once everyone has gathered in dragonwench's room. manveru began his explaining.
"i believe that jennabard is now at the temple ruins, remember when you stopped the binding ritual and suddenly jenna's shadow self excaped? i believe she's there, when i was scrying for her in my divination pool, i kept getting visions of the temple and of fire. some how i get this feeling that we need to burn the temple down. it will show us a way to jenna."
"burn the temple ruins! all of it? that should be a pyromanic's dream." gwalchwai looked on at manveru.
"no, not all of it, we just have to build a fire there..." muttered, georgi.
manveru nodded, "i don't know what will happen next, but before we go i think that jenna's past should be explained to you."
"jennabard was born with a rare gift. that of spellfire. those born with spellfire can obsorb magic and turn it to pure energy. an extremely powerful ablility and only a handful are born with it. when jenna's powers manifasted, her family abandoned her, the viliagers shunned her and left her alone to die. she wandered the land, still a child, seaching for a home and people who will love her. she grew up alone and very angery. when the shadow master found her and pretended that he love her, she became a willing weapon against his enemies. she destroyed cities, towers, brought great mages down with a thought,there was 7 of us trying to take her out, dragonwench and i are the only survivors."
"until, one day she understood that there was no love. the shadow master is extremely powerful, and she knew she couldn't kill him and so fled. at the time we did not know about the shadow master, and we chased her throughout the land, until we cornered at the ruins."
"what happened next?" thantor asked after manveru paused.
"jennabard let all of her power go, at the same time she was mortally wounded which fueled her magic. i had to teleport us away from the blast radius. when we returned, she was still alive but somehow jenna's soul was split in two. i sealed one in the temple and took jenna to my tower. when she woke she did not remember anything not even her name."
everyone was quiet absorbing the info, manveru explained a great deal about jennabard's arractic behavior, strange to think that the bright and soulful jenna had the darkest past out of all the flames.
"she still one of us, we have to go to the temple and bring her back home." dragon wench looked at everyone and nodded.
manveru looked relieved," i have to keep an out for this shadow master, but i have some scrolls and potions to help you."
loading the flames up with goodies, manveru left via teleport.
gwalchwai sigh," he really needs to learn how to use the door."
Order of the Dark Flame (Story, No Spam)
Originally posted by dragon wench:
Thantor appeared, a mysteriously shaped bundle in his hands.
OOC: I shudder to think of what Waverly will do with this.
Thantor appeared, a mysteriously shaped bundle in his hands.
OOC: I shudder to think of what Waverly will do with this.
Those who will play with kitties must expect to be scratched.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
Nippy had just seen Manveru leave. He was sure that he wanted to rescue Jennabard. After all he was a guardian now and it was his duty. He was unsure of something though. Recently he had been plagued by some kind of creatures in his sleep. He saw nothing in his dreams and when he tried to move away from these stalkers he felt something like claws rip at his shoulders. His whole body then went numb, he lost control of everything and collapsed on the floor where he saw and felt his body being mutilated and torn to pieces. He had had enough of these dreams. He decided to speak to Thantor about his problems.
“Might I have a word with you Thantor? I have had some real problems lately. I have been having nightmares that seem real. I have been walking in corridors, forests any setting even dungeons and have been attacked by stalkers that I cannot see. I only ever see their shadows and their claws numb on touch. I fight them but there are so many I get overwhelmed, I see myself die Thantor!”
“You say they are invisible yes? I am familiar with monster lore. The only creature that is permanently invisible is an Invisible stalker. They are often conjured by Necromancers or even by shadow themselves. This seems to be our problem. The shadow master often conjures these for covert work and yes their touch numbs and level drains. This seems to be your problem. You must remember though that sun and fire weakens them, you must create light.”
“So that is why they only attack at night outside and inside dark keeps. I will destroy these demons from sleep. My friends, I must rest, I will not be longer than 10 minutes.”
Nippy left the room. Dragon Wench followed him.
“We cannot stop Nippy! We must leave soon”
Nippy turned around to Dragon Wench.
“Do you trust me Dragon Wench? I will not be longer than 10 minutes, I have some work to do.”
Nippy left for his room. He sat down and closed his eyes, he needed to prepare. Ready, he thrusted himself into the dream realms. Instantly he came to a forest and he could see movement, shadows coming towards him in dim light. He called upon Jerren.
