Unknown
Honored Warrior
HW2
Mr. Pie Eater
Posts: 11,755
|
Post by Unknown on Jan 28, 2012 16:54:47 GMT -5
Unknown walked down the hill, making no attempt to conceal himself. He carried on his back a heavy bag, which he set down beside Dragon_Stalker. Opening the bag, he revealed a large supply of golden apples.
Whether you decide to come to the safety of our clan's castle or head out on your own, please accept this gift. Many dragons were slain to procure these, and they will heal your wounds as well as fill your stomach.
Stepping away from the bag, Unknown waited for the survivor's response. He watched as they turned to discuss the offer, and noted the one who appeared to be their leader. After a few minutes of heated discussion, the one Unknown had determined was their leader stepped forward and said that they would accept the offer, if only we would wait while they prepared themselves to travel.
Of course we will wait, but be quick. The sooner we get back, the better.
|
|
|
Post by james111222 on Jan 28, 2012 22:49:28 GMT -5
Deep in the shadows, a murmur was heard, increasing in volume. The sound seemed to come from Shadow itself. From backpacks, and under feet, from shaded glen, to murky waters...
My Dear Warriors...you do not know what you have gotten into. Darkness is everywhere! How can you fight what you don't even understand? Wherever there is light, you will find me. Wherever there is fire, there will be the cold. You cannot deny me this. Give up, Dear Warriors. Go home.
From the farthest reaches of the land, a chill is felt. Babies cry, and the children hide under their blankets.
If you decide not to, I have a small sample of my power. All the wounds inflicted by my swarm of Blood Flies will by no doubt soon be seen as something far more than an itch. If you want the wounds to not fester and cause wracking body pains, what you must do is simple; sleep in your own bed every night for a fortnight. Give up, warriors...go home.
|
|
|
Post by Dragon_Stalker on Jan 29, 2012 0:02:53 GMT -5
The chill surrounded the encampment and fell over them all like a heavy blanket of cold steel. The bite marks left by the blood flies from earlier started to itch once again; there was a touch of fire to the pain that went deeper than the skin.
The soulless voice vanished as quickly as it came, and a spirit of fear and gloom filled the camp again.
Take heart! Those healing supplies we've brought should be ample to keep us in good health until we make it back to the castle, where our most brilliant and capable wizards can heal these wounds more adequately. Make ready the horses...the time to return to our castle is now!
The warriors following Unknown and Dragon_Stalker led the survivors along the pathways through the swamp, over the fields, and finally to the castle keep. The journey was indeed long....perhaps it seemed more so because of the low morale of the survivors. Thankfully, though, these wounds that the warriors bore, just might prove to be the thing that could give some insight that was needed. He knew that all magic left behind traces...and he knew just the right person who might be able to help....After entering the gates of the castle, Dragon_Stalker has his men and the survivors go to the healer's tower immediately...but he went off to find the ever-reliable and crafty druidess. He spotted her not far from the chapel, and there was an armor-clad paladin standing by her side...
Gawayn! It's good to see you've made it back to the castle safely. I've just now returned with some more survivors. I am guessing you are here for the same reason as I...
His gaze turned towards the druidess. When she looked at him, she gave a small grin and her eyes were filled with cheer. The robust warrior couldn't help but smile back, even bigger.
Already I feel much better! I know you have that effect, and it is because of your keen insight into magics that I come to you. The dark force that beset us last night and yesterday...it is clearly beyond just the physical realm. Such attacks leave marks, and can perhaps be traced or studied. The rest of my men are getting tended to as we speak, but I was hoping that I might offer up my body, that the wounds can be studied to ascertain what could cause this. If anyone can help us understand all this, it is you, milady.
|
|
|
Post by james111222 on Jan 29, 2012 4:36:24 GMT -5
As the warriors entered the castle, a grim smile came over his shadowed face. Finally those do-gooders would get what was coming to them. "How DARE they hold the Queen's highest favor. From among all of the clans!", he thought to himself. Surely she would choose one with a better name? But days turned into months, and the months into years, and never a better name was seen on the rankings in the Queen's Hall. Now he would have his revenge. As the shadow horsemen and army of undead surrounded the castle, preparing for the siege ahead, his long shadow could be seen on the horizon. In the setting sun his shadow seemed to stretch and cover the castle...a darkness to blot out the light.
