Prelude to War, The Air Galleons of Throal Options Track this topic Email this topic Print this topic Download this topic Subscribe to this forum Display Modes Switch to: Outline Standard Switch to: Linear+

[fistandantilus4....]

The Scourge.

The destruction of the world, unending legions of demons overran the world, destroying everything in their path. They Horrors laid waste to entire civilizations, consuming the very souls of their victims. Some fought. They died. Some ran. They died. Some joined them. They died. The only hope was to hide. Enter the Theran Empire.

The Empire discovered the Rites of Protection and Passage, the only means of protection against the Scourge. The Empire used the Rites as a means of control, enslaving whole civilizations under Theran rule, their wealth, culture, and very lives feeding the Empire's hunger. When the Scourge came, Thera sealed it's self away from the world, protecting it's self from the horrors that came in ever increasing numbers. In the Barsaive region, the nation of Throal sealed it's gates under the mountain, using the Rites to survive the long night.

500 years oater, Throal has repoened it's gates to a world ravaged and near death. Struggling to survive, Throal reentered the world, becoming a center of trade and a leader among the emerging peoples in the Barsaive region. Formerly the regents for the Empre, Throal threw off the yoke of Theran rule, declaring their ways corrupt, and their intent to lead Barsaive to another way.

For the affront of leading the peoples of Barsaive away, Thera attempted to overthrow the kingdom from within, through what was later named the Death Rebellion. Now, thirty years later, the Theran Empire is back.

A Theran Behemoth called Triumph, a flying city in it's own right, Thera's ultimate weapon has landed at the Ayodhoya Liferock atLake Baykal, securing a potential supply path and landing point from which Thera could begin an invasion of the Barsaive region. In the halls of Throal, the dwarf King Varulus watches the Therans efforts with a heavy heart, recognizing the first signs. War is coming to Barsaive.


Link to OOC http://forums.dumpshock.com/index.php?showtopic=24039

[fistandantilus4....]

Three days ago...

Walking through the forested foothills of the Throalic Mountains, the elf feels a familiar tingling, as if something is crawling up his back. Quickly looking around, he takes a seat, crossing his legs , focusing on the feeling of his skin crawling. Quickly focusing on his energies, beginning the ritual and the incantation he had been taught, the elf soon fell into a trance.

A familiar, warm sensation rolled down the elf's shoulder blades and down his arm. A blackness like ink but with the scent of blood rolls off his arm dripping from his fingers to the ground, swirling in a pool until it forms into the likeness of a dragon. It speaks.

My servant, bring yourself to the kingdom of Throal. Take your stay in Barter Town. Take no work until you receive a summons from the Palace. Follow the path on which it leads you. This task will be crucial to Throal's survival in the coming months. Do Not Fail Me.

The elf slumps, exhausted from channeling the dragon's magic as always. Recovering over several minutes, the tattoo is once again in it's place upon his back. Time to head south.

[Taros]

Barter Town and Throal's survival. What did I get myself into with that Dragon?

The elf stands after several minutes. The communication always takes it's toll on the elf's body.

And the itch!

It's only been a few times that he's talked to me. I only hope it gets better after time,thinks the elf as he tries to scratch his back. The elf picks up a branch that would make a good arrow and begins to carve a rough shape as he looks towards the mountains and begins to walk. The elf begins his journey, thinking of past memories. And new beginnings.

[fistandantilus4....]

Jecht and Shal'hair

In a town like Bartertown, you can walk from a street of elven vendors selling wine goblets, to a street with ork s selling blades "acquired" from dwarven trade caravans, sent to help a populace stop the raids of trolls the likes of which are very likely strolling down the street with you as they loook for a good weapon to smash elven heads with. It's what one might call an eccletic city.

A hodgepodge of mismatched building styles with no organization controlling, adminstering, or claiming responsibility for it, Bartertown is an entity in and of it's self. Situated just outside the great gates of Throal, Bartertown sees beings from every walk of life wander down it's streets. It's citizens belive that they have seen it all.

Inside the Black Unicorn Inn & Winery (Sorry, all out of cheese and violins)...

Wait .... a windling wha'

That's what I said! A windling nethermancer! Right over there by that big dumb human!

It was the third time in a week. Jecht and Shal'hari, seeking accomodations within the more accepting Bartertown had already left two bars. At least there was less attention on them than in BarterTown. Unfortunately, their relative fame as seemed to caught up with them. Case in point, the trio of orks in the corner, giving Jecht the bhuunda. The human warrior sips from his mug as the orks continue their barrage in insults, Shal'hari half lost in a tome shey'd procured from the Lost Nethermancer's library some montsh again.
combact/
Yo pixie girl, wy don't you go fetch us some more drinks! We're good and ready to go!

