Unknown
Honored Warrior
HW2
Mr. Pie Eater
Posts: 11,755
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Post by Unknown on Jan 25, 2012 10:58:40 GMT -5
On the edge of the battlefield, concealed from sight, Unknown and his men observed all that had happened. They were few in number and weak in strength, but nothing got past their sharp eyes. Seeing that his friends were beginning to look for survivors, Unknown held up two fingers and nodded. The only sign that his command was obeyed was one of the younger ones sloppily revealing his presence for a moment. Unknown made a mental note to talk to him about this.
He didn't have to wait long before one of his men approached, whispering that they had found the camp of a group of survivors, but were having trouble convincing them to flee to safety. Unknown sighed; this was, of course, a problem with being a mysterious, shadowy group trying to fight a mysterious, shadowy army. Nobody was quick to trust them.
Tell them to withdraw, and mark the location in their memory. Meet up with me at that small hill over there.
Having said this, he quickly made his way to the spot he had pointed out. He had spotted Dragon_Stalker there, and wanted to speak with him now. As he approached, he respectfully bowed his head.
Sir, I hope you, and my fellow clanmates, will forgive me for not joining in this fight, but I hoped to observe the enemy and learn more about it. But that is not why I came here now. My men found a group of survivors, but they aren't quick to trust us. You are far more well-known in these lands, and I ask that you send some of your men to help sooth the fears of the people, so they can be moved to safety as soon as possible. I shudder to think that, perhaps, the enemy has already found them.
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Post by Dragon_Stalker on Jan 25, 2012 11:29:23 GMT -5
The gaze towards the mounds was broken, suddenly...There was a familiar voice speaking, but why didn't he hear it approaching.... was the dark force clouding his senses, or maybe even his judgment?
OH! It's you, Unknown! You had me worried that my warriors senses were going dull. You have no need to apologize, my friend; it was not lack of courage that prevented you from joining the fray. I'm also quite relieved that you and your men were scouting for survivors. I shall take a small band of my own men to that survivors camp...perhaps some of them might be able to tell us something we don't yet know...
The band of soldiers readied themselves to find the survivors camp...it was apparent that there were no survivors left on this bloody battlefield...
My good friend, I wonder if you'll lead us to the camp, or if in your keen observation you've noticed some important discovery that might be pertinent for our leader at the castle.
In either case, I'll need to know where those survivors are, so which way is it?
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Unknown
Honored Warrior
HW2
Mr. Pie Eater
Posts: 11,755
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Post by Unknown on Jan 25, 2012 15:11:10 GMT -5
Unknown made a signal to his men to reveal themselves, and motioned for one of them to lead the way. Turning back to Dragon_Stalker, he looked thoughtful for a moment.
Beyond the obvious, I have only one concern. Do you notice how that black fog sticks to our bodies like coal, yet leaves plants and cloth alone? We have no idea what the enemy is capable of: the turning of our fallen against us might be the tip of the iceberg. I recommend we not talk about strategy or discoveries while it still clings to us, and that we wash it off as soon as we possibly can.
Seeing that someone had been chosen to lead them to the survivors, Unknown looked at Dragon_Stalker to see if he and his soldiers were ready to go.
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Post by Dragon_Stalker on Jan 25, 2012 17:19:14 GMT -5
Dragon_Stalker was grateful to have such an obvervant ally as Unknown...he had some ideas about what should be done, but decided to keep his thoughts to himself...for now.
Indeed, my men are ready. Let's go find those survivors.
His mind was racing, calculating...how much longer until the brave paladin and the mercenaries would deliver news to the castle? and how long might it be before they could launch a fully prepared assault ....if we were taking the battle all the way to the land of goblins?
Though the mystery of the attackers still pervaded, it comforted Dragon_Stalker to know that he had such competent allies. He counted himself lucky that he had his own shadowy-figured escort. "I'm sure glad he's on our side," he thought as he watched how stealthily Unknown and his men traversed across the swampy lands.
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Post by james111222 on Jan 25, 2012 18:31:43 GMT -5
As Unknown leaves to search for survivors, in the depths of the Darkness, a form emerges.
Heh...heh....heh....
Where a flash of light would cut through darkness, so does this flash of darkness cut through light, making the darkness blot out even the moon for a moment.
Survivors? We shall see how he likes my undead army...
A shadowy finger points at Dragon_Stalker from the black mist.
You...You have been a thorn in my side for far too long in this battle...but I believe THIS should keep you occupied!
The shadow's "arms" raise, although they look barely human enough to call "arms", and Shadow Horseman ride into the sky from a pillar of smoke and flame. The smell of death follows them...and they charge at Dragon_Stalker!
I shall see you again, Wizards and Warriors...
The dark figure backs into the mist, as once again, a flash of darkness makes all thoughts of chase neigh impossible.
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Unknown
Honored Warrior
HW2
Mr. Pie Eater
Posts: 11,755
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Post by Unknown on Jan 25, 2012 21:45:43 GMT -5
Seeing the moon go black for a moment sent chills up Unknown's spine. He whirled around as the alarm was given from his sentries, and saw, much to his horror, shadowy horsemen racing towards the group.
