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Post by K Man on Jun 30, 2008 12:45:05 GMT -5
SEA GREEN{I see a recon mission atop Antyca as the majority party choice for the time being. If I'm wrong, let me know. Also I heard taking Madrigal with you for layout description.} The choice to examine the layout of the land atop the great Roc is decided upon. Magridal looks nervous about the prospect at first, but when you mention you'll be at a great height and using a spyglass to examine the giant's lands, he continues to grimace.  "I'd suggest we be wary of clouds at that height. Lord Amassu will not tolerate us over his kingdom for long, especially since he rules the skies and the clouds in addition to land."That tought gives you pause, but nonetheless Madrigal moves towards Antyca and motions to hop on her back. One by one, you mount up and ready to ride the great bird over the giants' sacred lands. Madrigal has one of his men bring a few spyglasses before strapping himself to the saddle. Antyca thrusts her wings and you lift into the air quickly. The giants at the gate watch you take off, but hold their rocks at bay. They glare menacingly, but that is about it. Antyca pumps her wings, climbing rapidly and arcing towards the North. Madrigal has a grin across his face the whole time, his braided hair whipping about in the wind. The clouds remain high above, thin and sparse while the ground becomes a muted brown and green rug beneath you. Surely, at this height, no earth-orginating rock could reach yo. A half hour of flying later, Madrigal motions to the spyglasses and shouts at the top of his lungs to be heard by all. [Assume everyone can see this, there are enough spyglasses to go around.] "That canyon pass, that is the entrance to the sacred lands." The Half-Giant motions to a tight box canyon, rimmed by high rock walls and scarred lands. "The valley beyond is the sacred lands. Each clan of giants has their own section."
"The base of the volcano leads to the Fire giants' holy lands, the rock bluffs nearby are for the Stone Giants, the hills before them for the Hill Giants. The sandy valley leading South is for the Sand Giants..."Madrigal goes on, pointing out each feature of the immense valley. In this one unique section of land, there appears to be something for each race of giants...perhaps by they made it their holy lands. The general layout of the valley is a canyon entrance, a wide grassy valley in the center and a sandy desert exit further north. The Western edge is rimmed with mountains, of which some are ancient volcanoes. There is one feature in the center of the valley that Madrigal speaks on next. It is an immense stone slab, nearly two hundred feet across. Surrounding this are rocks that look stabbed into the Earth, their height casting strange shadows across the slab in an arcane pattern. Currently, a group of giants mills about the slab, each of mixed races; fire, sand, stone and hill. "There, that is the tournament grounds. Where giants' hold casual contests of strength and the tournament of the king is held."
"It is rumored that benath that slab rest the bones of the great giant kings...and the artifacts of the giant-kings."An open slab of rock in the middle of a valley with no visible entrance...seems like the perfect place to attempt to sneak in. A gust of wind forces Antyca to shift her wings and dart quickly left. A far off cloud begins to boil as if fed by a surging storm. The cloud quickly turns black, a brooding thunderhead. Madrigal notes the coming cloud and a look of worry sours his face. "We should go...quickly."