[SinN]

Jech't looks lazily and raises an eyebrow at his windling friend.

Would you like to go to a new bar? Or do you think we can stand to ignore some drunkards?

This post has been edited by SinN: Oct 22 2008, 01:25 AM

[Lady Door]

Peering up from her book, Shal'hari eyes the man who spoke. "Jecht, we might need to move to another bar again." Without putting her book down, her hands begin to move in a familiar dance. She's weaving a spell...

[SinN]

Jech't reaches out and puts his hands over hers.

Shal. No. Please. He looks her right into the eye as he pleads. His face as grim as ever.

[Lady Door]

Shal'hari's gaze breaks from the man across the bar to the man standing beside her. She moves her hands out from under his, still weaving...
"Jecht, this is how legends are made."

Her spell complete, she locks eyes with the man again.

Casts Evil Eye.

[ Spoiler ]

Causes a virulent green glow to appear in the caster's eye. The unlucky recipient recieves a - 5 to all steps if the spellcasting test is successful.

Threadweaving #1:

[ Spoiler ]

Step 6 + Per. Step: 8, 14, D20+D4 Result:([5], [3]) 8

Threadweaving #2:

[ Spoiler ]

Step 6 + Per. Step: 8, 14, D20+D4 Result:([10], [3]) 13

Spellcasting Test

[ Spoiler ]

Step 6 + Per. Step: 8, 14, D20+D4 Result:([19], [1]) 20

[SinN]

Jecht sighs and steps out of the way. Knowing exactly what his partner has in mind, he readys himself for a fight. Or atleast an explanation.

[fistandantilus4....]

Cien

Laying up in the Thundra's Best, a simple establishment with decent prices for good food, Cien's days so far in Bartertown have been far from eventful. He's heard little from the locals, or his Master. For an Archer however, waiting is just part of his art. He remains ready, a nocked arrow only waiting for a target. He's so intent on his frame of mind that he half jumps, startled by a sudden heavy knock at the door.

*muffled by door* Master Cien! Master Cien are you in there? The Inn Keep told me I could find you in this room. I have a message for you!

The voice has an obvious throalic accent, and judging by the fussy manner of his speaking, probably not a Bartertown resident.

[fistandantilus4....]

Jecht/Shal'hair

From her stoop on the table, Shal'hair waves her hands dramatically in the air, as if tying strings only she can see. The orks watching her laugh aloud, not impressed by her "mumbo-jumbo". That is, at least, until a burning green unholy light fills her eye, and the more talkative ork cries out in dismay, swooning as if suddenly incredibly exhausted. The other orks bellow roars of first dismay, and then outrage, upending chairs and tables as they leap to their feet.

Sorcery! Kill the bug!

Initiative

[Lady Door]

Initiative: 20

[ Spoiler ]

Initiative: Step 6 + Per. Step: 8, 14 (- 4 Armor), 10, D10+D6 Result: ([6], [6]) RR 6:[6] = (6), RR 6: [2] = (2) 20

[Taros]

Cien waits. These day's it seems thats all he does. From one town to the next, one place to another. He doesn't mind, not much at least. The last few years of his life were hectic, hurrying from one location to another, fights and intrigue. He can do with the break.

And if I never see another Horror again, it would only be too soon. Cien thinks as he eases the arrow forward on the string. No use skewering a messenger. Unless he's an Ork, and then of course accidents DO happen.

I'm coming. You only have to knock once. Cien says, as he sets his bow and the arrow he was holding on the bed. Walking up to the door he eases his dagger from the sheath at his side and cracks the door open, peering out into the hall and staring at the figure standing outside.

Yes?

[SinN]

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1779718/
1st initiative. Step 5

[ Spoiler ]

Roll 1d8
Total:8
Exploded

http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/1779720/

[ Spoiler ]

Roll:1d8
Total:7
Total roll:15

[fistandantilus4....]

Jecht/Shal'hari
Orks Initiative 10

Cien
Cien looks put the door, finding no one... wait, there he is down there. The messenger is a dwarf, wearing elaborate livery. The dwarf with his perfetcly trimmed silver beard and glasses, looks every inch the city dwelling court fop. The dwarf presents a sealed case to the elf, bowing and holding the scroll up "high".

Journeyman Cien, I present to you a missive from my Master. I am instructed to await your reply.

Perception Test to see if you can reconize the Livery or the seal.

[Taros]

Perception Test

[ Spoiler ]

1d12 → [7] = (7)

Yes, well let me see here.Cien peer's down at the scroll tries to recall who the seal belongs to while reading what the letter has to say.