“Instruct me Jerren, I need light to drive back these beasts!”
“You must draw on the power of the ancients, this is only a simple spell. If you wish to master more of the art you must train with a proper instructor. Focus on your inner light, you are a good soul, draw on you inner power, feel yourself mould the energies inside yourself.”
“There you have the light ready, wait for them to draw closer and the release it, let it out, put your aggression into the light, they have hurt you before, are you going to them do it again? Do it, do it NOW!”
Nippy stretched his arms out. He muttered words not heard since the ancients died in their last battle, not since Jerren died. He let his anger out, a bright beam of sunlight burst from his being. Bright light exploded from him, the light washed over the stalkers, like a tidal wave, it decimated all in it’s way. The weaker beings were blasted right out of existence and the weaker ones were burned beyond belief, they were suddenly visible in the light born of the power of the ancients. The light level suddenly dropped, however there was still a ambience of light, enough to let Nippy see his foes. He drew fire and ice and charged into battle, he belted out a war cry from the deepest part of his being. He didn’t even know what he was doing, he was controlled from deep within by the ancient power.
Nippy ran up to the first stalker. He was so focused fire cut through the midsection of the beast, he was angry. He had lost the chance to see his brother, to meet him. These beings were responsible, they would pay. Nippy continued fighting. He had slaughtered at least 10 of them. He came to the last one and stopped.
“Tell your master I and the Flames are coming. We will destroy your existence and we will remove your taint from this world. Go, go and tell your master his reign of terror is over!”
Nippy woke from his state of meditation. He had a smile on his face. He now knew for certain that his place was here, with the flames.
“Might I have a word with you Thantor? I have had some real problems lately. I have been having nightmares that seem real. I have been walking in corridors, forests any setting even dungeons and have been attacked by stalkers that I cannot see. I only ever see their shadows and their claws numb on touch. I fight them but there are so many I get overwhelmed, I see myself die Thantor!”
“You say they are invisible yes? I am familiar with monster lore. The only creature that is permanently invisible is an Invisible stalker. They are often conjured by Necromancers or even by shadow themselves. This seems to be our problem. The shadow master often conjures these for covert work and yes their touch numbs and level drains. This seems to be your problem. You must remember though that sun and fire weakens them, you must create light.”
“So that is why they only attack at night outside and inside dark keeps. I will destroy these demons from sleep. My friends, I must rest, I will not be longer than 10 minutes.”
Nippy left the room. Dragon Wench followed him.
“We cannot stop Nippy! We must leave soon”
Nippy turned around to Dragon Wench.
“Do you trust me Dragon Wench? I will not be longer than 10 minutes, I have some work to do.”
Nippy left for his room. He sat down and closed his eyes, he needed to prepare. Ready, he thrusted himself into the dream realms. Instantly he came to a forest and he could see movement, shadows coming towards him in dim light. He called upon Jerren.
“Instruct me Jerren, I need light to drive back these beasts!”
“You must draw on the power of the ancients, this is only a simple spell. If you wish to master more of the art you must train with a proper instructor. Focus on your inner light, you are a good soul, draw on you inner power, feel yourself mould the energies inside yourself.”
“There you have the light ready, wait for them to draw closer and the release it, let it out, put your aggression into the light, they have hurt you before, are you going to them do it again? Do it, do it NOW!”
Nippy stretched his arms out. He muttered words not heard since the ancients died in their last battle, not since Jerren died. He let his anger out, a bright beam of sunlight burst from his being. Bright light exploded from him, the light washed over the stalkers, like a tidal wave, it decimated all in it’s way. The weaker beings were blasted right out of existence and the weaker ones were burned beyond belief, they were suddenly visible in the light born of the power of the ancients. The light level suddenly dropped, however there was still a ambience of light, enough to let Nippy see his foes. He drew fire and ice and charged into battle, he belted out a war cry from the deepest part of his being. He didn’t even know what he was doing, he was controlled from deep within by the ancient power.
Nippy ran up to the first stalker. He was so focused fire cut through the midsection of the beast, he was angry. He had lost the chance to see his brother, to meet him. These beings were responsible, they would pay. Nippy continued fighting. He had slaughtered at least 10 of them. He came to the last one and stopped.
