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Post by K Man on Jan 26, 2005 11:41:37 GMT -5
Yuri, Krysta, Caelith, Hero, Garor, Newt, Girud, Galdren and Callian - Once pointed out by those that noticed it, you can clearly make out the formation of giant birds passing overhead. As you watch them, curious to their purpose and the four figures they carry - two metal figures and two men - one of the men transforms, becoming nearly invisible as a small bat against the already ebony sky. It flits down, pausing for a moment to judge reactions and then lands at a safe distance out on a horn of the maidenhead of the DemonWing. After a short flash and twisting of flesh, the bat transforms to the familar form of Yuri... Yuri! The companion you left outside the Goblin digging pits near Boon's Freehold - what seems like so long ago... Clearly there has been some changes... [Yuri, I hope you don't mind the nudge to safely communicate. You're at a good distance from them, preventing any sneak attacks.] Ungurth pushes the ship forward, sails of stitched flesh billowing as the DemonWing rocks gently in the muted ebony waves...heading straight to hell.... {Let's get the role-playing on! Dicsuss away people!} ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Romar - As Yuri transforms and flits down, towards the demonic vessel transporting your former companions, you feel Vraak tilt and enter a circling pattern. The great birds follow him as well, becoming like vultures circling a dying man crossing a desert. Veya leans down and shouts so that her voice is heard above the roaring wind. "What is the vampire doing? Who is on that ship?"__________________________________________________________________________________________
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Post by Fangor the Fierce on Jan 26, 2005 12:05:40 GMT -5
Krysta's heart jumps. Her last talk with Yuri did not end well, for he threatened her. Threats were idle in her mind. With a fluid action, Krysta retreives her Longbow, and notches an arrow, aimed for Yuri.
"Speak quickly, while you still have the breath to do so, Yuri! As you can tell, the Master's grasp has grown larger, and it appears that he has you in his grasp. Although, I still would need to know why you have forsaken your own life, to become on of 'HIS' minions."
She glances at Mordrock, realizing full well that not all is as it would seem. She closes her eyes, thinking to her self.
This does not bode well. The birds from above could very well be carrying others, like him. Raining down arrows and such, it would be a tough fight. But something is not right. Should he be one of the Master's minions, he would surely have exacted his revenge by now. Perhaps he is another like Mordrock. A convert as it would seem.
She opens her eyes, hoping to find this whole scene only a figment of her imagination. But instead, she sees his figure standing before them.
She lowers her bow, arrow still out, but not pointed at him anymore. "It would seem as though Fate would have need of us again. Tell us Yuri, why are you here? Are you here to try and drain us of our life? For if that is the case, you will be the first to die. But if it is not, then tell us....before the others here decided not to listen to your words and use you as target practice."
She does not raise her voice, for she knows it will be futile. Her words are meant for Yuri.
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Post by Japic on Jan 26, 2005 12:17:26 GMT -5
Blinking a few times in disbelief Girud is unsure of this shapechanging Yuri before him. It had been quite some time since the caves, he had indeed changed much.
When Krysta draws her bow against their former companion, Girud's hand instinctively goes to the hilt of the greatsword hanging over his shoulder. He does not draw, but he will move to an advantageous place on the ship to have a clear view of Yuri, and an open path to charge him if need be.
As Krysta speaks to the vampire Girud holds his ground, waiting for a signal that everything is ok, or that things are indeed awry.
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Post by Wizard on Jan 26, 2005 14:47:33 GMT -5
"Hold, Krysta! We too can do strange things now...why should Yuri be any..."
And then the detect evil finishes.
In an instant, Callian's sword is drawn, shield at the ready.
"I'm afraid I may have been mistaken about our companion..."
Callian advances... (GMHB, you've got a turn, then I'm turning you)
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GeneralMHB
Veteran of the War
Fight and you may die, run and you'll live.... at least awhile.
