Meanwhile - at the merchant's wagon:
After the small encounter with the kobold tribe Beldin decided to go out scouting. After all they had only a VERY rough idea where they were.
He informed his companions with a short “I’ll be lookin’ round !” and stomped out of the wagon. The now peaceful and quiet forest was exactly what he needed . Sometimes he just wanted to be alone, even if he was having more fun with Eerhardt and Grasshopper than he had had in AGES. He thanked his ancient, and nowadays mostly forgotten, gods, for sending him those two just at the moment when he had thought that he’d seen and done it all. His peculiar gift had given him a greatly extended lifespan , but not the set of mind that one needed to keep his sanity through all those years. He had seen so many of his loved ones wither away and die that he gave his love, or even his friendship only sparingly in those days.
His two friends had pulled him back from the brink of insanity – or even from obliterating himself. They gave him reason to carry on and, most important for a person that had grown sick of life, they had brought fun back into his life.
There remained only one thing….he had not done IT for a long time now….but he felt that the time was as right as it would get to try IT again.
The memory still burned in his mind, and he shied back from the thought of actually doing IT, but if they really had returned to Faerun after all these years he would very probably need IT soon, and he couldn’t let his friends down. That was the thing and the whole of the thing: He had to do IT for his friends.
Beldin looked around and found a massive acorn tree which was perfect for his needs. The ancient hunchback settled down on his heels, let his mind flow “out” of him and reached down into the deepest recesses of his mind. Then he touched IT…he let the image fill his mind, let IT drown out any other coherent thought…all those years seemed to fly away from him…it seemed like yesterday…like today….like….NOW.
He let himself flow into the image that dominated his self….he blurred…and vanished ? The transition was almost instantaneous -and a few seconds later, a blindingly beautiful hawk with blue banded wings took to the air from the now empty patch of moss between the thick roots of the acorn tree.
He felt exalted. IT was even better than he had remembered. Even if that memory included….NO !
“STOP THAT, you silly old fool!” he chided himself. His mind was apruptly brought back to the present, and the business at hand as he heard some voices coming from a clearing in the forest, not too far from the caravan.
As he circled, finally back in the form he considered his “true” one, Beldin could make out the words "crush", "goo" and "bash skulls". This was the favourite vocabulary of a type of creature, that could easily account for the Rolling Thunder's supply of ale. "Ogres", Beldin thought and he returned to alert the others.
A while later, the three were conferring how they could maximize their profits. "How many did you see?", Ode asked. "Well, I counted 5, but there might have been more, scouring the rest of the forest for food. "So that's 5 kegs per Ogre and at least 5 Ogres. At 100 gp per keg, that makes 2,500 gp! Not bad!", Eerhardt replied. "Not bad at all", Beldin and Ode both agreed and the three of them opened up a barrel of purple ale to drink to future profits. It was already around noon, when they were awakened by a loud banging on the Rolling Thunder's door, which almost seemed to crack under the heavy blows…
The Order of the Dark Flame: Book 5. (story, no spam)
Proud driver and SLURRite Linkmaster of the Rolling Thunder ™
Famous Last Words:
"You can't kill me 'cause I've got magic armoraaaaargh !"
"They're only kobolds!"
So he kills kittens? Nothing to fear about that. (CM about Foul on SYM)
"Hey Beldin ! I don't like your face !"
"Nevermore."
Famous Last Words:
"You can't kill me 'cause I've got magic armoraaaaargh !"
"They're only kobolds!"
So he kills kittens? Nothing to fear about that. (CM about Foul on SYM)
"Hey Beldin ! I don't like your face !"
"Nevermore."
Beldin opened the door, barely avoiding a massive morningstar which crushed the wooden boards in front of his feet. A pair of yellow eyes stared down on the hunchbacked sorceror, as the Ogre's thundering voice made all the pints inside the Rolling Thunder chink: "Me will crush… crush you to goo". For a moment, Beldin considered Dire Charming the giant, but thought it only to be a waste of spells. Instead, he relied on the Ogre's intelligence (or lack thereof) and his own cunning mind and started luring the Ogre into a purchase. "Look, man, all this crushing must make you very thirsty. Why don't you have a drink first and then crush whatever you want to?", Beldin spoke meanwhile signalling Ode to pour a cup of Electric Shine Stinger for this beast.
An "Ugh?!"-like grunt and several cups of E.S.S. (one of them laced with a mild dosage of MC²) later, Beldin had tricked the Ogre into buying 5 kegs of purple ale and sending his brothers to purchase some more. "Nice work, Beldin", Eerhardt said, when the Ogre had left. "Yes, my compliments, Beldin", Ode seconded Eerhardt. "Nah, piece of cake with these types. What they have in muscle power, they lack in brain power", Beldin said, "so how're we doing on the ale?" - "still plenty of kegs in the Pocket Plane Basement. We might want to sell some of that black beer, though, we've still got quite some left from that Chauvinist Tea Party", Eerhardt replied.
A while later, there was another loud bashing on the door. "Must be the others", Ode whispered while he lit another spliff. "I'll go get the kegs of black beer out of the basement, then. You talk to them this time", Beldin told Eerhardt as he lit his pipe and disappeared in a puff of apricot-flavoured smoke. "Right", Eerhardt replied and wanted to open the shutter, when Ode told him to wait a moment as he took Swansong and notched an arrow on its bowstring. As Ode nodded his head to Eerhardt, Eerhardt opened the shutter, seeing the Ogre brothers had indeed arrived. As usual, Eerhardt opened with the catch phrase "What'll it be?", only to have his skull almost bashed in by a 3-foot club, had he not ducked. "Now that's the 2nd time in less than 2 days I had to save my face, not counting our little incident back in Sigil", Eerhardt cried out, slowly losing his temper, "and the other group which almost made me lose face didn't live to regret it!" (of course, the fact that the kobolds had spilt shine meant more to Eerhardt than the fact that 3 arrows had almost planted itself in his face, but hey, what did these Ogres know?).
