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Post by Aidan on Dec 19, 2007 4:40:45 GMT
Deck stared at Larian, the blood protruding from the gash where there had once been a hand. He was going to ask her what she wanted, when she suddenly let out a final gasp. Her eyes closed, and her body was now nothing more than an empty shell.
"What'll we do with the body? We can't just leave it here!" said Hack nervously.
Just then, they heard the sound of running footsteps and knew they had to act fast.
"It's only proper that we have a burial for her," said Jahn. With no time to lose, Larian's body was carried outside.
Anselm and Deck laid Larian's body on the ground. A hole was dug, and Larian's body was lowered down.
"I don't see why we had to give her a burial," hissed Hack.
"She may have been evil, but she deserves a funeral like everyone else," said Sapphire, who had been quiet in all of this.
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SherryAnn
Shunting Engine
I find it hard to be sociable. No harm intended from me.
Posts: 94
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Post by SherryAnn on Dec 19, 2007 5:31:14 GMT
Meanwhile back at in the town, Vixie and Cornelius stared at the blue stranger before them. The silence was broken by Vixie's nervous reply.
"I believe we are not the ones to decide if you should join the group. Cornelius and I aren't the leader of the party.*"
Judas merely replied, "So can you take me to your leader?" Vixie turned to Cornelius. Cornelius shrugged and told Judas:
"First, tell us your name, and your motives, but make it quick, we need to find enough disguises for our journey."
IC.* Party is another word for a group btw.
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The Master
Passenger Engine
Here comes the drums!
Posts: 595
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Post by The Master on Dec 19, 2007 14:30:19 GMT
Judas was quite surprised. He stated "A surprisingly direct response from such a feral child." He turned to Cornelius and said “It is sense of irony in this world that the smartest are never to lead.”
Judas swung his cloak around and refaced Vixie. “If you were a real sorceress, young lady, you would know who I am. And, believe me, you would be afraid. My name is Judas and I am the living heir in the line of the Volturnus. I seek to join you in your quest, as I believe whoever has left that map of yours to also have stolen the family heirloom from my father.”
Cornelius said unsympathetically “Lots of precious jewels go missing and only fools spend their lives seeking them.”
Judas spoke to him without moving “If I don’t get this crystal back, thousands will die.” He stepped back from Vixie and asked her “If you wouldn’t mind spitting me in face, young lady, as much saliva as you like.”
Vixie looked at him odd but obeyed the request. As she spat, Judas’s eyes turned a bright white. He then reached out and caught the projectile. When the blue hand was opened, a solid lump of ice could be seen.
Judas stated bluntly “If I don’t get the crystal back, I can’t control the field moisture. Without the food grown, these towns will rip themselves apart for what’s left. Then you can keep your money and your precious jewels – you can’t eat them.”
He leaned back towards the shocked Vixie and said “Convinced, I’m not self-centred yet?”
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Post by Alaric on Dec 19, 2007 16:26:59 GMT
Deck stared at the unmarked grave for quite some time, whilst Sapphire filled Jahn and Anselm in on what had happened and who the newcomer was. "I need to be alone," he announced finally. "No you don't," said Jahn. "We need to head back." "I'll catch up," said Deck, and went further into the forest. "Leave him," said Anselm, leading the others away.
Deck approached a small clearing, complete with stumps. Sitting on one, he took his lute in hand and began strumming sadly. Why was he so upset? He didn't even like Larian, did he? Why should I? She, like apparently 75% of the population, wanted me dead. And yet...and yet he knew that beneath that killer exterior...inside there had to be a nice person. Right? He went into Ferson's Lament. It felt...appropriate. She poisoned me, kidnapped me, attempted to murder me and was generally very unkind to my disposition. So why, out of all the women I've met, does she linger on my mind? She was beautiful, yes, but...am I really that superficial? Well, yeah, but... He didn't know why, but he knew there was more to it than that. Finishing his song, he sighed and put down the lute. "That was beautiful," came a voice from the trees. "Oh my gods..." Deck's eyes widened in shock. He knew that voice. Larian, hood now removed, jumped down from the trees and stood in front of him. "What's it called?" she asked? "Er...Ferson's Lament," Deck answered. "Listen...as happy as I am to see you, and I don't know why I am, but I am, I have to ask...are you a ghost?" Larian grinned. This was the first time Deck had actually seen her do this, and it was...for lack of a better word, lovely. "No, I'm still alive. Although it was...nice of you to bury me." "Erm...you're welcome? Look, I'm a bit confused." "I understand," Larian nodded. "It was after I left you at Metwillicay Manor..."