Posts: 427
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Post by GeneralMHB on Jan 26, 2005 15:11:03 GMT -5
(OOC: Thanks Kman, but it wouldn't have done anything. Sneek attack doesn't work on undead ) Yuri remains a distance from them, to show both that he wishes to gain their trust and for them not to attack him so readily. He turns to Krysta and addresses her concerns. I begin by explaining my.... He pauses for a moment and thinks of the words to say. ...condition. Yes, I am a vampire as some have already predicted. It occured when I was cornered by a vampire named Hirsuthe and several of his minions. With all odds against me, I played my dark past to my advantage. It seemed to Hirsuthe that he found a new "puppet" as he called me. But in truth, I played him. Using the dark past of my family heritage and vampirism, I set out to gain intelligence on 'The Master' and his activities. I am no slave to anyone or anything. I have tried for so long to erase the past that has haunted my family for decades. Now I have found that chance. Sadly, it has already costed three lives.He pauses, looking down in shame. A young woman, still a virgin, has died at my hands. I can still taste her emotions to this day. I used her corpse to have you all released. They had to feed on her, otherwise, she would rise again. Two drunk dwarves have also died at my hands. Do I regret killing them? Yes. I know I will never be forgiven for the lives I have taken, but they did not die in vein.He looks up and continues. I have been forced to drink the blood of animals to sustain myself from killing humans and other civilized races. I have proven my loyalty to the living by aiding them anyway I can, be it save the dwarven king from a toxin or hold back the hungary vampires from feasting on young women's blood. Please believe me when I say that I am not your enemy. My deeds have well proven that.He looks up at the bird riders circling overhead. They are the women of Rocroost Bay. They have found what was thought to be safe haven on the mountaintop nearby, but Hirsuthe had a grip on the little hovel of women for some time. Not all were trapped by his grasp however. Their leader, Veya, and thirty five others remained of the living. I convinced Kiera, the vampire noble in charge, to hold the final assault on the hovel until nightfall. By then, they had left when I have informed Romar and Veya of my findings and to instruct them to leave at once. I left the vampires ontop the mountain, believing that Hirsuthe or myself will come and claim them. They will find no such thing.He continues his tale. Before finding Veya and her riders, we came across a dwarven cleric named Merg Rockhammer. Myself, Romar, and Sehanine smited a band of orcs who planned on ambushing Merg and his band. They returned the favor by smiting the same orcs who rose again from the dead shortly afterwards. We were led to the dwarven kingdom's stronghold and found the king suffering from a strange illness. We were asked to find the cure for it and ran into Drugo and Drow who rebelled against the Dwarves. We fought them and got the antidote he required and saved his life. We were then asked to aid them to end the rebellion by finding the library of Kharn. What we found was a mind flayer rummaging through papers, trying to find the plans for the building. After a hearty dwarven celebration, we bid the dwarves farewell. They bestowed upon us two mechanical horses, one bound with the soul of Huna and the other bound with my psicrystal Sindri. We departed and found Rocroost Bay, or rather what was left of Rocroost Bay.If you choose to not believe what I have spoken here, I will allow Veya or Romar to explain the tale. They will confirm what I have spoken. If I was your enemy, the birds would have swoop down on you by now or I would have drained Krysta dry for the harsh words previously spoken before any of you knew what happened. I have made a pledge with Romar that my time here will end when the land is healed. I extend that pledge to you all. My objective is to destory him and his lackey Hirsuthe. If you still wish to see my destruction, I will not attack you. I will simply leave and accomplish it on my own.His attention shifts from Romar and their endevours to those on the ship. But I ask you all, what are you doing on such a daemonic ship, saling for the mouth of hell itself? Are you on some mission to save humanity, or to pledge alleigance to one of the daemonic?---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sindri does nothing at this time.
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Post by Wizard on Jan 26, 2005 15:16:55 GMT -5
"I do not think our motives are the ones in doubt, vampire."
Callian turns his head to Caelith. "He may speak truth or lie, but the stench of evil is still thick upon him."
"Even if you speak truth, vampire, you are sorely mistaken if you think you came out the victor with Hirsuthe. Perhaps you played him, but you also played yourself. How long, and how effectively, can you keep your nature in bondage? I can feel the battle between the old Yuri and your new form...and Yuri is not winning." (Note to all..."A paladin will never knowingly associate with evil characters." PHB, p. 44. I'm not doing this to be a jerk, just playing the character. Besides, there's not much sacrifice to vampiricizing yourself if your friends accept you with open arms.)