Having a pointy-eared human only half their size talk back to them in this manner, was not without effect on the Ogres. Seeing how the Ogres were taken back by Eerhardt's shouting, Ode slowly lowered his bow, but remained alert to act within a split second if the need should arise. After some thorough negotations - made easier by a lot of MC² and E.S.S. - the Ogre brothers left with no less than 20 kegs of black beer. "You did remember to spike the kegs with MC², Ode?", Eerhardt asked. "Of course", Ode replied, a little indignant that Eerhardt had even asked. "Business as usual then", Beldin retorted. "Business as usual", Ode and Eerhardt replied and the three of them toasted to another perfect sale. "We'd better move quickly before they find out, though", Eerhardt said.
“We’ll see about that”, Beldin rumbled and proceeded to draw the map he had started after his return to “Rolling Thunder”. He felt extremely good after finding out that IT still worked, and it showed. Mostly in his mischieveous grin and the spark in his eyes.
“I’ve seen a main road, or highway, several leagues to the west of our current position. It's running from north to south. And there’s some kind of keep a little off the main road to the north. ” the old sorcerer explained.
“We could temporarily set up shop on the crossing of the main road and the road leading up to the keep. I don’t know the colors they’re flying, and I couldn’t care less to which pompous highborn it belongs, but where there’s a keep, there’s bound to be soldiers” , he smiled broadly, “and nobody likes to drink like a soldier coming off duty !” .
An "Ugh?!"-like grunt and several cups of E.S.S. (one of them laced with a mild dosage of MC²) later, Beldin had tricked the Ogre into buying 5 kegs of purple ale and sending his brothers to purchase some more. "Nice work, Beldin", Eerhardt said, when the Ogre had left. "Yes, my compliments, Beldin", Ode seconded Eerhardt. "Nah, piece of cake with these types. What they have in muscle power, they lack in brain power", Beldin said, "so how're we doing on the ale?" - "still plenty of kegs in the Pocket Plane Basement. We might want to sell some of that black beer, though, we've still got quite some left from that Chauvinist Tea Party", Eerhardt replied.
A while later, there was another loud bashing on the door. "Must be the others", Ode whispered while he lit another spliff. "I'll go get the kegs of black beer out of the basement, then. You talk to them this time", Beldin told Eerhardt as he lit his pipe and disappeared in a puff of apricot-flavoured smoke. "Right", Eerhardt replied and wanted to open the shutter, when Ode told him to wait a moment as he took Swansong and notched an arrow on its bowstring. As Ode nodded his head to Eerhardt, Eerhardt opened the shutter, seeing the Ogre brothers had indeed arrived. As usual, Eerhardt opened with the catch phrase "What'll it be?", only to have his skull almost bashed in by a 3-foot club, had he not ducked. "Now that's the 2nd time in less than 2 days I had to save my face, not counting our little incident back in Sigil", Eerhardt cried out, slowly losing his temper, "and the other group which almost made me lose face didn't live to regret it!" (of course, the fact that the kobolds had spilt shine meant more to Eerhardt than the fact that 3 arrows had almost planted itself in his face, but hey, what did these Ogres know?).
Having a pointy-eared human only half their size talk back to them in this manner, was not without effect on the Ogres. Seeing how the Ogres were taken back by Eerhardt's shouting, Ode slowly lowered his bow, but remained alert to act within a split second if the need should arise. After some thorough negotations - made easier by a lot of MC² and E.S.S. - the Ogre brothers left with no less than 20 kegs of black beer. "You did remember to spike the kegs with MC², Ode?", Eerhardt asked. "Of course", Ode replied, a little indignant that Eerhardt had even asked. "Business as usual then", Beldin retorted. "Business as usual", Ode and Eerhardt replied and the three of them toasted to another perfect sale. "We'd better move quickly before they find out, though", Eerhardt said.
“We’ll see about that”, Beldin rumbled and proceeded to draw the map he had started after his return to “Rolling Thunder”. He felt extremely good after finding out that IT still worked, and it showed. Mostly in his mischieveous grin and the spark in his eyes.
“I’ve seen a main road, or highway, several leagues to the west of our current position. It's running from north to south. And there’s some kind of keep a little off the main road to the north. ” the old sorcerer explained.
“We could temporarily set up shop on the crossing of the main road and the road leading up to the keep. I don’t know the colors they’re flying, and I couldn’t care less to which pompous highborn it belongs, but where there’s a keep, there’s bound to be soldiers” , he smiled broadly, “and nobody likes to drink like a soldier coming off duty !” .
Eerhardt
Proud SLURRite Scientist, Brewer and Chronicler of the Rolling Thunder ™ - Visitors WELCOME !!!
([size=0]Feel free to join us for a drink, play some pool or even relax in a hottub - want to learn more?[/size] )
- Trust me... I know what I'm doing
Proud SLURRite Scientist, Brewer and Chronicler of the Rolling Thunder ™ - Visitors WELCOME !!!