DARK REDWanderer and Gildas - Wanderer finally shakes the hold of the demoness, his mind regaining its own power. He limps over to the maul, hefting it and craddling it like a precious child. Illyianna watches him move over, her face wickedly scornful. Gildas removes his bow and aims it at the demon flying high above him. He asks Wanderer to make for the woods, he will provide him cover. Illyianna throws her head back and laughs wickedly.  "Keep your weapon and lick your wounds humans. It won't make any difference soon." She flaps her wings, moving even higher in the night sky. "Just know we will always be in the shadows, always around the corner..."She cackles widldly and gestures, disappearing seconds later in a flash of dark light. You're left in the wilderness, panting and still in shock from the attack. {Unless you guys want to do something special, we can forward to the return of Lenny and Tyrano.} [Iniatives: Wanderer (17), Gildas (15), Illyianna (14)] {Illyianna is 25ft up straight up.}
Tyrano, Lief and Horace - [Just keep running, just keep running...just keep running, running, running...  ]
LENNY - The were-horses return the wink, knowing exactly what you're gettting at. They assure Lockhear they will be alright and leave to 'fetch' the horses. A few seconds later, they return in animal form, snorting wildly and ready to race back to the camp. "By St. Cuthbert! What great mounts!" Lockheart remarks, commenting on the horses ability to follow commands. He helps you mount, worried about your weakened state. He then mounts his horse and spurs them on. "Lead the way." He shouts, pointing ahead. {You too will take a few rounds to reach the camp. Unless you want to address Lockhearts' question of how you got involved with the shadows.}
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Post by Fangor the Fierce on Jun 30, 2008 13:01:12 GMT -5
Lenny lets the question lay in the background, as the command to lead the way overtakes him. With a sense of urgency, he reins the horses towards the camp, knowing all too well that they would be able to make it without his guidance. He only hopes that the others are still alive. Vorkal would pay... one day...
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Post by TheUdjat on Jun 30, 2008 13:19:03 GMT -5
Wanderer keeps to the edge of the forest despite the succubus's apparent disappearance. Only when she is gone several moments and he hears the approaching hoofbeats of Tyrano and Lief does he allow himself to sink to the ground, back against a tree, his body feeling horribly wracked and weakened.
He doesn't bother trying to explain the situation to Gildas, guessing that the man will probably make his own assumptions and be hard-pressed to deviate from them. Who knows? Perhaps he will be right. Certainly Wanderer has plenty of blame to shoulder, as it was he that could not resist the demoness's abyssal charm, and almost lost their best tool in fending off the shadow.
...So valuable, in fact, that Vorkal sought out an ally to try and claim it. Interesting. They finally found something the shadow-mage was afraid of, and that's almost enough to make Wanderer feel a measure of satisfaction over the encounter. Even if it almost cost them dearly--and still might--it told them that they were doing something right.
Vorkal was reacting to them. Not the other way around.
Good.
Hopefully they can survive the experience. Wanderer continues to sit there, suffering in silence. He feels cold all over, his mind and body sluggish, almost detached. What did she do to him? Why couldn't he resist?
Well, that's obvious enough. He wanted to believe. Illyianna--or whatever her name is--spun a lie so fantastic that he dared to believe it, despite how farsical it was. He allowed her to play him like a fiddle, preying on his inexperience with people--particularly women. He was unable to resist because, on some level, he wanted it to be true so badly that he could overlook the obvious.
In some ways, he still wishes it were true; some mistake, perhaps. But that's lunacy. The truth is undeniable.
Ultimately, whatever she did to him, it's the betrayal that hurts more than whatever it was she did to him. His first affectionate contact, his first loving kiss, and it was a soul-sucking demoness.
The barbarian chuckles, without mirth. It figures.
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Post by VemuKhaham on Jun 30, 2008 13:19:52 GMT -5
"DAMN YOU, WENCH!" Gildas cursed at the demon before she dissapeared from sight, then he too retreated into the woods, after Wanderer.
Eyes blazing with anger, adrenaline rushing through all his veins, he catched up with Wanderer. Knowing that she had probably gone for now, he stopped, urging Wanderer to do the same. Slowly, the fit of rage sank and he looked at Wanderer, greatly weakened. "Are you alright?" he asked, not sure what the succubus had done to the man.
"So that was Illyanna... may the dogs of Hell, from whence she came, feast on her body forever. That we have shed our blood thinking we were saving her makes my stomach churn."
He has little in the ways of helping Wanderer except perhaps for a supporting shoulder, so all they could do was wait for Wystfalrun to return.
And then Lenny came too, with a stranger. Gildas was all ear when listening to the things that all of them could tell him.