"I am very disappointed in you, Larian." "Please my lord, just one more chance." "No, Larian. You have failed me for the last time. I didn't think you were capable of such incompetence. Be assured, it will not go unpunished. You are no longer in my services." "No...no, please sir! Please!" The Communication spell ended. Larian cringed. Termination from Dark Lord Dread's services was as good as a death sentence. What could she do?
"What did you do?" Deck asked. "Actually, I have you to thank for that." "How d'you mean?" "Let's just say, you're not the only one that can use a Suggest spell," Larian shook her hair. Deck's heart melted. "I took over the first two women I could find, and took them back to one of my hideouts," she continued. "There I dressed them in copies of my clothing, and convinced each of them that they were me. Then I set them loose." "Why?" "I couldn't run from the Dark Lord," Larian explained. "His spies are everywhere. But if I could make it look I was already dead..." "Then he'd leave you alone!" Deck caught on. "Then...when you are at the hospital?" he asked, remembering what Sapphire had told him. "A copy. I was never there." "I should have known. I didn't think a fox would stop you. I mean...well, you're so good at killing." "Flatterer," Larian laughed. Deck didn't know what to say. "So...what now?" he settled on. "I don't know. I'll have to leave, obviously. If I stay here, he'll find me." "You're welcome to come with us," Deck offered. "I mean, we'll have to make up a cover for you..." "No, I couldn't," Larian shook her head. "Not after all I've done...I don't have the right. And if I'm honest...I'd like to find out more about myself first. And...about music." Deck smiled. "I recommend Poris. It's where I learnt to play. You'll love it...maybe." "I'll try there then." Larian jumped back into the trees. "Who knows, I might even find out more about you, Daemaus." "It's Dekrin," said Deck. "Deck, to my friends." "I have not earned that right yet...but maybe someday. I hope we meet again, Dekrin. Farewell." Deck didn't even notice her move. She simply vanished from the branch. Picking up his lute, he made his way back to town, a happier and more optimistic bard. They'd meet again. He knew it.
OOC: OK, yeah, I know. But there is totally a good reason for this, I swear! BTW, hands off Larian for a while, everyone. The plan's been set in motion now, and I'd rather it not messed with.
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Post by Cläy on Dec 28, 2007 1:08:02 GMT
Cornelius was impressed, in spite of himself. He glanced at Vixie, and said, “That does seem like a reasonable excuse to join us. But as I said, it’s not my decision. You can come for the moment, but we’ll have to clear it with Deck and Jahn and the rest before anything else.” “That works for me,” Judas said simply. Falling into stride behind Vixie as they moved off, he added, “so what’s your excuse for this quest, milady?” “I’m a vicious, money-hungry person who will kill anyone who stands in my way,” Vixie said menacingly. Judas stopped, shocked. “Then why are you helping these people to get the treasure?” Vixie’s eyes twinkled. “You believed me? Wow, you’re so gullible.” She laughed, and continued, “no, I’m actually looking for -” Larian swooped from the roof of a nearby building, landed deftly, grabbing Vixie before leaping to another building. “Larian!” Cornelius cried. “Larian?” Judas repeated, confused. “Long story,” Cornelius admitted, “Where are the others?”
The others were not long in coming. Jahn was leading Anselm, Deck, Sapphire and Hack through the town square, Brother Gerard’s limp body still slung over his shoulder, when Hack shouted, “Look over there!” They did, and watched as the lithe figure collected Vixie and leapt away. Quickly, Deck, Hack and Sapphire rushed to the scene, leaving Jahn and Anselm alone again. Jahn said bluntly, “I don’t think he’ll make it.” “I was afraid of that,” Anselm replied, “but I want to make the effort.” Jahn nodded, and the two walked away, looking for the nearest medical institution.