([size=0]Feel free to join us for a drink, play some pool or even relax in a hottub - want to learn more?[/size] )
- Trust me... I know what I'm doing
Vivien barely heard the call, but managed to raise her head from the dizzying image of upside down bodies to see that Nippy was running after them. She felt relieved and ashamed at the same time. A true battle mage would not be in this predicament, they would have thought to cast strength and moved the stupid cow aside. For a minute, she had visions of having cast triple fireballs at the cow, ignoring the fact that she would have had herself a roasted mage along with an annoying toasted cow. From what she could see between, Nippy seemed to actually be gaining on them, perhaps because the cow’s waddling stomach made note of it having made one too many trips to the hay bin and one few too many healthful jogs around the cow meadow.
The paladin soon appeared by her side, and Viv reached for him, feeling the tips of his fingers just barely out of reach. Having failed that, he firmly caught hold of the cow’s tail, and as Viv watched in wonder he slowed the cow with just one arm.
Her world then shifted slightly, and she found herself again with a firm view of the upside down world, until she realized that everything wasn’t moving by her at lightening speed, but staying still as inanimate objects should. With an out of breath gasp she pushed herself upright and saw that the cow had turned itself around to face Nippy, and was now breathing out threatening gusts of fragrant air and pawing the ground.
“Of all the stupid…You’re a COW not a bull, or a horse, or whatever the heck you think you are. Bulls have horns, you have udders, and I think udders won’t have much affect on a paladin in armor.”
Her voice apparently alerted the cow to he fact that, yes, there was a person on its back. With a loud ‘Moo!’ the cow began to buck wildly, again showing that it had none too firm a grip on it’s gender, as cows aren’t supposed to buck. This thought didn’t really help Viv as she went sailing through the air, but it did help her understand that she didn’t like cows.
As the wind sailed past her head, she realized that this was how it felt to fly unaided. Like bird…except birds don’t usually have that feeling of impending doom.
The paladin soon appeared by her side, and Viv reached for him, feeling the tips of his fingers just barely out of reach. Having failed that, he firmly caught hold of the cow’s tail, and as Viv watched in wonder he slowed the cow with just one arm.
Her world then shifted slightly, and she found herself again with a firm view of the upside down world, until she realized that everything wasn’t moving by her at lightening speed, but staying still as inanimate objects should. With an out of breath gasp she pushed herself upright and saw that the cow had turned itself around to face Nippy, and was now breathing out threatening gusts of fragrant air and pawing the ground.
“Of all the stupid…You’re a COW not a bull, or a horse, or whatever the heck you think you are. Bulls have horns, you have udders, and I think udders won’t have much affect on a paladin in armor.”
Her voice apparently alerted the cow to he fact that, yes, there was a person on its back. With a loud ‘Moo!’ the cow began to buck wildly, again showing that it had none too firm a grip on it’s gender, as cows aren’t supposed to buck. This thought didn’t really help Viv as she went sailing through the air, but it did help her understand that she didn’t like cows.
As the wind sailed past her head, she realized that this was how it felt to fly unaided. Like bird…except birds don’t usually have that feeling of impending doom.
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Bloodstalker
- Posts: 15512
- Joined: Wed Apr 18, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Hell if I know
- Contact:
BS sat for a moment, back against the cool stone, letting his body rest for a moment. The ache in his muscles seemed to flow into the damp wall behind him, and he let his stare sweep the immediate area. The darkness didn't let him see very far, in fact, he really didn't see much beyond the couple drow laying dead beside him. He frowned slightly at the sight of his dagger sticking out of the eye socket of the one furthest from him.
He sat for a few moments longer, wiping the blood from Striker. He couldn't give the blade a proper cleaning, but it offended him to leave it covered in blood. The years of his training had enforced the notion of caring for his weapons at all times, and it pained him to think that the shining blade could become stained.
finished cleaning the sword as best he could, he rose to his feet, the ache in his legs screaming in protest at the movement, and went to retrieve his dagger. The sounds of battle had ceased, and he made his way to find the others, moving silently through the tunnel, the movements driving the soreness from his body.
He sat for a few moments longer, wiping the blood from Striker. He couldn't give the blade a proper cleaning, but it offended him to leave it covered in blood. The years of his training had enforced the notion of caring for his weapons at all times, and it pained him to think that the shining blade could become stained.
finished cleaning the sword as best he could, he rose to his feet, the ache in his legs screaming in protest at the movement, and went to retrieve his dagger. The sounds of battle had ceased, and he made his way to find the others, moving silently through the tunnel, the movements driving the soreness from his body.
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!
Nippy saw the cow buck and finally kick Vivien clearly off of it's back. He gasped in horror at the thought of poor Viv injuring herself and he tried to break into a run but stumbled and ended up falling flat on his face, where he was swiftly followed by Viv's unceremonious fall onto his back.
"Oomph!" Nippy's breath quickly left his body at the impact and he tried to gasp breath back in.
Viv got up quickly and gave an evil eye to the cow. Nippy was still lying on the floor, nursing an injured back...
D)
"Oomph!" Nippy's breath quickly left his body at the impact and he tried to gasp breath back in.
Viv got up quickly and gave an evil eye to the cow. Nippy was still lying on the floor, nursing an injured back...
D)Perverteer Paladin
After letting the cow know what she thought of it with a severe glare, Viv saw in horror that Nippy was sprawled in a heap on the ground below her.