“Tell your master I and the Flames are coming. We will destroy your existence and we will remove your taint from this world. Go, go and tell your master his reign of terror is over!”
Nippy woke from his state of meditation. He had a smile on his face. He now knew for certain that his place was here, with the flames.
Perverteer Paladin
After speaking with Nippy, went back to rejoin the rest of the group. "I think there is a matter we should address that will help us in our search for Jennabard. At this point, Anomen is our only good link to the Shadow Master. If we could somehow address is current state, he may be able to help us. Better this than running off blind. Georgi," he said, turning to face her, "I remember the pain you experienced on initially observing Anomen in the forest. There seems to be some kind of link between the two of you. Can you tell me more about this?"
Those who will play with kitties must expect to be scratched.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
-
dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
Glancing individually at each of her friends, Dragon Wench tried to gather her thoughts. "I think that Thantor has a point," she said, "Anomen is in many ways the key to all of this, I think that if we try to reach out to him first, we stand a better chance of rescuing Jennabard. As it is, we're almost litterly groping in the dark (No, I don't mean that! ). Something tells me that Jennabard's situation is such that we must proceed with delicacy and caution, otherwise we risk the danger of damning her to the Shadow World forever."
[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]
). Something tells me that Jennabard's situation is such that we must proceed with delicacy and caution, otherwise we risk the danger of damning her to the Shadow World forever."[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]
Spoiler
testingtest12
Spoiler
testingtest12
thantor and georgi dicided it was best to study anomen before the ritual.
when they reach his cell, a sense of prevading evil filled the room. staying close to the light of their lamp for comfort.
anomen sneered at their entrance and began his taunts. both ignored him for now and noticed the shadows around the room.
georgi's head began to hurt, she could hear the true sprirt of anomen trying to reach her. georgi calmed herself and began to listen to anomen's wise words.
"jennabard is no longer with the shadow master, she is waiting for you at the temple ruins. build a funeral prye and she will come."
thantor tried to question the false anomen to no pravail to get more information about the shadow master. all he got was spit and a few choice words but also some answers.
the shadow master is looking for his artifacts that has been lost in time. 5 artifacts to make him more powerful than any god.
georgi told thantor about her message from the good anomen. together they left the room to prepare leaving behind shadows.
[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: jennabard ]
when they reach his cell, a sense of prevading evil filled the room. staying close to the light of their lamp for comfort.
anomen sneered at their entrance and began his taunts. both ignored him for now and noticed the shadows around the room.
georgi's head began to hurt, she could hear the true sprirt of anomen trying to reach her. georgi calmed herself and began to listen to anomen's wise words.
"jennabard is no longer with the shadow master, she is waiting for you at the temple ruins. build a funeral prye and she will come."
thantor tried to question the false anomen to no pravail to get more information about the shadow master. all he got was spit and a few choice words but also some answers.
the shadow master is looking for his artifacts that has been lost in time. 5 artifacts to make him more powerful than any god.
georgi told thantor about her message from the good anomen. together they left the room to prepare leaving behind shadows.
[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: jennabard ]
sleep takes a vacation when baby is in the house.
{OOC: Let's insert this event above JB's post...}
"It is inaccurate to say that there is a light and dark soul, actually," Thantor pointed out. "The soul is formed of an essence beyond this realm of dreams and is possibly the only 'real' aspect of an individual."
Loner didn't like all this about not being real. But she remained silent while Thantor continued:
"Its perfection cannot be tarnished or split. What you call a dark soul is actually the absence of a soul, just as darkness is the absence of light. Consider an ancient tomb, filled with the darkness of a thousand years. Yet one infant light can dispel it, because the darkness has no substance." Now Loner was really lost, and took a deep breath, wondering where Thantor was going with this. Dragon Wench and Georgi, however, nodded, listening intently.
"In the same way," Thantor continued, "there is a way to dispel the darkness inside Anomen. There is a ritual that can be done called the Qa Felliatio Delicto or Qa transfer, otherwise known as soul retrieval."