A whisper to himself...
You have fallen into my trap, Warriors. A siege on the Castle it shall be...
|
|
Bre'Cheye
Honored Warrior
HW5
ussta zhennu ventash'ma zhah ussta zhennu abbil... My Great Leader is my Great Friend!
Posts: 8,369
|
Post by Bre'Cheye on Jan 29, 2012 19:37:12 GMT -5
She made sure that Irishman was breathing as she left him lying, leaning against the interior wall of the castle walls when she turned at the sound of Dragon_Stalker speaking to her. She walked the short distance to where he stood and placed both hands on his arm where the marks marred his skin. Almost immediately, she could feel the pain of the attack. She felt as though she were choking as she stumbled closer to DS. She closed her eyes and in her mind she saw what appeared to be a cloud of insects hurtling their way toward her clansmen, but she could tell that the vermin was of a magical origin rather than from nature. Her knees buckled but her hands held fast to his arm. Slowly, her fingers relaxed their grip and her hands fell to her lap. The marks that had been beneath her hands, were now healed; not a scar left behind.
With the image of the attack still in her head, she spoke as though she were out of breath, "The attack. The... wounds.... they felt like... death... like a necromancer spell. It was not a natural occurance."
She sat and thought a short time then pulled her legs up to wrap her arms around her knees. "A spell, a Druid spell pulled from the elements could stop it. I have to think, have to remember the words"
She cast a glance toward Irishman who was still sitting where she had left him. She crawled over to check for any wounds, to just see if he were okay, then leaned her head back to think and try to remember the spell.
|
|
|
Post by Dragon_Stalker on Jan 30, 2012 13:38:36 GMT -5
The warrior watched as the druidess grabbed his arm, and though her grip was firm, he could still tell how soft her hands were. The wounds were fading as she gripped tighter and tighter, and it was apparent that her focus was strengthening.
"Necromancer's spell, indeed," the warrior thought to himself. "That would explain how he was able to manipulate the dead."
The warrior saw the druidess keeping careful watch over the mercenary. The brave paladin stood there, with a look of nobility. Seeing his friends surrounding him gave great strength to the warrior. The time was soon coming where he would have to rely on that strength. He faced the paladin as he spoke...
Gawayn, do you recall those books we keep in the castle archives pertaining to lumomancy? The time has come for us to learn some magic of our own. Your knights have shown the most aptitude for holy magics, I wonder if you don't mind making good use of those skills by learning how to dispel shadows and demons from those ancient books. I'm sure I could even learn a thing or two, with some help.
|
|
|
Post by Gawayn on Jan 30, 2012 13:59:26 GMT -5
Happy to see his friend Irishman under the ministrations of the druidess, Gawayn turned at Dragon_Stalker's question.
Long indeed has been the day since I dappled through such tomes. Lumomancy, yes, I had a passing knowledge of it at one time. My love for knowledge is great, but even that desire was sometimes tempered by what I encountered scrawled by hands far wiser than mine. I do recall such magics, however, and it appears the time has come again to renew my acquaintance with such things. The sentries report a darkness approaching.
I will go into the musty depths of our fair castle to unlock whatever aide the past may hold. I place my paladins under your command; do with them what you see fit till my return. Before I go, tell me what you know of this dark enemy. Any information prove invaluable when walking along the shadowed web strands of the past.
|
|
Irishman
Honored Warrior
Clan member[wCP:0]
Traveling Bard
Posts: 6,871
|
Post by Irishman on Jan 30, 2012 17:22:39 GMT -5
Awakening from his stupor, Irishman was moderately surprised to find himself inside the Castle. Sensing a familiar presence nearby, he looked up into Bre'Cheyes' worried eyes.
I'm ok, Bre', thank you.
Looking about he sees Gawayn and Dragon_Stalker near to hand as well. Rising, with a bit of assistance from Bre'Cheye, he approaches his friends.
How goes the battle, my friends? Were my mercenaries able to assist with the withdrawal? And are they hale and hearty? Do we have a plan for bracing the enemy once more?
|
|
|
Post by Gawayn on Jan 31, 2012 14:45:10 GMT -5
Gawayn is happy to see his friend Irishman hale once more.