“Are you all right?” She asked while trying to help him to his feet. He stumbled a bit and seemed to have trouble catching his breath, but he nodded weakly at her. At this news she smiled and threw herself against his chest in an exuberant hug while planting a kiss on his surprised face. She thought she heard something crack as she loosened her death grip of a hug, and he seemed to be having even more trouble breathing, but she blamed that on the cow and the dust the cow had kicked up, not an overly taxing hug. D)
“I’m so glad you saw me! That thing was trying to kill me!” She said; pointing dramatically at the fat and slow looking cow. It had forgotten it’s attempts to be a bull and was now intent on snuffling at the stony ground in the hopes of grass appearing.
At her words, he looked at the cow in confusion apparently not seeing the evil menace to the very fabric of society that it really was.
“Umm…yes. Though it does look like something might be happening over there.”
Viv followed Nippy’s finger to see what looked like Thantor and a few others not too far off.
“Are you all right?” She asked while trying to help him to his feet. He stumbled a bit and seemed to have trouble catching his breath, but he nodded weakly at her. At this news she smiled and threw herself against his chest in an exuberant hug while planting a kiss on his surprised face. She thought she heard something crack as she loosened her death grip of a hug, and he seemed to be having even more trouble breathing, but she blamed that on the cow and the dust the cow had kicked up, not an overly taxing hug.
D)“I’m so glad you saw me! That thing was trying to kill me!” She said; pointing dramatically at the fat and slow looking cow. It had forgotten it’s attempts to be a bull and was now intent on snuffling at the stony ground in the hopes of grass appearing.
At her words, he looked at the cow in confusion apparently not seeing the evil menace to the very fabric of society that it really was.
“Umm…yes. Though it does look like something might be happening over there.”
Viv followed Nippy’s finger to see what looked like Thantor and a few others not too far off.
Thantor carefully picked his words when he told the others "Aquamarachan is... unique and a bit startling the first time you meet her." Though she knew that most other creatures would be slightly insulted by such words, Aqua-chan simply nodded her head in some agreement. Afterall, there weren't many ways to say something so plain and obvious.
Afterwards, Aqua-chan was introduced to Jennabard, Gwalchmai, and Mysteria (who, stuttered with her words after she realized her mistake). Aqua-chan took one glance at Thantor when she had been inducted and saw the uneasiness in his expression. It was obvious he was quite curious that he wanted to find out why she was lurking with the Drow. She was glad that they were interupted by the two figures behind him, however, as she wasn't sure how she would explain her presence. No doubt it would look bad in her image to be dwelling with the Drow, especially while encountering the man that had interrogated her about the Drow in the past. It would be difficult to clear her name with Than once again.
Thantor asked the women behind him if they were in need of healing. Though the darker-haired of the two answered with an exhasperated "No," she did scan Aqua-chan over cautiously. The Ishiatorian-hybrid bowed her head respectfully in hope of making a descent impression.
"Where are the others-...?" Than began to ask and was follwed up with a large booms and aggressive bleats of agressive animals that was either Orc or cow. The noise ran through the cavern furiously.
The warriors clutched thier weapons instinctively. There was nothing more to do but find and help the others.
Afterwards, Aqua-chan was introduced to Jennabard, Gwalchmai, and Mysteria (who, stuttered with her words after she realized her mistake). Aqua-chan took one glance at Thantor when she had been inducted and saw the uneasiness in his expression. It was obvious he was quite curious that he wanted to find out why she was lurking with the Drow. She was glad that they were interupted by the two figures behind him, however, as she wasn't sure how she would explain her presence. No doubt it would look bad in her image to be dwelling with the Drow, especially while encountering the man that had interrogated her about the Drow in the past. It would be difficult to clear her name with Than once again.
Thantor asked the women behind him if they were in need of healing. Though the darker-haired of the two answered with an exhasperated "No," she did scan Aqua-chan over cautiously. The Ishiatorian-hybrid bowed her head respectfully in hope of making a descent impression.
"Where are the others-...?" Than began to ask and was follwed up with a large booms and aggressive bleats of agressive animals that was either Orc or cow. The noise ran through the cavern furiously.
The warriors clutched thier weapons instinctively. There was nothing more to do but find and help the others.
"There are worse things in the world than serving the whims of a deadly sex goddess." - Zevran
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dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
With a cautious smile Dragon Wench greeted the newcomer, and observed her appearance with a mixture of curiosity and respect. In her travels she had heard about the existence of a catlike race, and had often wondered about the validity of such tales.
Her formaility revealing shyness at introductions, the fighter inclined her head and held out her hand to the stranger, "I am Dragon Wench," she said simply.
As she stood gathered with her friends, Dragon Wench considered the recent battle, and the one that was to come; suddenly she felt more exhausted than she had in a long time. It was not simply the need for sleep, but rather the desire to turn from the nearly constant fighting....this ever expanding river of blood that lay in her wake....
She longed to find some respite...however brief..... Sighing, she pulled a potion from her belt and waited for the familiar replenishing warmth to ease the ache that seemed to pervade her entire body, wishing that the soothing liquid could also cleanse her of the demons that lurked within.
Her formaility revealing shyness at introductions, the fighter inclined her head and held out her hand to the stranger, "I am Dragon Wench," she said simply.
As she stood gathered with her friends, Dragon Wench considered the recent battle, and the one that was to come; suddenly she felt more exhausted than she had in a long time. It was not simply the need for sleep, but rather the desire to turn from the nearly constant fighting....this ever expanding river of blood that lay in her wake....
She longed to find some respite...however brief..... Sighing, she pulled a potion from her belt and waited for the familiar replenishing warmth to ease the ache that seemed to pervade her entire body, wishing that the soothing liquid could also cleanse her of the demons that lurked within.