Deck, Sapphire and Hack arrived, bewildered. “What is it?” “Larian,” Cornelius said simply. “Larian? But she’s – I’m sure we – what?” Sapphire said, confused. “Oh wow this is awkward,” Deck muttered to himself. Aloud, he said, “And who are you?” “This is Judas,” Cornelius answered, “he wants in on the whole treasure thing too.” “Larian!” Hack yelled, “You let her go this instant!” “I don’t think so,” she replied, “and she better not transform, or I will kill her. Don’t think I won’t.” “You just don’t want her to change because you’re scared of foxes!” Sapphire taunted. “Larian’s not.” Deck said quietly. “What?” Sapphire turned to Deck. “But I saw her run from Vixie when she was a fox.” “But that’s not Larian.” “How do you know that?” “Well…” Deck said, “we killed her, didn’t we? I don’t know who that is, but I do know it’s not Larian.” Raising his voice, he called, “This isn’t you, Larian. Let her go.” “What are you talking about, Daemaus? This IS me!” “No, no it isn’t…” Deck stepped forward. Although the woman in the cloak wasn’t Larian, he felt he had to talk to her as though she was. “Don’t you see? There’s nothing to gain for you here. Think of your family, think of Xultrof, think of what could be if you stop now.” Larian paused. “Xultrof? I don’t know anything about Xultrof.” “Then how can you be Larian?” Deck said urgently, “Don’t you see? I know more about you than you do. Please, step down off the ledge, take off that hood. This is not you.” “I…I…” Larian stopped. Then suddenly she shook her head violently. “What…where am I?” Deck breathed a sigh of relief. He’d managed to break Larian’s Suggest Spell, and saved both this anonymous woman and Vixie. Larian should be safe, he realised, as one of her two ‘duplicates’ had already been killed. Hack climbed up and helped ‘Larian’ and Vixie down. When they had returned to the street, Deck took out his lute. Time for a spell of his own. “Please, take your hood off.” The woman did so, confused. “You don’t remember anything of this,” Deck crooned smoothly, “you were on holiday in Sulzgroff for two weeks. You met a man named Walter. He taught you how to play chrichel. It was all a marvelous blur.” The woman’s face slackened. “Chrichel is fun…” she said blankly. “Yes, it is,” agreed Deck, “now go on, and live the rest of your life.” The woman nodded, and walked away. “Right,” said Deck, “that’s that sorted out. Wait a sec – where are Jahn and Anselm?”
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tom628
Goods Engine
[F4:@hackattackimer]
Posts: 425
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Post by tom628 on Dec 28, 2007 3:09:03 GMT
"Great, we lost them again." Said Sapphire, "Now what?" "Anyone have any idea of where they went?" asked Hack. "Not a clue," Said Deck. "Any clues on where to even start looking?" asked Sapphire. "Nope," said Cornelius, "None. So what do we do?" "Hold on," Said Judas, "What about this treasure?" "We need the map, and the map's with them." Said Deck. "Map? No one ever said anything about a map." Said Judas. "Yeah," agreed Hack. "Map?" said Vixie. "Well, yeah," said Deck, "I had a map to the treasure, then Anslem stole it, and he still has it, I think." "Idiots," mumbled Judas.
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The Master
Passenger Engine
Here comes the drums!
Posts: 595
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Post by The Master on Dec 28, 2007 23:15:45 GMT
Judas sighed and said sarcastically “Well, we could start by obtaining a sheet of paper, a quill and a capped inkwell. That way when we do get the miniscule opportunity to obtain this map – we may actually be able to duplicate it!”
Deck said dramatically “We can’t copy the map! If we did, there would be nothing holding the group together!”
“Ah, the leader speaks!” Judas interpreted before adding “The only problem is, this group has already split on multiple occasions already. Even now as I speak, we’re apparently 2 people, and the map, missing!”