Defensive positions, everyone!
He watched his men fade from view, and knew that they would be readying themselves to stop the charge by any means available. Setting down his own pack of equipment, Unknown turned around to dig through it. Having found what he was looking for, he turned back toward the enemy and shouted
EYES!
then, realizing that Dragon_Stalker's soldiers wouldn't understand his code, he added
Shield your eyes, everyone!
He glanced around to make sure everyone had done so, then threw the small orb he held in his hand towards the fast approaching horsemen. A blast was heard, and the light that the orb gave off was enough to permanently blind anyone foolish enough to be looking in its direction.
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Post by Gawayn on Jan 26, 2012 13:27:29 GMT -5
Gawayn and his paladins were leading some of the wounded toward the safety of W&W Castle when the orb blazed. Already facing away from it, still the sky around him lightened momentarily, causing him to whip around, a hand in front of his visor to protect his sight. When the light faded, he saw his comrades still on the hill and wondered what conflict had arisen.
Hurry, my friends! Return to the castle as soon as you can! I shall see to the defenses. Do no tarry, for we must needs have council!
All appeared quiet, so he turned and urged his paladins to aid the injured toward a faster gait, not willing to feel secure until the walls of his clan home surrounded him. It would not be far, thankfully.
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Post by Dragon_Stalker on Jan 26, 2012 19:00:29 GMT -5
The sudden darkness, followed by the burst of light but a moment later, was such a contrast that even with eyelids sealed tight, it rendered the brave warrior somewhat disoriented. Thankfully, it appeared the blast achieved its intended purpose, for the shadowy horseman also seemed to be thrown off balance as he escaped (or perhaps baited?) deeper into the foggy mist.
Good observation, Unknown. It does appear they have a weakness to light. Though, it does appear that he was already falling back into the mist, before the blast....I suspect it was a trap. Nevertheless, we should be on our way; those survivors need tending to.
Dragon_Stalker continued to follow the shadowy figure and his men, more aware of the dark energy that filled the very air around them. It was so thick , palpable, that it dared to enter the warriors chest with each deep breath. "This darkness," the warrior thought to himself, "has no idea what its getting itself into."
The fiery horseman, being chased by a trail of smoke....Now the warrior's suspicions had been confirmed: this evil was nothing new, but rather an old force. Particularly a powerful one, to control (or at least think it could) the fire-shadow horseman.
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Unknown
Honored Warrior
HW2
Mr. Pie Eater
Posts: 11,755
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Post by Unknown on Jan 26, 2012 21:47:00 GMT -5
Unknown was somewhat shaken by the sudden attack, but didn't show it. Instead he gave the signal to continue. The survivor's camp wasn't very far away, and they reached it with no further problems. The fog seemed to get thicker with every step, and the moon was barely visible through it. Even Unknown and his men, who were all trained to see in the dark as well as the light, had trouble seeing two steps in front of themselves.
We would easily be mistaken for a foe in this blackness. Perhaps we should wait for the morning's light before we go barging into their camp? The decision is yours, my friend.
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Post by Dragon_Stalker on Jan 26, 2012 23:01:15 GMT -5
Great suggestion, my friend. We'll remain close enough to still protect them, but we must remain out of sight until morning.
Dragon_Stalker looked to his band of dedicated followers, and gave a series of hand gestures to silently instruct his men what their procedures would be for the night. He held up two fingers, closed his fist, and then held up all five fingers followed by a brief twirl of the wrist.
The men divided into pairs and spread out, making a semi-circle just one click away from the survivor's camp. They new the routine: two man teams, five different shifts of an hour and a half each; that would last them until the morning.
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Unknown
Honored Warrior
HW2
Mr. Pie Eater
Posts: 11,755
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Post by Unknown on Jan 27, 2012 0:50:50 GMT -5
While the camp was being set up around him, Unknown looked towards the moon once more. Its light was faint, and he began to grow fearful that there could be no victory when the enemy could blot out even the moon. He quickly switched back to being positive, for he knew that light always dispelled darkness. As one trained to hide in the dark, he knew that it took only the smallest light of a candle to reveal him. It would be no different now. Turning, he motioned for one of his most trusted advisers to come near. Unknown whispered something in his ear, and he nodded.
It's been a long day, we should get some rest. I must admit, this black fog feels like it's sucking the happiness out of me. Perhaps with the light of day it will disperse.
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Post by james111222 on Jan 27, 2012 16:30:46 GMT -5
The shadow saves his power, using only small magics in the night to summon a swarm of blood flies to harass the troops, and prevent their long-awaited rest.
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Bre'Cheye
Honored Warrior
HW5
ussta zhennu ventash'ma zhah ussta zhennu abbil... My Great Leader is my Great Friend!