[Lady Door]

Shal'hari's eyes glow with an unnatural hue as she flies above the onrushing fray. Holding her Deathstaff

[ Spoiler ]

Ohhh, yeahhh..

high she begins to chant again, her hands moving through another spell.

Casting Fog of Fear

Threadweaving #1:

[ Spoiler ]

Step 6 + Per. Step: 8, 14, D20+D4 Result: ([8], [1]) 9

Threadweaving #2:

[ Spoiler ]

Step 6 + Per. Step: 8, 14, D20+D4 Result: ([20], [2]) RR d20: 2, 24

Spellcasting Test

[ Spoiler ]

Step 6 + Per. Step: 8, 14, D20+D4 Result: ([10], [1]) 11

[fistandantilus4....]

Perception Test Success - The Livery is of Throal's Royal House

[ Spoiler ]

[i]Journeyman Cien , Archer of the 6th Circle,

Salutations from the office of Merrox, Master of the Hall of Records. You will perhaps recall me from our meeting some months ago in relation to the unique texts you brought before our Hall. If your talents are not already in service to another cause, perhaps you could meet with me tomorrow at midsun in the Audience Hall. You have my assurances that the task would not only be made worth your while, but would be incredibly beneficial to the nation of Throal. Please send your answer with this messenger.

[Taros]

Cien's eyebrow slowly rises as he reads the letter. Royalty. Dragons and Royalty. I never even thought I'd hear from him again. Icewing you are indeed sly. Cien looks down towards the dwarf, who is obviously straining to keep the the parchment raised.

Alright friend, let your master know that I will be there at the designated time. Be safe.

Cien begins to closing the door and thinking of what the future may bring. Indeed times have grown more restless, more violent as the years have gone on. Something is changing in people. Or maybe the world was returning to normal after long years being ravaged. Cien looks down at his clothes and sighs. Rips, tears and patches marring the Archers clothing and mountain boots hardly holding together.

I guess I can buy something presentable to be seen in while visiting with such nobility. It wouldn't do to be seen looking like an underfed porter.

[SinN]

Jech't steadies his sword. and looks sternly at the orcs.

If I were you, friends, Id run. Fast.

Withholding his attack until after the effects of Fog of Fear.

[fistandantilus4....]

Cien

Very good Master Cien. I shall relay your acceptance. Best wishes.
The dwarf cuts a quick, precise bow, turning on the ball of his foot and marching off.

Jecht/Shal'hari
The rolling dead white fogs pools out from the table where Shal'hari and Jecht were sitting. The customers quickly jump to their feet, scrambling back to avoid the unnatural fog as it billows out to the corners of the dining hall. People begin to scream as the fog rolls over them, shouts of panic and terror echoing hollowly through the dense white.

Jecht can the sound of stomping feet as the people run for the door (or where they think it is), along with the sounds of customers blindly running into walls, tables, chairs, and each other. Within half a minute, most of the sound seems to have died away as the commonfolk have fled in terror, a few going through windows by the sound of it. There's no sign of the orks.

[SinN]

Jecht returns to his seat.

Well, at least now we can have a quiet drink in peace.
He takes a long swig from his mug. Then glances toward his friend.

That wasn't neccessary though, Shal. We didn't need to involve all those people. Our quarrel was not with them. Never the less though, we'd better go. Im sure the local gaurd will be here soon.
He finishes his drink.
And I for one don't plan on going to jail today.
Jecht holds his hand out to his windling friend, gesturing a quick exit.
Shall we, friend?

[Lady Door]

At the sound of the frightened stampede, Shal'hari laughs derisively. Honestly, I'm tired of having to teach these fools this lesson. Never anger the Nethemancer. It doesn't end well. Idly, Shal'hari digs through her coin purse, pulling out enough to pay for her drink while the human prattles on.
She turns in time to see him hold out a proffered hand. She looks from it to him to it again. "You're joking, right?" She rises into the air, her wings beating quickly and hovers there for a moment before heading towards the back of the inn.

[SinN]

He chuckles as he follows her out the back.
Just a friendly suggestion.
After navigating his way through the back he speaks again.
So where do you suggest we go now?

[fistandantilus4....]

Interlude
"Our streets are filled with Ruffians of every description. Some are worst than others, and grow to truly fearsome power. To those we give medals, in hopes that calling them heroes will make it so."

-King Varulus the Younger

Jecht/Shal'hari- Streets of Bartertown

Shal'hari exits the Black Unicorn, finding the alley outback deserted except for a number of horned rats going through the refuse. Towards street side, she can hear the noise of the crowd forming, mostly of former patrons of the wine house, along with random passerbys A good brawl is some of the best entertainment in Bartertown. Of course, magic changes everything.