Spoiler
testingtest12
Spoiler
testingtest12
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Gwalchmai
- Posts: 6252
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 11:00 am
- Location: This Quintessence of Dust
- Contact:
Gwalchmai dropped the bow he had been holding – the string had begun to dig into his fingers in a rather painful way anyhow. Somehow it figured that Thantor would be acquainted with the tiger-woman, what was her name? Michelle Pfeiffer? No, that wasn’t it. It was more like Aquasomething. Apparently Fang liked her well enough, and Gwalchmai knew enough to trust the wolf’s instincts in such matters. He should apologize for threatening her, but by the same token, she should have been more careful with her arrival.
A foul scent caught his nose, and he whirled around to find the cause. He realized that the back of his cloak was covered in fresh manure, so he unceremoniously discarded it. He felt the dank air of the cavern seep into his leather armor, and thought he should find a substitute. He fetched the black cloak that the Drow Warrior had been wearing and considered it. It wasn’t damaged, nor stained, and seemed thick enough to be quite serviceable. It felt abnormally smooth and light for its bulk. He wondered vaguely what animal had given its hide for this cloak, and whether any enchantments were involved. He would have to ask Jenna or one of the other mages to identify it.
But first, he was quite hungry, and fished in his pack for rations. Boy, he could murder a curry right about now.
A foul scent caught his nose, and he whirled around to find the cause. He realized that the back of his cloak was covered in fresh manure, so he unceremoniously discarded it. He felt the dank air of the cavern seep into his leather armor, and thought he should find a substitute. He fetched the black cloak that the Drow Warrior had been wearing and considered it. It wasn’t damaged, nor stained, and seemed thick enough to be quite serviceable. It felt abnormally smooth and light for its bulk. He wondered vaguely what animal had given its hide for this cloak, and whether any enchantments were involved. He would have to ask Jenna or one of the other mages to identify it.
But first, he was quite hungry, and fished in his pack for rations. Boy, he could murder a curry right about now.
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.
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Yshania
- Posts: 8572
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Some Girls Wander By Mistake
- Contact:
Yshania inclined her head politely, but said nothing. Aqua-chan stood before her, as graceful and dignified as Yshania had imagined such a creature might be, those nights around the fire...when she had felt as one of the elves...and shared their histories. And now she beheld with her own eyes this creature of myth...yet she spoke common, and her hands hung free of her sheathed scimitar. A druid? Yshania wondered...Yshania had always used the word myth loosely, knowing most of the elven tales were steeped in history and age...the beauty of the race that perpetuated their wisdom...but she had never considered beyond their possible existence, never considered the Ishiatorian might carry weapons and train in the art...she touched her brow and nodded again. Whatever her reasons for being in this dark place, Yshania sensed no menace...
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Vivien nodded at Nippy and they soon stood near their comrades and the mysterious stranger.
They listened quietly in the background as greetings were made, and Viv realized that the kit- er ‘cat creature’ could not only talk but also seemed to be an able warrior, named ‘Aqua something or other’. She passed her eyes over the group and was surprised that there was a sense of tenseness or concern, though clearly it couldn’t be because of ‘Aqua’ as nothing in the form of a fluffy cat could be evil.
With determination she pushed herself past Yshania and stood before the strange creature.
"Hello! I'm Vivien, the *ahem* battle mage extraordinaire." She hurried on with that last part so as not to cause laughter from her companions. The cat creature regarded her calmly after hearing her title and introduced herself quietly, but there was wariness in the tired eyes before her.
On impulse at the sense of some sadness in those eyes, Viv swooped in for her second bone crunching hug that day, worried that the poor cat might feel unwanted. The creature stiffened but did not pull away, much like a lion tensing before striking, and Viv wondered if hugs weren’t normal in ‘cat people land’. Patting Aqua heartily on the back she beamed at her once more and then moved back, trying not to bump into too many people on her way.
They listened quietly in the background as greetings were made, and Viv realized that the kit- er ‘cat creature’ could not only talk but also seemed to be an able warrior, named ‘Aqua something or other’. She passed her eyes over the group and was surprised that there was a sense of tenseness or concern, though clearly it couldn’t be because of ‘Aqua’ as nothing in the form of a fluffy cat could be evil.
With determination she pushed herself past Yshania and stood before the strange creature.
"Hello! I'm Vivien, the *ahem* battle mage extraordinaire." She hurried on with that last part so as not to cause laughter from her companions. The cat creature regarded her calmly after hearing her title and introduced herself quietly, but there was wariness in the tired eyes before her.
On impulse at the sense of some sadness in those eyes, Viv swooped in for her second bone crunching hug that day, worried that the poor cat might feel unwanted. The creature stiffened but did not pull away, much like a lion tensing before striking, and Viv wondered if hugs weren’t normal in ‘cat people land’. Patting Aqua heartily on the back she beamed at her once more and then moved back, trying not to bump into too many people on her way.
Farscape was helping Aegis over to the group slowly. The ranger held his side tightly, steming the flow of blood. Farscape had dressed it, somewhat, but it was already drenched red and sticky with blood. His face was pale, and gaunt, his remaining good eye learing forwards. When put together, the image of the ranger was a horrific one. Though, one hting seemed out of place. He wore a tight smirk on his face.
He limped over to the group, under the guiding arm of Farscape, almost stumbling to the ground in the porcess....
He limped over to the group, under the guiding arm of Farscape, almost stumbling to the ground in the porcess....
Aqua-chan was still a bit shy as the two women introduced themselves at Yshania and Vivien, but felt somewhat comfortable at the life-sucking hug from Viv that almost suffocated her. She wasn't sure what kind of act of affection that was, though she had seen other humans and elves do so to another when they wanted to show that the other was appreciated.