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Post by TheUdjat on Jun 30, 2008 13:30:18 GMT -5
Wanderer nods a little at Gildas's question, but it is fairly abundantly clear that the Yexuhl refugee is anything but alright. "I'll live," he says.
He is surprised to be offered support by the Tertian, but he accepts it nonetheless, pulling himself off the ground to hobble back towards camp. Still he refuses to vocalize his own agony of varying sorts, but when they are back and he has slumped to a seat again, he gives a faint nod. "Thank you." It is a 'thanks', perhaps, not only for the shoulder to lean on.
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Post by ryngo on Jun 30, 2008 14:45:46 GMT -5
OOC: I'll take it from context clues that we're fast forwarding to our reunion.
Wystfalrun and Lief race into the camp like creatures possessed skidding to a halt upon reaching the perimeter. Tyrano vaults off his were-horse companion, two ancestral swords drawn by the time his feet touch the dirt. Several quick glances reveal that he is intent upon finding something.
Wystfalrun speaks quickly to his companions, "Where is she? Have you already dispatched her? Has she run? We should chase after her!"
Wanderer looks exhausted, he notes and pauses for a second. "What happened?" he asks.
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Post by TheUdjat on Jun 30, 2008 14:49:42 GMT -5
"She took flight when Gildas arrived," Wanderer explains in a haggard voice. "It would seem Illyianna was a demoness."
He frowns, looking down ashamedly. "I am fortunate to be alive."
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Post by Wicksy on Jun 30, 2008 16:19:28 GMT -5
Gro-Bug nods "Well, that looks to be a perfect place to hide the bone. Makes you think how the hells are we going to get it doesnt it?"
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Jun 30, 2008 16:26:59 GMT -5
"The bone could be there, or it could very well be hidden in one of the other sects."
(what type of giant was Girud's 1/2)
Natsumi sees the oncoming cloud and agrees with Madrigal that they should make haste and leave soon.
"This looks to be our most challenging ordeal yet,"
And without a doubt, Natsumi was sure that it would only get tougher from here on in.
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Post by K Man on Jun 30, 2008 16:38:43 GMT -5
(what type of giant was Girud's 1/2) {Sand Giant.} |
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Jun 30, 2008 16:51:02 GMT -5
(what type of giant was Girud's 1/2) {Sand Giant.} Duh, Sandstrider. . . I'm a little slow today. |
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Post by VemuKhaham on Jun 30, 2008 18:17:32 GMT -5
Gildas said little when Wanderer thanked him, it was the least one might expect after saving another man's life, though he was hardly looking for thanks. He wondered instead if he himself would've been equally seduced by the succubus' tricks, would she have chosen him as prey? The mere thought worried him, given that he had been rather jealous of Wanderer's 'luck' with Illyanna at the time, and that quite reasonably it was luck that spared him from being unfateful to his wife. Considerations of Wanderer's weak-willedness as a result of his Yexuhl blood were only in the back of his mind, as a result. He even pitied the man, insofar as one could pity a huge, ferocious man like Wanderer.
Gildas looked with a keen eye at Wystfalrun when he came with such haste. Apparently he had gathered conclusive evidence of Illyanna's treachery during his own chase. "Yes, she is gone, beyond chase, likely in some Infernal pit or so. She came for the maul. Beyond doubt Vorkal sent her, too cowardly to face us now that we have a slight chance of fighting back."
"But I assume we were chasing a werehorse possessed with one of *her* mind tricks, instead of one that detected enemy presence? Have you managed to retrieve her?"
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Post by Japic on Jul 1, 2008 9:01:30 GMT -5
Being at the reigns, Ella would have foregone any spyglass time, instead keeping her senses about and watching for any danger to the companions Antyca now bears. As such she had been among the first to spot the growing clouds, yet she decides to hold their course a moment more. Shouting above the wind, she seeks counsel from her companions.
