3 - 050: The Third Piece

[K Man]

Newt and Garor - The Dwarves of Bazarkrak appear to be nothing less than hospitable as they usher you quickly into the depths of the mountain and surround you with food and ale that is never-ending. Just as you're about to raise a mug into the air, praising the good king and his mountain empire, a flushed man comes running into the room. He bows low and you recognize his postion immediately - he's the watch for the main doors.

"Excuse the interruption m'Lord. Garor and Newt, there is a large man at the gates requesting your presence. He says his name is Girud."

King Grandil looks shocked, awaiting an explanation.



"Is this true? Do ye know of a Girud?"
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Girud - The travel through the earth still takes some getting used to as it leaves the taste in your mouth and instantly replaces your scenery with something else, but it does have its benefits.

Like immediately placing you before the great Dwarven castle of Bazarkrak.

The gaping maw of a mouth frames two solid iron doors that appear impossibly thick. A small slit is centered in the left door, no more than a few inches high. After a resounding knock, a small Dwarven face appears, staring at your suspiciously. Once you state your name and purpose, he squints and speaks a few words before slamming the opening shut.

"Wait here."
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Caelith, Hero, Galdren and Callian - [So much for together... ] {If there is nothing you want to do here, then just sit tight while we gather everyone. Just keep in mind you're inside a metal sphere, near the tower of an enigmatic chaos-wizard and about to sail a ship into hell.}
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Krysta - [Excellent role-playing again!] You trip to the Elven capital goes unnoticed, mostly thanks to your ability to ride the veins of the earth and appear silently and instantly. A few of the guards in the area cast glance, but quickly return those glances to more pressing things.

You manage to make your way to Adolpho, leader of The Knight of the Purest Star. He greets you emphatically, taking a seat next to you an listening to all you have to say. When done, he sits still and silent, absent-mindedly thumbing his hilt in its scabbard. He finally mods, his eyes alit with fire.



"The Knights of the Purest Star have been idle for too long. Though I loathe to admit, we first came to this city to catch our breath, to recoup from our escape."

"Our chests are full of air now and we're ready to charge." Adolpho narrows his eyes. "We will march to Ravenshead and lay our shields before Sturmguard. We will protect the people there - people that sound as though they deserve it, above these aloof Elves. We will set out at dawn and make our way there, the few of us that are left."

Adolpho then stares directly into your eyes, arm placed on your shoulder.

"The Knights have never allowed a woman to their ranks...." Your heart sinks with those few words, but are suddenly lifted again with the next. "...but I think its time that rule is changed."

"Seek me out at Ravenshead when you return from rescuing this 'Karn', and we will speak about your induction."
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Romar and Yuri - Veya's eyes seem to fill with tears. Clearly this was not what she was expecting. She stiffens her resolve and jumps from the back of her giant mount, staring you down.



"So easily blinded by another?!"

"How can I pay homage to a puppeeter when I see not his face? How can I appreciate the magic without seeing the wizard? You ask the impossible, Yuri, friend of Romar. You might as well place yourself in the status of a diety - pulling the strings of mortals and calling for homage."

"What do you want from me Yuri? The love you lost on that cold mountain peak? If a simple thanks will sate your bloodlust then you have it."
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[BluSpecs]

Aye, Girud is one of the original group I traveled with from Blackwing. He was part of Sturmguards castle guard. If you do not object sir he should be allowed in, perhaps he brings news.


Assuming the King allows Girud in Garor makes ready to meet him by heading for the main gates.

[Japic]

Assuming that Garor/Newt do come to meet me as posted above:


Looking at the two, Girud recalls that when last they met this morning he and his trio of companions were potential felans. He decides it's best to get that portion out of the way first.

"Hullo again. I hope all is well within."