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Post by Fangor the Fierce on Jan 26, 2005 15:44:17 GMT -5
Krysta hears the words of Callian, and knows that the tension here is almost as high as it was very recently on the top of the cliffs. Again, motives are questioned, blades drawn, and ideals unmoving. It seems as though this war plays its role in very curious ways. Yuri has forsaken his life, to become that which we hunt. If it was to save us from the bonds of captivity, then his sacrifice was possibly in vain. We had already secured a way out of that place. But he could not have known.She turns to Callian and Caelith. Glancing back at Hero, she knows that their motives are strong, and their resolve is steadfast with their beliefs. Turning back to Yuri, "Your sacrifice may have been in vain. If what you say is true, then I will be the first to say....thank you. I know all too well how the views of others and their beliefs can hold your very own life on a thin string, with blades drawn and ready to slice it just as quickly. What troubles me is what Callian says. You have the stench of evil on you. That does not bode well. You say you have saved the dwarven king, and his kingdom. Saving many, yet murdering three innocent people. How can scales be used to balance life and death? It can't, for if it were, then I would have to admit to murdering those in Cannon's Foot, at the same time as saving the elves and the prince, along with the survivors of Boon'es Freehold. Call for Romar, and let us hear his side of this unfortunate circumstance." Krysta straps her bow back into place, in her quiver. Turning towards Callian. "You have questioned us, yet we have proven ourselves trustworthy. Let us listen to Romar, hearing another view from Yuri's side, before making an action that might prove wrong in the end." She moves to stand near the direction Callian would have to take to get to Yuri. Only to draw his attention away from Yuri, as she speaks. She wants him to focus on her while she speaks, to show that there is one more voice that has not been heard....Romar's. (Note to all..."A paladin will never knowingly associate with evil characters." PHB, p. 44. I'm not doing this to be a jerk, just playing the character. Besides, there's not much sacrifice to vampiricizing yourself if your friends accept you with open arms.) OOC - No worries, as it will surely be a tough thing to allow. Vampires and Paladins....not a good match.
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GeneralMHB
Veteran of the War
Fight and you may die, run and you'll live.... at least awhile.
Posts: 427
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Post by GeneralMHB on Jan 26, 2005 16:03:50 GMT -5
Yuri listens with interest to what Krysta has to say. He nods and speeks with most sincerety.
No, thank you for understanding. I will leave and inform Romar of your intent and have him come with Veya to discuss both our intents. Do not be suprised if I do not return on board ship. Farewell, and good luck on the journey ahead.
He turns back into a bat and flies back to Romar.
They are not enemies nor traitors. They still fight 'The Master' and venture to hell. For what I know not. Krysta has requested that you come and tell your tale of me to her. I will remain with the riders. The paladins do not turst me.
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Post by Wizard on Jan 26, 2005 16:05:50 GMT -5
It would be mercy to kill him. [/i]
But prudence...or Krysta...or something else...stays Callian's hand.
Callian keeps his eyes on the bat until it talks to the man in talons...Romar? The sword and shield remain steady...Romar is, after all, the companion of a vampire.
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Post by VemuKhaham on Jan 26, 2005 16:39:59 GMT -5
As soon as Yuri turns into his own form on board of the DemonWing, many things happen shortly after each other, bringing more confusion on an already troubled mind. Swords are drawn, bows are raised and arrows aimed, all towards Yuri, in only a matter of seconds. Then, Veya also requests to know further details of what is going on below. His answer is clear, though possibly not what she had asked for:
"Maybe this was not such a good idea after all!" He shouts at Veya and the other riders. "Already Yuri seems besieged by those aboard that work of devils. Let your women ready their bows, Veya, and do not hesitate to shoot in case Yuri gets attacked! What a dissapointment to see my former friends as such."
Romar himself also takes his bow, and readies an arrow at the ones threatening Yuri. They need but make a swift and unexpected move and it'll be a regrettable one.
But then, Yuri returns, after, clearly, a long conversation had taken place. When he speaks his message, and of his summoning to below, he reacts quite stalwart, with the same stubborness that has burdened him for many times but also brought him as far as he came, but also with a fear that has been plaguing him constantly since he left the group.
"I saw how they reacted to you, Yuri, and it was evidence enough of their hostility! Their words may sway you to believe otherwise, but I have no intentions to fall for such trickery! Since when could the Master be fought in hell? None survive entering that place except for devils and their minions! Never will I go down there to that 'ship' and show myself. I feel sorry this encounter ever took place."
His eyes narrow, and you have learned during your travels with Romar that this means he is more determined then ever.