"If you want to meet with this king, now is our chance. The chance to put on a good face instead of skulking about like spies." She wheels Antyca around, to face the direction they would flee, but seeks the other's opinion before ordering her to double time it out of there.
{I'm not saying that I'm up for challenging Giants or such, but we've got an opportunity to high tail it or attempt a parley; it's not a decision I want to make alone.}
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Post by Fangor the Fierce on Jul 1, 2008 9:41:31 GMT -5
Lenny's strength is all that he can muster, as the potion (which he would have to take, to ride the horse) takes affect on him. His hands are not so strained anymore, but still, it will take some time to get to his working condition.
As the flight to return tot he camp is in full speed, his mind races with the thoughts of Vorkal's ultimatum. Things were not looking so well, and had the cleric not come to his rescue, then he would be doing the greater shadow's bidding. He visibly shudders, knowing that it would not bode well for Tertia, should he or one of the others falls victim to Vorkal's hold.
That brings him back to the here and now, as his mind focuses on what must be done. Knowing that he might be heading straight into a battle, Lenny calls out to the cleric, with the intent on voicing his concern.
"My allies are few. There are three men, and we are caring for a woman that was besieged by demon-like creatures in a town not too far. We are Tertian, and have also come from the Dwarven Stronghold of Bazarkrak. There, the dwarven hosts allied with Tertia, but not before aiding us in ridding us of this Vorkal; the Greater Shadow that you saw previously. It has tried to make us do it's bidding, as Tertia is in war with Yexhul. Unfortunately, we sought out the Yexhul host, and found that they are in league with what are known as the DeathSpeakers. They wear a symbol, (and he describes it in detail), and they are animating the dead, both Tertian and Yexhul, for their army. They are planning on sweeping through all lands, and ridding anyone that would stand for justice and honor."
Lenny's speech continues, as he relays for information to the one that had saved him. "We are seeking out ways to fight the Yexuhl and DeathSpeaker's armies, as no lands are safe from their grasp. They are unrelenting, and seek to make all follow their commands. We come to New Ravenshead to learn of these Deathspeakers, and of past conflicts with hosts of this type of army. There are rumors that we must follow, even if that means that Tertia would fall; for it would still mean that the rest of the world would follow, should the army not be stopped. I am Tertian, and will die a Tertian."
Lenny's mind steels, as he focuses on the trail. The camp should just be beyond the next hill. He knows that there is much information that he has relayed, but he hopes that with the passing of this knowledge, should he fall, and find that the others have fallen, then this cleric would return to New Ravenshead, and relay the urgency of the war that seems to have the world on edge.
"I thank you for your aid, for had you not arrived, I would become a lesser shadow, a minion of that disgusting Vorkal. I will do my best to return the favor some day. You have my word on that!"
As the camp comes into view, Lenny's hands go to set his sling at the ready, hoping beyond hope that the others are ok.
"Gildas! Wanderer! Tyranno! Are you safe?" Lenny cries out from the edge of the campfire, not wanting to come into the camp only to be assaulted by arrows and weapons of his own allies. the bedraggled halfling can easily be seen to be very weak, with darting eyes and agitated. He scans the area, asking the obvious, "Vorkal! He is near! He came at me, along with his minions. They were going to turn me into one of their mindless numbers, had it not been for..." Lenny stumbles, seemingly confused, as he cocks his head to the side. "Lockheart, right?"
"Lockheart here came and by the grace of his God, saved my hide. Vorkal ran, and I feared that he would take out his retribution on you all."
Lenny's eyes spot the seemingly exhausted Wanderer, and his need for aid. "What happened here? Where is Illyana?"
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Post by TheUdjat on Jul 1, 2008 9:51:09 GMT -5
When Lenny erupts into the camp, Wanderer begins to stir--and then stops when he realizes it is the halfling. But his wariness rears up again at the sight of Lockheart. Even if the man seemed to save Lenny's life, it should be no surprise at all that Wanderer eyes him with caution, holding the enchanted maul in his hands.