"Well, on to the reason for me being on your doorstep. Per the original plan we were taken to Strumguard, and when we arrived we found that Ravenshead was under attack by two dragons. We few and the king managed to slay the beasts, and we were able to speak with him on the matter of our futures. He has pardoned us fully and sent us to Master Theld to learn the ways of the earth. From there we were to track down Callian and Caelith and join them in recovering the Shard at the Glade. To be brief we followed them to the fortress of a mighty mage and we now prepare to sail on a ship of the damned into the very depths of Hades. This is where we will retrieve the crystal shard and free Karn's tomb from Hell's grasp."

"We thought that it might be wise to gather all of us in hopes of better accomplishing this goal. I know not how things fare within these walls, but the Ship will sail at sundown. Even now the others are taking steps to prepare for the journey; they gather supplies and other last minute necessities. This promises to be the most difficult task that any of us have ever faced, and we would have the two of you with us if you will come."

Girud finishes his speech, and looks to his once companions, hoping that they will come with. Afterall this wil be no easy task and they will need all the help they can get.

[GeneralMHB]

(OOC: This is the part where Yuri pleads for his life in front of 35 big hungary birds and their riders.)

Yuri remains mounted and addresses Veya, making eye contact. His tone is much more relaxed than before and his eyes reflect that.

Did you expect for me to come to you so openly? Doing such a deed would be as if I walked in front of a ballista manned by inquisitors. I would not be greeted with such kind heartedness and fairness now would I? I suspected your family has been the victim of 'The Master's armies and would feel a connection to those armies with me being what I am, as would the rest of these warriors here with you. I only want you to understand what I have been through and the sacrifices I have made for you and your people. I beg you, please do not take my actions so lightly.

Then... it hits him like a point blank shot to the face. Sindri caught it before he did, blinded by his anger.

[glow=green,1,000]They know of what you are.[/glow]

He continues, but makes a point before going any further.

Yes, I am a vampire. But please understand that I am your ally, not your enemy. I have withheld this information from many for some time due to fears of retribution. I mearly became this to gain intelligence on 'The Master' and his activities to relay it to others who can use it. But it has taken it's toll on me. I have been reduced to drinking the blood of animals to restrain my cravings to feast on men, women, and children. Yes, I have killed three individuals since my transformation. One a virgin woman, the other two dwarven drunks. Do I regret killing them. Yes! I still have flashbacks about it.

He pauses and gazes down, his eyes sorrowful.

I can still taste the woman's emotions to this day. It pains me to think of a life that could have been saved only to die to my selfishness.

A tear rolls down his cheek as he continues his tale.

It comforts me to know that her life did not die in vein now that I have done this deed for you all. It saddens me that none will notice or tell the tale of what I have sacrificed to achieve it a thousand years from now simply to give praise to someone you love. Yes, I have seen the way you gaze at Romar. You gaze upon him with an interest more than mere friends would. That is fine, but please do not let love blind you from the actions of another. Despite my appearance, I am not what many people view me as. I do not ask for you to pay homage to me for my deed. I do not ask for your pity. I ask for your understanding and thanks.

He moves onto more pressing matters.

The vampire's nest will be held till either Hirsuthe, whom I suspect is a trusted lieutenant in 'The Master's armies, or myself come back. Neither of which I plan on happening. We have until the following sunset to find safe haven. They will leave their nest to find new blood. We must leave here at once. I recommend Ravenshead. They will most certainly welcome your services and give you proper food and shelter.

Wiping away his tear, he waits for a response.

[VemuKhaham]

Romar had never heard such a plead from Yuri like he did today, even when he nearly raised swords against him once. It pains him to see that he too was once so narrow-minded about his companion, but realises fully how easy it is to make that mistake. If the bird-riders and Veya will not understand Yuri's words in time, there will not be two swords pointed at him, but thirty-five.

Nevertheless, he also has to swallow a heavy lump in his throath when Yuri mentions the people he murdered. He never knew as such, even though he expected it.

When Yuri finishes, Romar feels he needs to give a little back-up. Veya might just see her errors when a friend warns her of them, just like Sehanine did to Romar before.