Posts: 8,369
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Post by Bre'Cheye on Jan 27, 2012 22:05:57 GMT -5
She had been told of the war that had been approaching and although it had not been said, she felt that others might not think she could be of any help. So she sat in her cellar, in the dark, praying to her goddess Tunare. She prayed for her clansmen's safety and prayed that this war would end soon. She could feel the healing of her clansmen, a sense of relief surrounding her as she continued to sit against a shelf lined with jars of preserves and jellies. But then she felt the pain that some must be experiencing and once more healing. The darkness that had crept onto the field felt as though it were also surrounding her body where she sat; made her gasp for air then it succeeded. And then in her mind, she saw the Bard drop to his knees. She knew he had healed his men and knew that he was now weakened but still on the fields. Quickly, she stood and the darkened cellar was filled with a multitude of lights. Lights surrounding her body, lifting her off the ground. The next spell she cast surrounded her with a slight shield that would enable her to breathe beneath water if need be, or in any thick smoke or gaseous matter. Her last spell she cast was that of the Druid Invisibility, letting her image fade to nothing.
She floated as she ran, leaving no footprints in the dirt, leaving no sign that she made her way to where the Bard had fallen. The fog that remained slowly shifted as she ran through it, inches above the ground, but not enough to bring any attention. She finally found the Bard and knelt by his side, placing her hand on his arm. Leaning to his ear, she whispered, "Irishman, 'tis me. Sssshhh..." Her words fell on the breeze and drifted with the fog, only to dissipate into nothingness. She knew that the next spell she cast could go wrong, but she knew that she had to try. And she knew that she would lose her invisibility as soon as she began the spell. But she had to try.
With her hand still clasped around Irishman's wrist, she spoke the elven words of the succor spell that would transport the two of them to the Wizards & Warriors castle. "Atara Tunare, tanar lye nae i' vand"
Her invisibility dropped immediately, only to be replaced by a myriad of sparkling lights which surrounded her and the Bard. When the lights were gone, so were the Druid and the Bard. Seconds later, they reappeared inside the safety of the Wizards and Warriors castle.
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Post by Gawayn on Jan 28, 2012 13:44:50 GMT -5
Gawayn itched. He really, really itched as he waved the last of the wounded soldiers through the gates of W&W castle, escorted by his paladins. The previous night had been troublesome to say the least. Even in the paladins' holy armor had not been enough to keep out all the meddlesome insects. He could only imagine how the mercenaries must be faring. The wounded were already being ushered toward the healing house by the time he crossed the threshold. Many were weak from their injuries, afraid from the unexpected plague last night, but warm food and rest would rekindle the courage in many a heart before long, he knew. He wondered where Dragon_Stalker and Unknown were, hoping they would reach the castle soon. For that matter, he knew not where Irishman had disappeared to in the night - it was unlike his friend to abandon his own men lest the need were great. Gawayn felt calmed as the portcullis clanked shut behind him, for this place was protected by more than iron, wood and stone.
He removed his helm and shook free sweaty, metallic confinement. He would go to pray in the chapel once the needs of his men were met. The days ahead would be long, he knew. Clear minds and stout hearts were needed. Once his comrades arrived, they would seek out the wise master of this keep, to discern the path ahead.
Someone caught his attention on the way to the chapel, and he walked to stand next to her as she looked out a widened arrow slit onto the lands. He wondered what the druidess saw. He cleared his throat politely.
How fares the dawn, Bre'Cheye? Yesterday saw many a fell thing arise in yonder swamps. We prevailed, of a sort, but the victory feels only temporary. What do your arts tell you of this growing shadow? What succor might your goddess give?
I am worried for the safety of my friends. We were separated as I led the wounded back to the castle here. Dragon_Stalker and Unknown should be on their way, but I know not where Irishman vanished to in the inky blackness of the night.
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Post by Dragon_Stalker on Jan 28, 2012 16:18:32 GMT -5
Dragon_Stalker awoke feeling like a million marks! There were nasty blood bugs checking on his fleece...apparently they had made a hearty meal from the warrior's calves and feet. Fortunately, this wasn't an altogether rare occurrence; the healing salves from his pack would provide sustenance and mend the wounds obtained during the night.
What news of the survivors?he asked as he looked towards the pair of soldiers keeping the last watch of the night
"Morning light has revealed there is less than 20 survivors. They would be no great threat to us, sir. We should demand to know what happened so we can take the battle to these shadow fiends!"
Stay! We must take care not to alarm these poor souls...they have suffered a great loss already. There's no need to be wreckless. Any information we might be able to procure should be done within the confines of our castle. For now, we are in enemy territory. We would do well to offer shelter for these people.
The watchman nodded his head in agreement. Without speaking another word, the warriors began to break down camp. The shadowy men following Unknown's leadership were all ready, any evidences of their stay for the night were already gone...
You would do well, warriors, to learn from these men. I shall approach the camp of survivors by myself, soas to avoid any unnecessary alarm.
Dragon_Stalker rode down the hill to the small band of survivors...they were huddled together with a defeated look upon all of their faces
Ahem.. he cleared his throat. It seems you folks could use some help these days. In the name of W&W we offer shelter, food, and safe passage to our castle, where we will protect you and you will be safe. I have a small band of soldiers that can guide you there. We ride war horses, not beasts of burden, so we do ask that you gather only the essentials and leave everything else behind. What say you?
The survivor's expression unaltered, Dragon_Stalker waiting for someone....anyone...to break the silence.
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