“Fair point” said Sapphire quietly from the backdrop of the group.
Judas looked at Cornelius and Vixie. He asked “What were you planning on using those disguises for, anyway?”
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Post by Aidan on Jan 1, 2008 1:10:43 GMT
Vixie and Cornelius looked back at Judas.
"We'd tell you, but that is a private matter," said Cornelius. Judas growled under his breath and walked away, muttering to himself.
Deck cleared his throat. "I say we try and find out just what Anselm's up to!" he declared. "There might be something suspicious about him. It would be wrong for somebody of the clergy to actually want to steal." "Yes, indeed," said Sapphire. Judas turned and looked at Sapphire. "Maybe YOU have something to do with this," he said, jabbing Sapphire's chest with a finger. "Don't overreact, Judas," said Vixie.
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Post by Cläy on Jan 12, 2008 5:30:54 GMT
Jahn and Anselm returned to the doctor where they had previously left Sapphire. The doctor recognised them. "Hey, that wizard you left here earlier - he's gone! I don't know where he..." "Never mind that, he found us," Jahn said, "Now we've got a broken priest. Do you mind?" "No, not at all, but..." "Good. Here you go." Jahn lowered Brother Gerard's body to the table, turned and left. Anselm hesitated, before following.
"I'm not overreacting," Judas said sharply. "I have half a mind to leave now and search for the crystal alone!" "That seems a bit...sudden," Cornelius coughed, "you only just met us." "And believe me, I am less than thrilled to have done so," Judas retorted. "So unless we can find this Anselm character and the map..." "Are you talking about us?" Jahn strode forward. "Who are you two?" "Hack and Judas," Deck answered, "Where's the map?" "Anselm's got it," Jahn said. Turning to the priest, he added, "Anselm! Get the map out of your bag." Anselm fished around for it. "Ah, here we go," he said. Holding the four pieces together, he handed them to Deck, ignoring Jahn's grimace. "The map, I see!" Lord Falzynne had been watching from a short distance away, and now he and Waklan trotted up to the party. "Well, I have wondered as to its existance for some time now. Oh, and hello again." Jahn nodded mutely. "So..." Lord Falzynne dismounted, "can I have a look? I've only had glimpses at the first three parts, you see." Deck shuffled his feet anxiously. "Um...sorry...sir...but it's my map, and I -" "Ah, you must be the bard then!" Lord Falzynne smiled. "Come on, ply me a song,show me the map, and I won't bother you further." Deck coughed nervously. He looked around at the others. No one said anything, but Jahn made a sort of 'shooing' motion. He turned back and looked into Lord Falzynne's eyes.
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tom628
Goods Engine
[F4:@hackattackimer]
Posts: 425
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Post by tom628 on Jan 16, 2008 21:25:31 GMT
Judas, Hack, Jahn, and Cornelius were all looking directly at Falzynne, Hack and Jahn holding their hands close to their weapons. There wasn't any indication that Falzynne was going to attack, but they were ready any way. It's a fighter thing. Deck was still looking around, desperately trying to think of a way to buy time. Vixie had transformed into a fox, and had snuck off to the side of the road. Sapphire was merely standing there, ready for anything. "I shall give you to the count of three to give me the map." Said Falzynne. Deck reached towards his rapier, very subtly. "One," "Two," "Three," "Time's up!" Said Falzynne, grabbing his sword and shield from Wakian, and raised the sword as he turned back, but was shocked to see 3 swords pointed directly at him. He was shocked so much that he slackened his grip on his sword and shield, which Hack took advantage of by throwing the shield out of Falzynne's hand and to the side of the road. Vixie then transformed back and grabbed it. Falzynne then composed himself and raised his sword again. "Come on then," he said, "Who's first? No volunteers? You then," he said, pointing at Hack. Jahn and Deck then backed up slightly. Hack held out his sabre, and bowed slightly. Falzynne did the same. They then started circling each other. First Falzynne lunged, Hack blocked and moved to his right. Then came a sweeping slash from Hack, Falzynne deflected it away. Then Falzynne reached into his pocket, producing several dangerous looking objects, which looked like 4 knives arranged in the shape of a star. Falzynne hurled them all at Hack, causing him to just twirl his sword randomly and duck, which somehow worked to block and dodge all of them. Hack drew his dagger and hurled it at Falzynne, who dodged it, but the dagger cut his free hand, causing Falzynne to drop his sword. "Ahh! I surrender. But you've not heard the last of me!" He said, though an immense amount of pain. He then remounted his horse and set off towards the hospital. He forgot his shield in the process. "Good job Hack," said Jahn, "And nice use of the dagger." "Thanks," replied Hack, "Nice to have someone around who appreciates good fighting." "Oh, stop chatting," said Deck, "We need to get a move on."