"I have traveled with Yuri for a while now, and I wouldn't be here now if he would be like the others of his kind. If he would've been a true vampire, not only cold from the outside but also from within, then not only would I not have been here in the first place, but also there would've been no dwarven kingdom left as your neighbour and ally, there would've been no warning of Hirsuthe's conspiracy against your village and there will be no hope for us even now, after we have fled from the village, as he has bought you time! Yuri has been your key to life ever since he came upon you! Now we must use that which he gave us and flee from this place before we are too late!"

He walks to Veya, as he sees the tears in her eyes.

"You shouldn't cry, Veya; you did better then I when I was first faced with the facts about my companion. I nearly took his life, and even after he proved loyal again and again, time after time, I ignored it foolishly. I regret that now, but it took me a long time to accept him. But you must accept him too, Veya... Especially if you still wish to travel with us."

And to Yuri, after he explains his plans on the matters at hand:

"Are our plans changed, Yuri? We could flee this place and continue our search at the same time. My plans still are to head for the Hidden City and find a means to enter the swamps there. The longer we allow Hirsuthe to catch his breath the more prepared he will be should the time come for an encounter. Even more so, when he takes over control from the Master, like you said in your note. Speaking of which, what can you tell me of that?"

He again looks at the bird-riders. He remembers an earlier plan he had.

"It is true what Yuri said: we should leave here at once, and it is best if you would head for Ravenshead. It is the safest and yet most needy place I can think of, and perhaps you might lend your blades and wings to the military there. I wouldn't suggest this if I didn't think that not a single trained warrior's hand could be missed in our cause. Please consider it."

[GeneralMHB]

Observing the conversation from Romar, he speek up and answers his questions.

Our plans may have changed with the riders accompanying us. I figure they can be of better use in Ravenshead to aid the military there, but that is for Veya to decide. We are still making for this "Hidden City" of yours as planned to persue Hirsuthe. The only piece of intelligence I gained about him was that once 'The Master' has conquered this world, Hirsuthe will strike 'The Master' down. He is mearly waiting for his time to rise against him to take the throne for himself when his power is at its weakest. If 'The Master' realizes this, a possible civil war within the undead kingdom can errupt, thus weakening his power. It is to be decided by Veya where her rides are to go. We cannot force her to come with us.

He awaits a response.

[Merovingian]

At the sound of the new adventure Newt becomes unable to hold still and looks to Garor.
We should go it sounds like wonderful fun, I’ll bet we see all sorts of new and probably horrible things, but what an adventure that will be. Although if we are going to Hell I probably should find a better sword mine just doesn’t seem to be as nice as some others I have seen lately. Maybe Sterms would have a dagger or something I could have. Or maybe the Dwarves, that would be neat a Magic dwarven dagger but I don’t have much for trade so maybe I could just borrow one for a wile, but they just met me so I doubt it I wonder what hell is like do you think we will be able to get a map of some sort……
At this point Newt rambles on about the prospects of a new adventure as others around him talk of things of more importance.

[Hero]

sitting tight

[BluSpecs]

I agreee newt, this holds the air of something very important..... I just hope the king understands...

[Fangor the Fierce]

Looking into Adolfo's eyes, Krysta is heartstricken when he says that no woman has ever been a knight. With a sickening in her stomach, she feels inadequate for the first time in her life. When he finally says that the rule to allow women will be changed, and that she will be the first to take the path to become a knight, the sickening feeling makes way for something that is too seldom found in this world in these times. Joy.

"I will not let you down," Krysta replies. She then stands, and bows to him. "I must be on my way now, for we are gathering a few supplies to survive in the Nine Hells. Karn must be rescued."

She then looks for the nearest patch of ground, and vein rides through it. She will head towards the cliff, where the others should be waiting to head out to the Nine Hells. She will give the cloak back to Mordrock and turn to Hero.

"In our absence, I have taken measurements to keep Ravenshead safe. The Knights of the Purest Star have agreed that they have been held in place for too long. That their swords beckon for battle against the Master's troops and to defend those that need defending. They will make their way to Ravenshead and agree to aid King Sturmguard. Reinforcements are on their way."