Loner's interest perked up. She had heard of such a ritual; indeed it was legendary, but seldom performed. Lomoro had spoken of it, and told her that one who performs the soul retrieval must be one of the greatest masters of martial skill, both physically and mentally. Turning to Georgi, Thanor went on:
"Since you seem to have a link with Anomen, you would act as the donor. What would be required is a transfer of a small whisper of your essence to act as a catalyst. The rest of the ritual will act as a type of mini-binding ritual." He paused. "It is a dangerous process, in that the soul must be properly re-integrated into the various levels of Anomen's being. Also, the field generated during the ritual -- the lotus sojourn departure or LSD -- intensifies psychoemotional issues. All the joyous and painful memories will be made more vivid, and this can be very challenging." He turned to Loner. "This would be an important addition to your training. I would like you to assist me."
Loner blanched, fury gathering slowly in her heart. She took a step toward Thantor. "I would rather clean this Keep from top to bottom with my tongue," she said, in a quiet, measured tone, "than to help that...monster. He nearly killed Kramor, more than once. Are you forgetting that? I never will. If I can get my hands on that beast I will rip out his throat."
Thantor looked at her calmly; he had anticipated this. "If you prefer to allow childish sentiments to defeat you so easily, fine. That is your choice. Do be sure to give the privys a little extra attention."
Thantor was still the master and could defeat Loner easily if he wished to. Loner knew this. But hearing her love for Kramor called a childish sentiment, and hearing it described as something that defeated her, set her blood on fire; and she stepped toward Thantor, fully prepared to strike him. Gwalchmai stepped in and took hold of her arm. "Loner," he said softly. "Remember what I said. It's Georgi who needs your help. Jennabard too. Anomen would be able to help her, once he is restored. Think of your friends and do this for them. Not for him."
Loner relaxed and stepped back. "Forgive me Master," she said quietly, and tensely. Then, bowing formally, she said "I will assist you," through gritted teeth.
"Good," Thantor replied. "You will help me stabilize the Qa field. And," he said, with a bit more concern in his voice, "you will act as bait for the evil that would otherwise attack Georgi."
Loner nodded slowly. The idea of drawing danger away from her friend appealed to her, if nothing else about this travesty did. "Very well," she said. "I will take my leave of you for a moment." She smiled, a strange, sarcastic smile. "I'm going to go see my lover before all this happens. If that meets with everyone's approval. I won't be long."
She turned, and rapidly stalked down the hall.
Meanwhile, Thantor and Georgi decided to go and prepare for the ritual by confronting Anomen in his cell. Gwalchmai removed the wards, and they went down to the dungeon.
[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]
"It is inaccurate to say that there is a light and dark soul, actually," Thantor pointed out. "The soul is formed of an essence beyond this realm of dreams and is possibly the only 'real' aspect of an individual."
Loner didn't like all this about not being real. But she remained silent while Thantor continued:
"Its perfection cannot be tarnished or split. What you call a dark soul is actually the absence of a soul, just as darkness is the absence of light. Consider an ancient tomb, filled with the darkness of a thousand years. Yet one infant light can dispel it, because the darkness has no substance." Now Loner was really lost, and took a deep breath, wondering where Thantor was going with this. Dragon Wench and Georgi, however, nodded, listening intently.
"In the same way," Thantor continued, "there is a way to dispel the darkness inside Anomen. There is a ritual that can be done called the Qa Felliatio Delicto or Qa transfer, otherwise known as soul retrieval."
Loner's interest perked up. She had heard of such a ritual; indeed it was legendary, but seldom performed. Lomoro had spoken of it, and told her that one who performs the soul retrieval must be one of the greatest masters of martial skill, both physically and mentally. Turning to Georgi, Thanor went on:
"Since you seem to have a link with Anomen, you would act as the donor. What would be required is a transfer of a small whisper of your essence to act as a catalyst. The rest of the ritual will act as a type of mini-binding ritual." He paused. "It is a dangerous process, in that the soul must be properly re-integrated into the various levels of Anomen's being. Also, the field generated during the ritual -- the lotus sojourn departure or LSD -- intensifies psychoemotional issues. All the joyous and painful memories will be made more vivid, and this can be very challenging." He turned to Loner. "This would be an important addition to your training. I would like you to assist me."
Loner blanched, fury gathering slowly in her heart. She took a step toward Thantor. "I would rather clean this Keep from top to bottom with my tongue," she said, in a quiet, measured tone, "than to help that...monster. He nearly killed Kramor, more than once. Are you forgetting that? I never will. If I can get my hands on that beast I will rip out his throat."