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Post by Aidan on Jan 28, 2008 4:49:21 GMT
The band of heroes, along with Vixie, carried on with their journey.
"We showed Lord Falzynne back there, didn't we?" smirked Hack. "Yeah," agreed Deck.They pressed on, not knowing where the next stage of their quest would take them. They were prepared nonetheless for anything.
Meanwhile, Lord Falzynne had just managed to make his way to the hospital. The doctor came out.
"Oh, great, this guy's injured, too? I'm going to be busy all night! First it was those other travellers, but now this one takes the cake!"
The doctor took Falzynne and placed him on a bed.
Deck was entertaining the others with another song. He was singing of a brave warrior who had faced many perils. The others listened quietly as Deck performed his song. They soon came upon an inn. By then, their legs were beginning to ache from all the walking, and the travellers were glad of a rest.
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Post by Alaric on Jan 28, 2008 22:11:42 GMT
OOC: Guys, you're gonna hate me for this, but I think we should shut down the RP for a while. Looking back over the last few posts, it's become a little obvious that none of us really know where we're going with it, and going by the sporadity of new posts, I don't think any of us are as enthusiastic about it as we once were. This is no one in particular mind, this is just the vibe I'm picking up. This was designed as an experiment to see if RPing was possible on the forum, and I think we've proved it is. But we've also managed to point out some design flaws that'll have to be worked on for future RPs. I'd like to thank you all for playing and helping out along the way, but I think it's time we all took a break. I'm not saying this is where the story ends. Hopefully we'll be able to open up later when everyone's a bit more fresh and full of ideas. But until then, the RP is closed. When will it be open again? Watch this space.
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Post by Alaric on Jul 14, 2008 20:33:55 GMT
Alright, let's give this another go, shall we? It's been..6 months since we locked this, and I think that's long enough. I for one am quite anxious to do some RPing again, and since I have nothing but time these days (theroetically speaking, that is, it always turns out I need to do something that gets in the way of valuable forum time), I figure this thread is due for a revival. (The fact that another RPG has opened up to give us competition has nothing to do with this decision, honest ) However, I do think we have too many players. Things seemed to work best when we had four, however given the size of membership I think six should be quite enough. Sadly, this means losing two members. Which two? Well, that shall be decided in the only fair way possible. The first five that post their interest (and don't feel you have to rejoin, if you don't want to that's perfectly fine and dandy) will get back in. The story will be worked around that. Now what about the two members that don't make it? If you guys are still interested in playing, then I have good news. You get first dibs on playing in the new game that'll be set up, a spin-off if you will. More details about that when it opens. So gamers....get to posting! (Please note that at this time new players will, sadly, not be allowed. However, if you still want to play, keep your eyes peeled to the Gaming Section)
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Post by Cläy on Jul 14, 2008 21:45:52 GMT
You liar. Count me in, clearly. I'm itching for some more Jahn action.
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Post by 01Salty on Jul 15, 2008 10:05:39 GMT
I'm definately interesting in continuing this epic story. After the flush of new characters last time I became lost with the story and decided to have a break. If there's only four this time, I'm hoping I can catch up with the story and continue on.
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The Master
Passenger Engine
Here comes the drums!
Posts: 595
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Post by The Master on Jul 15, 2008 21:59:55 GMT
I'm in. I've a crystal to find!