When Vivien announced herself as a "battle mage extraordinaire", she recieved quite a few good-willed grins and snickers. she crept back to her spot in the forming circle around her.
Aqua-chan saw that Yshania was watching her with a look of awe and approval. It was good to know that she was accepted in this group...at least for now. It was only a matter of time before she would be cast out again, she knew. It seemed that no place could house her long enough before...problems came into view.
At last, the thieving Totemic turned back to Than and spoke in a still-uneasy tone. "You may want to remain on your guard even as we approach the surface. I encountered a few of our 'hosts' when I was up there...Unfortunatly, they cought me off guard and escaped. However, I don't know if they still lurk around in the wood or if they returned to Ched Nessad." Aqua-chan saw Than nodding his head in an unsure agreement while the others raised thier eyebrows in puzzlement. "...That's the nearest Drow city. They could have gone to Ust' Natha, but I doubt it."
Little did she know that thy weren't curious as to where the Drow warriors went, but rather, how she knew about the location of these cities. As it was said before, there was going to be a lot to explain.
When Vivien announced herself as a "battle mage extraordinaire", she recieved quite a few good-willed grins and snickers. she crept back to her spot in the forming circle around her.
Aqua-chan saw that Yshania was watching her with a look of awe and approval. It was good to know that she was accepted in this group...at least for now. It was only a matter of time before she would be cast out again, she knew. It seemed that no place could house her long enough before...problems came into view.
At last, the thieving Totemic turned back to Than and spoke in a still-uneasy tone. "You may want to remain on your guard even as we approach the surface. I encountered a few of our 'hosts' when I was up there...Unfortunatly, they cought me off guard and escaped. However, I don't know if they still lurk around in the wood or if they returned to Ched Nessad." Aqua-chan saw Than nodding his head in an unsure agreement while the others raised thier eyebrows in puzzlement. "...That's the nearest Drow city. They could have gone to Ust' Natha, but I doubt it."
Little did she know that thy weren't curious as to where the Drow warriors went, but rather, how she knew about the location of these cities. As it was said before, there was going to be a lot to explain.
"There are worse things in the world than serving the whims of a deadly sex goddess." - Zevran
"Is all in readiness?"
"Yes, my lady."
"Well then, bring him in." The voice was delicate, almost musical…. but the underlying lethal cruelty was unmistakable.
The yochlol nodded, and signaled to the priestess standing by the doors. The great doors opened and two more priestesses were escorted in, a look of barely controlled terror in their eyes at being called to this place. They dragged between them a male drow who babbled meaningless to himself. His filthy robes sported a purple circle, outlined with an inner ring of black that had a single black rimmed, violet-on-mauve eye in the center of the circle. The extraordinarily beautiful being rose from her throne, her finely sculpted features and obsidian skin highlighted by the torches mounted on each of the gleaming pillars. Lolth smiled at the sight of babbling male, a smile that conveyed many things…. none of which were pleasant. Insanity was a constant occupational hazard in service of Lolth, a detail that was not often discussed. But this drow was not one of Lolth's faithful, which was all the more appealing to the goddess.
"Make our guest comfortable," instructed Lolth demurely and one of the yochlol complied, the spell inducing a type of rigor in the prisoner from the neck down. He could not move but the use of his vocal cords was still intact. As this was completed, the two priestesses holding the drow priest prostrated themselves on the floor on either side of him, relieved to make themselves as little seen as possible. Lolth nodded and a yochlol to her right holding an ornately carved obsidian box step forward. Lolth extended her hand and the lid open, revealing a bubbling purple ooze inside that reeked of carrion and the grave. The jelly slowly levitated into the air level with the drow's face.
For the first time, the drow gave an indication that he was aware of his surroundings, panic growing in his eyes. The jelly slowly moved forward as if pulled toward the drow with an invisible string. "Don't…. nooo… NOOO!" At that same instant the jelly launched forward, latching onto his face, completely covering the front part of his head except for his mouth. The screams increased in intensity and duration, until they became almost animal in quality. Like liquid being sucked down a drain, the jelly entered every orifice of the drow's face and in the space of a minute had completely vanished. The screams cut short, the drow dropped to his knees but did not collapse. He knelt unseeing, unhearing… as if completely vacant. With a wave of her hand, Lolth completely transformed the drow priest to look exactly like one of the many male drow mages in the Underdark.
"I hope it was as good for you as it was for me," remarked Lolth, looking vaguely disappointed. She turned to the yochlol holding the obsidian box. "Use him exactly as we have planned, Velve. I'm sure the Abomination will enjoy his new playmate." Discussion of failure was unnecessary. All present knew the consequences of such an event….
"Yes, my lady."
"Well then, bring him in." The voice was delicate, almost musical…. but the underlying lethal cruelty was unmistakable.
The yochlol nodded, and signaled to the priestess standing by the doors. The great doors opened and two more priestesses were escorted in, a look of barely controlled terror in their eyes at being called to this place. They dragged between them a male drow who babbled meaningless to himself. His filthy robes sported a purple circle, outlined with an inner ring of black that had a single black rimmed, violet-on-mauve eye in the center of the circle. The extraordinarily beautiful being rose from her throne, her finely sculpted features and obsidian skin highlighted by the torches mounted on each of the gleaming pillars. Lolth smiled at the sight of babbling male, a smile that conveyed many things…. none of which were pleasant. Insanity was a constant occupational hazard in service of Lolth, a detail that was not often discussed. But this drow was not one of Lolth's faithful, which was all the more appealing to the goddess.