Your men are safe, though we were harried hard on our return. They are mending and should be whole soon again ere nightfall, if the gods will it. I go into the bowels of the keep to find hope for resistance. I have entrusted my paladins to Dragon_Stalker, but do not hesitate to call on them for your own purposes either.
Gawayn paused as an idea came to him, then.
I have a task that needs doing if you are willing, my friend. We know precious little about the darkness. We need knowledge now more than swords, else even the stoutest hearts here may be overcome. While I go to look into the past, I would ask you seek the present. The land has become too dangerous for open travel, but the tunnels below the keep should still be safe, strengthened with elven magic and dwarven wards. One or few may go more unnoticed than a band, I think. Go to Queen Beth, if you would, and ply her court with questions. Someone there must have some clue. Remember everything, insignificant as it may seem at the time.
Gawayn reached into a pouch at his belt and took out a ruby. Closing his eyes, he mouth an ancient prayer taught to him by his mother long ago. He'd used it rarely, though the power of the words were undiminished. Opening his eyes again after a few moments, he handed the gem to Irishman.
Take this and keep it close. I have imbued it with the blessing of Hidden Prayer. It should keep you hidden from those who seek to find you magically. If you are threatened, however, cry a beloved's name and the gem's power will be unleashed, a blazing tide of holy light fit to drive the very night away. Move quickly, though, for its effects do not linger long. Will you take up this quest? If so, choose a companion if you would and begin. I will pray the gods for your return.
|
|
|
Post by Dragon_Stalker on Jan 31, 2012 16:52:08 GMT -5
Dragon_Stalker listened as the holy knight queried the mercenary about a quest to the Queen's Court. He first thought himself to be the perfect one to accompany the mercenary to visit the Queen, but there was a darkness brewing that the warrior could sense....the time for action was approaching fast, but first he wanted to respond to the mercenaries questions regarding the dark-horse rider.
Before we go in separate directions, I shall share with you all what I know...
The mercenary, paladin, and druidess listened eagerly as the warrior continued. He shared the stories of old, his glance turning skywards.
It was a long time ago, that the shadow-fire horseman was not so different than you and I. Legends tell that he was a knight of the holy order, not much unlike you, Sir Gawayn. His prowess as a soldier of light was unparalleled at that time. His power was great, but his soul was vulnerable.
In an age past, long before I was even a commander, an evil lord managed to twist the horseman's spirit. He fed him with darkness, augmenting his power while simultaneously perverting his soul.
I've never seen the evil lord myself....the dark horseman not only is his personal bodyguard and servant, but also has abilities to conceal and disguise things. Never having much an aptitude for magic, I was only ever to encounter the dark horseman by chance. Never have I succeeded in subduing him; in fact, I consider myself most fortunate to have escaped our last confrontation with my life. I know only that he bears great power, the nature of which is oppositional to the order of paladins. What we have witnessed so far is his ability to raise dead and to curse (with bloodflies).
Facing his friends once again, he looked at each one as he spoke.
Gawayn, you have heard the tale of the horseman and of what he is capable. I give you a solemn warning to guard your heart most of all, for it is your most dangerous yet vulnerable weapon. Thank you for entrusting me with your men in your absence!
Irishman, I'm not sure what you'll discover from the our noble queen, but if I recall correctly, there were some tales that mentioned some powerful jewelry of hers, that has sense gone missing. I wish I could tell you more. I would be most pleased to accompany you, but someone will need to guard the gates while you are on mission. I'm sure that Unknown and his men are getting prepared as we speak, and combined with the forces of Gawayn's men we should be able to stave an attacker long enough for your return. If I may be so bold as to suggest you take the charming druidess along the journey with you, that is, if she has nothing more urgent that needs attending. Perhaps the queen or someone in her court could help her remember that elemental spell...
|
|
Bre'Cheye
Honored Warrior
HW5
ussta zhennu ventash'ma zhah ussta zhennu abbil... My Great Leader is my Great Friend!