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Post by Father Austin Purcell on Jul 17, 2008 22:09:36 GMT
Count me in. I liked playing Anselm.
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Post by Alaric on Jul 21, 2008 19:07:20 GMT
I grow weary of this waiting. Let the games recommence! (We officially have one space left. If any of the previous players wish to rejoin during gameplay, feel free to say so. One lucky newcomer would also be accepted, but previous players will be given priority.) Alright, quick recap. The PCs (and you know who you are) are currently outside of a town (I don't think we actually gave it a name) and have just entered an inn. Our current opponents are Lord Wickrin, alias the Dark Lord Dread, and Lord Falzynne, who has been injured and is presently resting up. From what we've seen, Wickrin prefers to use minions or mercenaries to do his dirty work, whereas Falzynne prefers the personal touch. The treasure is yet to be found. No one knows what it is yet. If anyone has any ideas on how to continue on without a few members of our party, please feel free to suggest them. I have one, but it's somehwhat extreme, and I'd prefer alternatives.
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Post by Cläy on Jul 24, 2008 2:46:21 GMT
OK, if no-one's going to restart the story... "This inn looks familiar..." Jahn muttered to himself. Surely they hadn't come that far? "How so?" asked Deck. Jahn ignored him, and walked up to the bar. "'Scuse me," he said to the barman, "you wouldn't know of a Mikel Gunnersson, would you?" The barman looked fearful. "No! We know no Mikel Gunnersson. You leave now!" "I'll take that as a yes," Jahn said grimly, "Now, if you see him, tell him Jahn wants to meet." The barman, powerless, simply nodded. "Right, that's business out of the way," Jahn said, "Can you get drinks for us? An ale, a reedwater, a sparkling apple juice for the priest... what do the rest of you want?" As everyone filed their orders with the barman, Jahn retreated to the back of the group. He hadn't seen Mikel Gunnersson for ages, not since before the Widderford battle. Surely he couldn't... He shook the feeling away. Anselm sidled up to him. "What was that all about?" "I'll tell you later," Jahn hissed, "have you still got the map?" Anselm looked dumbfounded for a second, but quickly recovered and searched his bag. "Yes," he confirmed, "are we going back to...?" Jahn interrupted him, "Eventually. But for now keep it close." The drinks were served, and the party crowded around a pair of tables to drink and take stock. Deck said, "Anselm, do you still have the map with you?" Anselm glanced at Jahn, before nodding. "Good, can I have it back please?" Hesitant, Anselm fetched the pieces from his bag and handed them over. Deck took them and placed them on the table. "I'll be. So that was Mervaulx Abbey?" "Yes." "I didn't know we'd come that far," Deck mused, "so if we follow this path here..." "We'll hit Widderford." Jahn grunted. Everyone turned to look at him. "My hometown," he elaborated, "or it was. Wickrin got his mitts on it through his normal means. And Larian. It's a shadow of what it was." Deck swallowed, a lump growing in his throat. Why? he thought, I know she's alive, but why do I think of Larian as dead? And why does that make me sad? Aloud he said, "So you want to go back there? See if you can help?" Jahn took his time in answering. "Well... yes. At some stage. But for now I want to get this over with. And hopefully with us knowing the terrain it shouldn't be as hard." "Right," Deck said, "so we'll keep going in the morning, yes?" The others nodded. "Good."