"Nay, I will not go down there, and it would be best if you will not do so anymore either. If they wished to hear of my tale then they should've received a letter from my king, Sturmguard, which they, as they apparently never received it, have obviously abandoned! It is a shame, Yuri, I know, but let us quickly go further on our course before this gets out of hand."
In a harsh voice he adds:
Sturmguard shall learn of this treachery!"
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GeneralMHB
Veteran of the War
Fight and you may die, run and you'll live.... at least awhile.
Posts: 427
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Post by GeneralMHB on Jan 26, 2005 18:12:27 GMT -5
Yuri quickly answers Romar's concerns.
They drew hostilities on me for obvious reasons. I am a vampire of course. Hence why I requested not to attack them regardless of their actions. I do not believe they are traitors. Wait here and I will see what their intentions are.
With this, Yuri flies back down and addresses the group. He still keeps his distance and his guard up.
It appears Romar believes you all to be traitors. Prove to me otherwise that you are not by answering my question. What are you doing on this vessel venturing to a place that holds no connection to 'The Master'? Did you not recieve Romar's letter?
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Post by Japic on Jan 26, 2005 18:28:00 GMT -5
Shooting a glare at Callian I speak to him, as I walk nearer to Yuri.
"It would seem that your gods teach ignorance instead of tolerance. I atleast will speak with him. He has brooked no agression to any of us."
I stop a respectable distance away and speak to Yuri: "I know not of any letters received by Sturmguard, but we have all been through quite a bit since last we stood together in defense of Boon's Freehold."
"You may not recall, but those of us who were captured at that fateful battle were sent digging for a crystal shard like Sturmguard has. There would seem to be many of these in our world, and each holds power. Each are sought by the hands of good and evil. We have been charged by the King to seek those remaining for the side of good; for the Blackwing kingdom."
"One such shard was pulled by powerful magics into the reaches of Hell. This shard lies within the temple of a mighty warrior called Karn. Even now his soul is struggling against the forces of evil that would detain his tomb and the shard. We go to free the shard and allow Karn's soul to rest. This vessle is the only way that we know of to achieve this goal."
"For the sake of good, we must do battle in the depths of Hell. If you and Romar still fight for the side of good, you would be welcome to join in this quest. This is your chance to prove that you are not what the Paladin believes you to be. This is an opportunity to provide our king with that which the Blackwing kingdom needs most; a fighting chance."
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Post by Wizard on Jan 26, 2005 18:42:45 GMT -5
"It would seem that your gods teach ignorance instead of tolerance. I atleast will speak with him. He has brooked no agression to any of us." "Neither had Mordrid, at one point. I will not travel with this abomination. If it stays, I go. And I would suggest to any and all of you that you do the same."
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GeneralMHB
Veteran of the War
Fight and you may die, run and you'll live.... at least awhile.
Posts: 427
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Post by GeneralMHB on Jan 26, 2005 19:21:28 GMT -5
Yuri looks at Callian, somewhat disgusted.
Callian the Kind.... it appears your name does not live up to your personality.
He turns his attention to Girud.
I am greatful that you show some diplomacy towards me instead of jumping to conclusions like some on this ship. Since Callian does not wish for me to accompany you and threatens to leave if I do so, I will not follow you into Hell. The paladin has done a good job of keeping you all company. It is good to know that you still seek the shards in the name of the Blackwind Kingdom. Unfortunately, I cannot aid the Kingdom directly anymore. Romar, however, may come and aid you all. Hirsuthe and 'The Master' are fights that we wish to tend to, but I feel rather they are best left to my being. I will return with a response.
Yuri flies back to Romar, his statement almost a plea.
The party below has pledged to Strumguard that they will find pieces of the shard, much like the one we have both seen at Ravenshead. Those shards are the key to fighting back the undead hordes. They say they have found one in the temple of a mighty warrior named Karn, who was spoken of at the feast with the dwarves. They use the ship to sail into Hell to find the shard and release Karn from his eternal tourment. I feel he may be the key to identifying 'The Master'. They request you accompany them. I cannot. The paladins hold hostilities to me.
I know you seek revenge on Hirstue for what he has done to Huna's physical form. There are other lives at stake. They are going to need all the help they can. If you go with them, I will vow to bring you Hirsuthe's head. Their intentions are still noble. We cannot stray from what is our real mission. Please Romar, go with them and find the shards. I plan on assassinating Hirsute AND 'The Master'. Though the task will be a dangerous one, it is one that I must do on my own.