Posts: 8,369
|
Post by Bre'Cheye on Jan 31, 2012 20:51:55 GMT -5
She followed the Bard to stand near Gawayn and Dragon Stalker, to take in all the information she could. The tale that Dragon_Stalker told them both enlightened her and frightened her. When she stepped closer to Irishman, it was to hear every word DS said and to steady herself against the Bard's arm to conceal her shaking. She looked to the ground then back to DS as he continued speaking. In her mind, she recalled another war she had literally fallen from the sky to be a part of whether she had wanted to or not. It was her attempt to teleport from that horror that led her to her new home, to the Wizards & Warriors. Her attention was drawn from her past to the present when she heard DS' s suggestion and his 'compliment' helped calm her nerves.
"I have nothing more important than being here and helping my clansmen. And yes, perhaps someone can help me remember the words to my spell."
She stepped back again but not far enough that she couldn't lightly hold between thumb and index finger, a bit of the material to the Bard's sleeve.
|
|
|
Post by james111222 on Jan 31, 2012 21:34:51 GMT -5
Deep inside the darkness...
On a black throne in the darkest cavern of the darkest cave, James rested his head on his chin, and the throne room was booming with laughter.
Quick, my servant. Fetch my finest robes, I believe an appearance is in order soon with our new friends.
James swoops from his thrown, the shadows billowing off of him like smoke. A small puff of smoke, a summoning of some kind, immaterial in shape, rushed off.
Soon, warriors...soon.
|
|
|
Post by james111222 on Feb 1, 2012 17:56:26 GMT -5
Deep underground, a chanting is heard.
Trela'de'nesha...
The room goes dark as the last of the light emitted by the glow-worms on the walls is extinguished
Thela'yahara'de'delass!
James' powerful spell seems to feed off of every good feeling, every love, and trust...
Thela'de'Gawayn!!!!
Dark tendrils of magic crackle from james' fingertips, a magic anyone trained in the arts would have recognized as a Curse of Weakness.
Deep in the darkness, James continues his chanting, and a small smile is seen, his teeth, sharp and cruel, the only white in an otherwise dark place.
|
|
Irishman
Honored Warrior
Clan member[wCP:0]
Traveling Bard
Posts: 6,871
|
Post by Irishman on Feb 2, 2012 15:28:31 GMT -5
Irishman hears Dragon_Stalkers words and keenly sifts through the information.
Yea, my friend, I will go to the Queen an' her court ta see if thar be any knowledge ta be had about this situation. If Bre' has a will ta accompany me, I will be glad indeed ta 'ave her assistance.
Taking her hand in his, he asks with a look if she would go.
|
|
Bre'Cheye
Honored Warrior
HW5
ussta zhennu ventash'ma zhah ussta zhennu abbil... My Great Leader is my Great Friend!
Posts: 8,369
|
Post by Bre'Cheye on Feb 2, 2012 22:59:56 GMT -5
With her hand in the Bard's, she looked up and nodded her acceptance to his unspoken invitation to accompany him on his journey. Not knowing the length of time it would take to achieve what Dragon_Stalker was asking of them, she stood next to Irishman and directed her attention toward DS. But the words she wanted to ask seemed to dissolve before she could utter them. She placed a hand against the stone wall and closed her eyes, as if to concentrate on someone's conversation. Backing up against Irishman, she shook her head then placed her hands over her ears.
"The words," she finally spoke with a pained expression on her face. "They seem Drow but I don't understand them."
She pushed her hair from her face, gripped Irishman's hand and reached for Gawayn's. "Gawayn, grab DS's hand." Hoping that Gawayn would grab DS's hand in a timely manner, she looked toward the ceiling for a few seconds until in her mind, she saw the open sky instead of the ceiling.
"Atara Tunare, var lye vand su i' vaarn. Var lye vand su i' vaarn*."
With her head still turned upward and her hair tumbling down her back, she smiled at the stars she saw above her. A sound of a myriad of crackling sounds could be heard around the group and outside the wall. She was sure no one could or would feel any different, but by the sounds of the spell she sent out to her goddess Tunare, she knew that it had been successful.
"We'll be safe, for tonight. Us. The castle, safe..."
The drain of mana that had been required for the spell had weakened the Druid and all she could feel at that slowed moment in time was the sensation of falling... falling into a well of darkness.
*mother Tunare, protect our home from evil--shield/buff protection spell
|
|