OOC: Yes, Mikel Gunnersson is going to be another NPC. I'd just like to set him up and his history with Jahn etc first
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Post by Alaric on Jul 28, 2008 12:05:01 GMT
After deciding that an early start would be best, to hopefully avoid any further obstacles, the party settled into their rooms for the night. Deck, however, couldn’t sleep. His thoughts kept turning to Larian. Why? Why was this one woman on his mind so much? Sure, she was attractive, and (he assumed) nice enough when she wasn’t trying to kill him. But he’d met over a hundred attractive women in his time, many of which didn’t want to kill him at all (or at least not until he’d safely ran away), and he could barely remember most of their names. So why was Larian so important? And why did the fact that she was so far away make him feel so...sad? His arm was acting up. He needed a hit. Slowly, Deck reached down to his backpack and dragged it onto the bed. He reached inside and felt around for his emergency bottle. The big bottle he’d brought all the way from Garan, to be used only when there was no alternative. Carefully, he lifted it out and placed the end to his lips. “What are you drinking?” Deck nearly spilled the Mirth in surprise. In the darkness, he could just make out Judas sitting upright in his bed. “What, this?” he whispered. “Medicine. For my arm.” “An odd time for taking medicine, I would have thought,” Judas mused. “It’s my arm. It hurts sometimes,” said Deck. “And...it helps lift me up when I’m depressed.” “If only we all had access to such a cure. Perhaps this world would be better for it.” “Er...yeah, exactly. Listen, you won’t tell the others about this, will you?” “Why should I?” Judas leant in closer. “More importantly, why should I not?” “They’ve not exactly been supportive of it in the past,” Deck confessed. “I mean, really it’s none of their business, but they seem to have this big thing about my medicine, Anselm especially, and if they found out about my bottle here, they’d have quite a lot to say on...” Deck realised Judas was no longer listening. “Do you hear that?” the blue-skinned wizard asked. Deck strained his ears. There was something going on outside, some kind of...rumbling. One that was getting louder with each second. As if... “Someone’s on the march,” Jahn rose from his bed. “March?” Deck looked puzzled. “But who would be marching here?” Even in the dark, he could tell people were giving him funny looks. “Alright, stupid question. Look, let’s just see if we can slip out the back and get away before...” At that moment, Hack burst into the room. “Can you hear that?” “Yes, and I was just saying we should...” “It’s Falzynne’s men. We’re surrounded.” “How do you know they’re Falzynne’s men?” “We have the place surrounded!” came a loud voice from outside. “In the name of Lord Falzynne, surrender yourselves immediately!” “...Well, flark.” “Alright,” Jahn got out of bed and grabbed his sword. “Then I guess we have no choice but to fight.” “Fight?” Sapphire looked outside. “But there’s too many! We wouldn’t stand a chance!” “Better to die in combat than live in cowardice,” Hack grinned. “Easy for you to say!” Deck frowned, who had always found cowardice an acceptable lifestyle thus far. “Everyone grab your weapons.” The team met in the corridor. “Alright, Jahn, Hack, Judas and...Sapphire, you guys head out the front,” Deck ordered. “Try to hold them off as long as possible. Vixie, Anselm, Cornelius, you’re with me. Get everybody out of here, and don’t stop until no one’s left.” “Since when did you become so concerned about others?” Jahn raised an eyebrow. “Shut up Jahn, we don’t have time! Look, you guys are the best at fighting, so go out there and do it! But I’m making sure that no one has to die because of us! Alright?!” If Jahn was at all impressed by Deck’s show of backbone, he didn’t show it, but simply nodded and led his team downstairs. “Alright everyone, spread out! Vixie, you and I will take this floor. Anselm, you and Cornelius take the one above. Meet back here when you’re done.” “Where do we take them?” Corn asked. “Get them outside any way you can. The others should be able to divert their attention and hopefully leave a gap these people can escape through,” Deck tried to conceal a grimace. ‘Hopefully’ was the key word here. He had no guarantee this would work at all. “Now go! Quickly!” Anselm and Cornelius ran to the stairs. Anslem looked back briefly, focusing on Deck, and for a moment the bard was sure the priest was actually...pleased with him. But there was no time for that. “Vixie, you take that side,” Deck pointed, before breaking down the nearest door. Inside was a family huddled together with fear. “Come with me,” he said. “I can take you to safety.” “Who are you?” asked the father. “I’m one of the heroes,” Deck lied. Hero? Causing the possible deaths of how-knows-how-many innocents simply because he’d been greedy enough to steal a map that probably led to a dead end? Yeah, he was a real hero alright.
OOC: Yeah, I know I'm dealing with PCs that don't have players right now, but just keep playing for now. My next post will take care of it.
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