"Make our guest comfortable," instructed Lolth demurely and one of the yochlol complied, the spell inducing a type of rigor in the prisoner from the neck down. He could not move but the use of his vocal cords was still intact. As this was completed, the two priestesses holding the drow priest prostrated themselves on the floor on either side of him, relieved to make themselves as little seen as possible. Lolth nodded and a yochlol to her right holding an ornately carved obsidian box step forward. Lolth extended her hand and the lid open, revealing a bubbling purple ooze inside that reeked of carrion and the grave. The jelly slowly levitated into the air level with the drow's face.
For the first time, the drow gave an indication that he was aware of his surroundings, panic growing in his eyes. The jelly slowly moved forward as if pulled toward the drow with an invisible string. "Don't…. nooo… NOOO!" At that same instant the jelly launched forward, latching onto his face, completely covering the front part of his head except for his mouth. The screams increased in intensity and duration, until they became almost animal in quality. Like liquid being sucked down a drain, the jelly entered every orifice of the drow's face and in the space of a minute had completely vanished. The screams cut short, the drow dropped to his knees but did not collapse. He knelt unseeing, unhearing… as if completely vacant. With a wave of her hand, Lolth completely transformed the drow priest to look exactly like one of the many male drow mages in the Underdark.
"I hope it was as good for you as it was for me," remarked Lolth, looking vaguely disappointed. She turned to the yochlol holding the obsidian box. "Use him exactly as we have planned, Velve. I'm sure the Abomination will enjoy his new playmate." Discussion of failure was unnecessary. All present knew the consequences of such an event….
Those who will play with kitties must expect to be scratched.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
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dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
Dragon Wench felt her skin crawl as she looked into the
all-consuming blackness of a never-ending labyrinth of tunnels and caverns; she wondered if they would ever escape, or if they were destined to rot in this foetid pit for all eternity. The battle with the Abomination drew increasingly near and she felt her heart lurch at the prospect. Fear of the unknown, anxiety, and utter weariness flooded her soul, and her stomach tightened in sheer dread.
"Damn, I'm a fighter, I will be useless to my friends if I can't pull myself together," she muttered to herself. Frustrated, hating the admission to weakness, Dragon Wench pushed a strand of hair from her eyes, and finally turned to Yshania. In a voice that betrayed exhaustion and a desire to succumb to taunts screamed by nameless, encroaching demons, she asked, "do you have something that combats weariness.....?"
As she waited for the druid to respond, Dragon Wench cradled her head in her hands and attempted to block out the anonymous horror that continued to echo and throb inside her skull, as though trapping her from within. Focusing, she tried to find the small spark of courage and inspiration that had been provided by the fragile snowdrop, just prior to their battle with the dragons. The incident now seemed so long ago, and as her thoughts drifted to the events of the last few days.....her reunion with Jerren, his sudden need to depart......the seemingly incessant battles, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirled within..... joy, grief, loss, futile rage....the feeling of being wrested from tenuous moorings by forces far beyond her control. Gripped by a sudden surge of helpless fury, she kicked savagely at the nearby wall and cursed violently into the nearly impenetrable dark that lay ahead.
all-consuming blackness of a never-ending labyrinth of tunnels and caverns; she wondered if they would ever escape, or if they were destined to rot in this foetid pit for all eternity. The battle with the Abomination drew increasingly near and she felt her heart lurch at the prospect. Fear of the unknown, anxiety, and utter weariness flooded her soul, and her stomach tightened in sheer dread.
"Damn, I'm a fighter, I will be useless to my friends if I can't pull myself together," she muttered to herself. Frustrated, hating the admission to weakness, Dragon Wench pushed a strand of hair from her eyes, and finally turned to Yshania. In a voice that betrayed exhaustion and a desire to succumb to taunts screamed by nameless, encroaching demons, she asked, "do you have something that combats weariness.....?"
As she waited for the druid to respond, Dragon Wench cradled her head in her hands and attempted to block out the anonymous horror that continued to echo and throb inside her skull, as though trapping her from within. Focusing, she tried to find the small spark of courage and inspiration that had been provided by the fragile snowdrop, just prior to their battle with the dragons. The incident now seemed so long ago, and as her thoughts drifted to the events of the last few days.....her reunion with Jerren, his sudden need to depart......the seemingly incessant battles, a kaleidoscope of emotions swirled within..... joy, grief, loss, futile rage....the feeling of being wrested from tenuous moorings by forces far beyond her control. Gripped by a sudden surge of helpless fury, she kicked savagely at the nearby wall and cursed violently into the nearly impenetrable dark that lay ahead.
Spoiler
testingtest12
Spoiler
testingtest12
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Yshania
- Posts: 8572
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Some Girls Wander By Mistake
- Contact:
Yshania studied her friend for a moment before digging into a hidden pouch in her pack and producing a small vial. Removing the top, she inhaled the minty fragrance before handing it to Dragon Wench.
‘One of Mael’s’ she smiled ‘I…guess today has been an eternity for you hasn’t it?’ she asked quietly. Dragon Wench nodded mutely, a wavering smile her thanks as she accepted the potion. So much had happened, both women reflected. Only this morning Dragon Wench had fled from the kitchen, already feeling the wrench with the instinctive knowledge that Jerren intended to return to the void…so brief and intense their reconciliation. Only this morning, Gwalchmai and Yshania had discovered the portal wand dropped by Anicka and vowed to follow their comrade. Such an exhausting age had passed, with little time for reflection or appreciation of the full impact this day would have on the rest of their lives…friendships would be tested and proven, personal battles fought and with luck, individual demons challenged. Yshania gritted her teeth and something passed silently between the two women.
