering slightly.
"Matti keep a watch behind us i don't want something coming up from behind us."
For what seemed like an age they trekked through the dark corridor, and Bel could feel the strength slowly ebbing from his limbs only his sheer force of will kept him going, as they reached the hidden door Bel spoke to Matti,
"We should mark this place as somewhere to investigate more fully when the time comes I am sure that it will provide useful information on the identities of our attackers yet we two alone cannot storm them now, I must also ask you if you know of any houses of healing nearby before I lose the last of my strength and cannot recover"
"I saw a temple of Ilmater on our way into the town they should be able to purge your body"
"My thanks my young friend, lead on"
****
The priest of Ilmater looked at the unlikely pair that now walked through his doorway, an elf staggering under the weight of another man and a paladin an unlikely duo if ever he saw one, it was odd there seemed to be many paladins in the town today not 30 minutes before another had come in with a poisoned man asking for him to be healed. He hoped they would make a generous donation to his coffers so he could continue his work.
He motioned for the elf to set the man down onto the table, and frowned there was nothing seriously wrong with him he had only sustained a blow to the head and would be up and about albeit with a headache in a few hours, he looked closer at the other two there was something wrong with the elf aaah a poison and quite a deadly one at that he could feel it working its evilness all over the elf#s body it was a miracle he had made it to his temple at all.
****
The air glowed briefly and Bel felt the poison drift form his veins if he had still had faith he would have offered up a prayer of thanks but he had been striped of such illusions long ago, nodding his thanks to the priest Bel picked up Tamerlane and began to head for the door.
Matti stopping only to make a donation to the priest followed after saying,
"We should head back to the inn Connoavar will asuredly be waiting for us there"
"I concur it seems to be the best course of action"
****
A short walk later
****
Entering the inn Bel spotted Conn and Saien sitting at a table and walked over to them carefully placing tamerlane in a chair to wait for him to wake up. Bel spoke to Connavar,
"Hello once more, I feel I must apologise for the words i spoke before this situation distracted us it was rash of me and i let my emotions get the better of me and that just because i feel that the gods have deserted me gives me no right to make judgement on others faith and devotion to their order."
"This dagger is indeed poisoned and I can only slow the poison, but first i will see to your cut" Matti spoke calmly
The air around Matti glowed as he called on his god to help him slow the poison and heal the wounds that Bel had taken, the owund above Bel's eye closed with only a small line to be seen.
"That will do for now let us see what can be done for Tamerlane"
Staggering Bel picked up the recumbant form and began to stride down the corridor wavering slightly.
"Matti keep a watch behind us i don't want something coming up from behind us."
For what seemed like an age they trekked through the dark corridor, and Bel could feel the strength slowly ebbing from his limbs only his sheer force of will kept him going, as they reached the hidden door Bel spoke to Matti,
"We should mark this place as somewhere to investigate more fully when the time comes I am sure that it will provide useful information on the identities of our attackers yet we two alone cannot storm them now, I must also ask you if you know of any houses of healing nearby before I lose the last of my strength and cannot recover"
"I saw a temple of Ilmater on our way into the town they should be able to purge your body"
"My thanks my young friend, lead on"
****
The priest of Ilmater looked at the unlikely pair that now walked through his doorway, an elf staggering under the weight of another man and a paladin an unlikely duo if ever he saw one, it was odd there seemed to be many paladins in the town today not 30 minutes before another had come in with a poisoned man asking for him to be healed. He hoped they would make a generous donation to his coffers so he could continue his work.
He motioned for the elf to set the man down onto the table, and frowned there was nothing seriously wrong with him he had only sustained a blow to the head and would be up and about albeit with a headache in a few hours, he looked closer at the other two there was something wrong with the elf aaah a poison and quite a deadly one at that he could feel it working its evilness all over the elf#s body it was a miracle he had made it to his temple at all.
****
The air glowed briefly and Bel felt the poison drift form his veins if he had still had faith he would have offered up a prayer of thanks but he had been striped of such illusions long ago, nodding his thanks to the priest Bel picked up Tamerlane and began to head for the door.
Matti stopping only to make a donation to the priest followed after saying,
"We should head back to the inn Connoavar will asuredly be waiting for us there"
"I concur it seems to be the best course of action"
****
A short walk later
****
Entering the inn Bel spotted Conn and Saien sitting at a table and walked over to them carefully placing tamerlane in a chair to wait for him to wake up. Bel spoke to Connavar,
"Hello once more, I feel I must apologise for the words i spoke before this situation distracted us it was rash of me and i let my emotions get the better of me and that just because i feel that the gods have deserted me gives me no right to make judgement on others faith and devotion to their order."
Bel Haladrin - paranoid elven fighter - proud member of The Blades of the Banshee
"Well then, we are newly met and are on good terms. Friends." Connavar shook the Elf's hands and beckoned him to seat.
Everyone was freshly recovered and fit again. Tamerlane unconcious in a seat, Rail, Connavar, Bel and Saien sat waiting for one to speak.
Matti broke the silent spell.
"Can you tell us of your broach? We need to know of it and any clues of where you got it from will help..."
Everyone was freshly recovered and fit again. Tamerlane unconcious in a seat, Rail, Connavar, Bel and Saien sat waiting for one to speak.
Matti broke the silent spell.
"Can you tell us of your broach? We need to know of it and any clues of where you got it from will help..."
Perverteer Paladin
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wolven86
- Posts: 163
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"My brooch well how can I tell it, it belonged to my father, according to the elders of my settlement, told me he was a high ranking member of an ancient guild now extinct, known as the blades of the Banshee. My father was killed not long after i was born, a few decades later the blades were annihilated, i know not how or why all else i know is just heresay i have picked up since i left my home town or what i have seen for myself, there are demons with horrible glowing red eyes that hunt me unseen hiding in shadows of their own making fliting from darkness into darkness, I have them outrun at the moment but they cannot be far behind. Whats your story and what do you know about the blades?"
Bel Haladrin - paranoid elven fighter - proud member of The Blades of the Banshee
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average joe
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Saien spoke up, "Well, we ourselves have not escaped the notice of these demons you speak of. In fact, we have learned they are hunting us, and all even associated with the Blades of the Banshee. It seems they intend to wipe the name from the face of Argyle. I doubt it is an option for you to forget what you know, even if you were to make such a decision." Saien knew it certainly was not an option for him.
"As for the three of us," Saien said, gesturing towards Connavar and Matti, "we have tied ourselves to obtaining whatever knowledge might be possessed about the Banshees. This act has already brought many repercussions, and I wonder where it will take us."
Saien looked to those around the table, hoping they would speak their minds.
"As for the three of us," Saien said, gesturing towards Connavar and Matti, "we have tied ourselves to obtaining whatever knowledge might be possessed about the Banshees. This act has already brought many repercussions, and I wonder where it will take us."
Saien looked to those around the table, hoping they would speak their minds.
Totino's party pizzas rock! All a college kid needs to get by....