In answer to Lenny's question, the barbarian replies. "Illyianna, it would seem, is in league with Vorkal. And a demoness. Gildas drove her off, for now."
He returns to eyeing the cleric. "Forgive me, but we have already been tricked once tonight. Is there some way you can prove your allegiance to us?"
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Post by Fangor the Fierce on Jul 1, 2008 10:49:41 GMT -5
"Illyianna, it would seem, is in league with Vorkal. And a demoness. Gildas drove her off, for now." He returns to eyeing the cleric. "Forgive me, but we have already been tricked once tonight. Is there some way you can prove your allegiance to us?" Lenny sees the distrust in Wanderer's eyes. He then turns to Lockheart, then back to Wanderer, and tosses him the now empty vial. "There's your proof. Without that, from him, I would be a minion of Vorkal, simply staring over this camp. Besides, he drove off Vorkal, for now. I think it best we regroup, and see what we can do about these eyes that watch our every move." Turning to Lockheart, Lenny does wonder if this man would turn on them. Either way, that was his decision to make. For now, he had Lenny's trust. "If we were to distrust all, then we would be nowhere. Although, my ally does have a point. We have trusted those that would turn on us just as soon as our backs provided them a target. You can see that our position is one of caution and concern. To put us all at ease, I would ask what brought you to my rescue in so perfect timing. Without your aid, I would surely be dead. Or is it undead? I don't know the intricacies of the afterlife, and I tend to steer clear of finding them out the hard way." Lenny awaits the man's reply, as he dismounts from the werehorse. |
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Post by Japic on Jul 1, 2008 11:51:42 GMT -5
Umm.... the werehorses you sent for help, I'd say. |
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Post by TheZebraShakes™ on Jul 1, 2008 13:19:00 GMT -5
Being at the reigns, Ella would have foregone any spyglass time, instead keeping her senses about and watching for any danger to the companions Antyca now bears. As such she had been among the first to spot the growing clouds, yet she decides to hold their course a moment more. Shouting above the wind, she seeks counsel from her companions. "If you want to meet with this king, now is our chance. The chance to put on a good face instead of skulking about like spies." She wheels Antyca around, to face the direction they would flee, but seeks the other's opinion before ordering her to double time it out of there. {I'm not saying that I'm up for challenging Giants or such, but we've got an opportunity to high tail it or attempt a parley; it's not a decision I want to make alone.} If he knows we're in the sky, chances are he might know we're on the land. Maybe we should try to seek an official audience with the King. It might not be a good idea to land the roc here though. |
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Post by Japic on Jul 1, 2008 13:28:35 GMT -5
{If we do want to stay, we should have Madrigal call to them in thier tongue that we seek an audience. Heck, if the guy's a cloud giant, is he possibly up here already and near to hand? That would be awfully convenient.}
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Post by ryngo on Jul 1, 2008 14:50:06 GMT -5
Before Lenny returns to camp, Tyrano discloses the situation with Horace and his mate. "They should be returning soon," he says, "or we can pick them up on the way. We shouldn't stay here much longer. I think the enemy is done for the night, but let's rest up and be on our way with no more stops until New Ravenshead."
When Lenny returns and offers his proof stating that without Lockheart's help he might be a minion of Vorkal, he replies, "For all we know, you could both be minions of Vorkal right now and Lenny might be dead. But I don't think the shadow mage is the type to try the same trick twice. Just the same, let it be known there will be no assumptions made. If we are ever separated, we should have some way of recognizing one another again."
He'll excuse himself from Lockheart's company and pull a dagger from his coat. With it, he will make a subtle scratch on his abdomen. "A new one, every time we part. Even if Vorkal's creatures see it, they'll not be able to determine it's signifigance."
This will be done under the strictest cover possible, since Tyrano suspects even the shadows might have eyes.
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