‘There is a strength to the Dark Flames…’ Yshania said softly ‘something that drew us together, continues to draw others to us, and maintains that bond. There is something here beyond our control, beyond common belief in human and elvenkind’ she fell silent for a moment before adding ‘whatever our personal demons, they are a common enemy’. She felt humbled to be a part of this group, and hated the darkness within her that was amplified and brought to the fore in this hell. This is her challenge. She would see this through, and learn control over the chaos. A chain was only ever as strong as the weakest link, and she determined this would not be her. ‘We have to be strong, for each other’. She retrieved the proffered vial from Dragon Wench and returned it to her pack.
‘You know?’ smiled the fighter ‘when we get out of this place, we should hit the nearest tavern and drink the barrels dry!’ Yshania grinned
‘That promise will keep me going for sure’ she laughed 'I will hold you to that one!'
‘One of Mael’s’ she smiled ‘I…guess today has been an eternity for you hasn’t it?’ she asked quietly. Dragon Wench nodded mutely, a wavering smile her thanks as she accepted the potion. So much had happened, both women reflected. Only this morning Dragon Wench had fled from the kitchen, already feeling the wrench with the instinctive knowledge that Jerren intended to return to the void…so brief and intense their reconciliation. Only this morning, Gwalchmai and Yshania had discovered the portal wand dropped by Anicka and vowed to follow their comrade. Such an exhausting age had passed, with little time for reflection or appreciation of the full impact this day would have on the rest of their lives…friendships would be tested and proven, personal battles fought and with luck, individual demons challenged. Yshania gritted her teeth and something passed silently between the two women.
‘There is a strength to the Dark Flames…’ Yshania said softly ‘something that drew us together, continues to draw others to us, and maintains that bond. There is something here beyond our control, beyond common belief in human and elvenkind’ she fell silent for a moment before adding ‘whatever our personal demons, they are a common enemy’. She felt humbled to be a part of this group, and hated the darkness within her that was amplified and brought to the fore in this hell. This is her challenge. She would see this through, and learn control over the chaos. A chain was only ever as strong as the weakest link, and she determined this would not be her. ‘We have to be strong, for each other’. She retrieved the proffered vial from Dragon Wench and returned it to her pack.
‘You know?’ smiled the fighter ‘when we get out of this place, we should hit the nearest tavern and drink the barrels dry!’ Yshania grinned
‘That promise will keep me going for sure’ she laughed 'I will hold you to that one!'
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Guinness, black goes with everything.
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dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
The contents of the vial, both fiery and cool, burned their way down her throat, through her heart, and into her stomach, Nearly instantly her feelings of instability and panic subsided and were replaced by a sense of fortitude and inner calm.
"Thank you, I needed that....I was close to collapse," Dragon Wench whispered softly. Then, a smile hovered briefly in her eyes at the thought of spending some hard-earned gold in a well-provisioned tavern. For a moment, a grin lighted her features.
"We'd better make sure to go on horseback....that way we are less likely to get lost on the way back."
"Thank you, I needed that....I was close to collapse," Dragon Wench whispered softly. Then, a smile hovered briefly in her eyes at the thought of spending some hard-earned gold in a well-provisioned tavern. For a moment, a grin lighted her features.
"We'd better make sure to go on horseback....that way we are less likely to get lost on the way back."
Spoiler
testingtest12
Spoiler
testingtest12
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Yshania
- Posts: 8572
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Some Girls Wander By Mistake
- Contact:
'Oh my!' Yshania proclaimed '...being babysat by a rampant stallion and his equine wench?' She laughed heartily at the idea 'well we better keep them clear of the cider, my friend, if we stand any chance of getting back at all!' Their laughter rung unreal in this dark place, almost defiant and challenging in it's simplicity. Holding onto their sides, they laughed harder at the interest drawn from the others in the cavern. Thantor regarded them, somewhat concerned...and Gwalchmai, wore a flicker of a smile despite not understanding the joke. What was not lost on Yshania, was her free comment of 'getting back'. They would get back, they would find peace and a happy base to build a foundation. Something about the freedom of this laughter springing forth in this godforesaken place assured her that there was a promise, however tenuous.
'Now, if only we can locate the horses!'
'Now, if only we can locate the horses!'
Parachute for sale, like new! Never opened!
Guinness, black goes with everything.
Guinness, black goes with everything.
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Gwalchmai
- Posts: 6252
- Joined: Wed May 09, 2001 11:00 am
- Location: This Quintessence of Dust
- Contact:
Gwalchmai cleared his throat and tried to get the attention of his friends – unfortunately they still seemed to be fascinated by the cat creature, Aqua Chan. “Um, listen. I’m going to take the cows back to the portal room now so we can get them out of harm’s way. Anyone want to come with?” He wasn’t very comfortable about traveling back through the tunnels by himself, even though he would be moving with a small herd of bovines. He didn’t think he would get lost, but who knows what he might run into on the way.
No answer was immediately forthcoming, so he shrugged and said, “I’ll be right back.”
A soft whistle, and the charmed lead bull trotted up to him and accepted a little scratch between the eyes. “Let’s go, Teddy.”
No answer was immediately forthcoming, so he shrugged and said, “I’ll be right back.”
A soft whistle, and the charmed lead bull trotted up to him and accepted a little scratch between the eyes. “Let’s go, Teddy.”
That there; exactly the kinda diversion we coulda used.