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Post by Wizard on Jan 26, 2005 19:26:40 GMT -5
At Yuri's remark, Callian snaps back, "I owe kindness to many, abomination. Kindness toward you could be death for many, were I mistaken. Can you be sure that your mind will hold supremacy over your nature when the world is at stake? I would rather have you as an enemy than a companion, for at least then I should know for sure where your teeth were aimed."
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Hero
Veteran of the War
(ALT ID for TurnKey)
Posts: 329
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Post by Hero on Jan 26, 2005 22:06:37 GMT -5
Well I know I'm posting near the end of the day but Hero would attack Yuri right after he says "Yes, I am a vampire...." I realize this might mess up a lot of long typed dialog.
KMan, adjudicate this however you wish. I'm just trying to stay in character.
[glow=gold,2,300]SMITE[/glow] +2 Keen Longsword +15 Damage 1d8+12
If she can't reach him with her sword, she will use her lance.
[glow=gold,2,300]SMITE[/glow] Lance +12 damage 1d8+10
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GeneralMHB
Veteran of the War
Fight and you may die, run and you'll live.... at least awhile.
Posts: 427
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Post by GeneralMHB on Jan 27, 2005 7:19:53 GMT -5
(OOC: I really REALLY hate to do this, but you asked for it. He tried to be nice, but you pissed him off.) Yuri looks at Hero with disgust as well. His anger gets the best of him. He screams out a simple phrase for all to hear. [glow=red,2,300]WILL EVERYONE JUST CALM DOWN AND LISTEN TO ME FOR ONCE?![/glow] With that, he unleashes sonic blasts at Hero's weaponry. He then changes into a gaseous form. (OOC: Reflex save half, 3d6-3 Sonic damage to her weapons, all of them. Bypasses hardness. Sorry Hero ) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sindri begins to shake his head....
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Post by VemuKhaham on Jan 27, 2005 9:39:21 GMT -5
In coherence with the current change of events, I shall post both my answer to Yuri's second return (and that will only happen truly if Kman adjudicates that Yuri still brought this message to me) and my response to Hero's attempts to strike.
Yuri's words bring only a passing change of thoughts to Romar. Immediately as he finishes his pleads Romar proves his determination. He takes an arrow from his quiver, an enchanted one, with a small note bound to it. "You see this arrow, Yuri? I received it from the dwarven treasury and I bestowed upon it one purpose: to be the final deadly sting that Hirsuthe shall feel in his cold existance. He is my enemy, Yuri, understand this well. If I had this arrow notched on my bow and the option to slay either the Master or Hirsuthe with it, I know it would find its path to its intended target, with my blessing. You may not like that decision, but I shall never end or even disturb my search for my enemy, let alone with these men, who claim they do good but still show no evidence of their trustworthyness but the poisoned words from their tongues. However, I do see many signs that they have fallen in with evil, for you have only to look upon their ship, their chosen crew and their hostile attitudes. If they have not been able to give viable counter-evidence exept for words, then I shall again state that I will not meet them, and king Sturmguard shall receive word of this. If you truly wish justice for them, Yuri, then let him decide.
Besides, I shall never forget our agreeance: I shall watch you and remind you of the dangers within you, and I remind you of them now and again."
When Hero attacks, Romar can do naught but release his readied arrow. It is not a shot to warn; it is meant to protect Yuri, and therefore is as lethal as the edge of Hero's sword or lance. "Your treason is noted! All shall hear of this, and where-ever I go none will ever regard you as the brave volunteers you were when I first met you! Yuri, retreat to here; we shall not answer this pettiness as a serious challenge! Riders, grant cover to Yuri as best as you can! We shall continue our journey when Yuri is safe with us!" MW Longbow, composite (+3str) -> (+10/+5, 1d8+3, x3, 110ft., P) Full attack at Hero. Also, regard my Mounted Archery feat (half penalty for ranged attacks while mounted). Damn, this is messed up, but cool!
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Post by BluSpecs on Jan 27, 2005 9:47:54 GMT -5
Garor stands stunned until next round. If combat ensues he will defend Hero.... OOC: I'm not sure what going on here....
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Post by Wizard on Jan 27, 2005 10:32:00 GMT -5
A light crossbow shot for Romar---+7, 1d8+1
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