Thantor looked at her calmly; he had anticipated this. "If you prefer to allow childish sentiments to defeat you so easily, fine. That is your choice. Do be sure to give the privys a little extra attention."
Thantor was still the master and could defeat Loner easily if he wished to. Loner knew this. But hearing her love for Kramor called a childish sentiment, and hearing it described as something that defeated her, set her blood on fire; and she stepped toward Thantor, fully prepared to strike him. Gwalchmai stepped in and took hold of her arm. "Loner," he said softly. "Remember what I said. It's Georgi who needs your help. Jennabard too. Anomen would be able to help her, once he is restored. Think of your friends and do this for them. Not for him."
Loner relaxed and stepped back. "Forgive me Master," she said quietly, and tensely. Then, bowing formally, she said "I will assist you," through gritted teeth.
"Good," Thantor replied. "You will help me stabilize the Qa field. And," he said, with a bit more concern in his voice, "you will act as bait for the evil that would otherwise attack Georgi."
Loner nodded slowly. The idea of drawing danger away from her friend appealed to her, if nothing else about this travesty did. "Very well," she said. "I will take my leave of you for a moment." She smiled, a strange, sarcastic smile. "I'm going to go see my lover before all this happens. If that meets with everyone's approval. I won't be long."
She turned, and rapidly stalked down the hall.
Meanwhile, Thantor and Georgi decided to go and prepare for the ritual by confronting Anomen in his cell. Gwalchmai removed the wards, and they went down to the dungeon.
[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]
Nippy met Thantor and Georgi on the way towards the hall.
“How did your rest go Nippy? I see that you succeeded. Do tell.”
“Nippy, what was exactly the problem” asked Georgi.
“In my dreams and meditation I have been attacked in my sleep by invisible stalkers, I now know they were sent by the shadow master. Thantor told me about the weakness of the stalkers to light and I met the stalkers in my dream. I apologise for not telling you this before but are you aware of the ancient powers? I believe Dragon Wench has told you a bit about them. Anyway when Dragon Wench left my room she did so because I had had a connection with Jerren, her lover and my brother. He woke up the ancient power in my body. I am learning to control this power but it will take someone who is aware of the power to train me. I called to Jerren to help me defeat the stalkers. He taught me a simple spell but a spell powerful enough to drive the shadows back and destroy the weak shadows. I used this power and destroyed the stalkers. I let one go. I let him go to warn the shadow master. I told him to his master that we would come, we would come to destroy him and remove his taint from the world.”
“In the days to come this power will be priceless in the battle against the shadows. There will be many enemies and if this power is as awesome as you describe we will have a great advantage against his minions that despise light.”
“What are you planning to do now?” asked Nippy.
“We are planning on doing the ritual Qa Felliatio Delicto to rescue Anomen.”
“Doesn’t that require some sort of bait to stop the donor being attacked? Who is it?”
“Loner shall be the bait.”
“Let me help her. The shadow master is bound to send some of his minions and with my new sunfire ability surely I can help? Do you object Georgi?”
“I am sure you can, the sunfire will do as a border to stop entrance into the field.”
“I have no problems with your help.”
“When are you going to perform the ritual?”
“As soon as Loner is ready, then we will commence it.”
“Then I shall go with you”
Thantor, Georgi and Nippy walked down the corridor to await Loner.
“How did your rest go Nippy? I see that you succeeded. Do tell.”
“Nippy, what was exactly the problem” asked Georgi.
“In my dreams and meditation I have been attacked in my sleep by invisible stalkers, I now know they were sent by the shadow master. Thantor told me about the weakness of the stalkers to light and I met the stalkers in my dream. I apologise for not telling you this before but are you aware of the ancient powers? I believe Dragon Wench has told you a bit about them. Anyway when Dragon Wench left my room she did so because I had had a connection with Jerren, her lover and my brother. He woke up the ancient power in my body. I am learning to control this power but it will take someone who is aware of the power to train me. I called to Jerren to help me defeat the stalkers. He taught me a simple spell but a spell powerful enough to drive the shadows back and destroy the weak shadows. I used this power and destroyed the stalkers. I let one go. I let him go to warn the shadow master. I told him to his master that we would come, we would come to destroy him and remove his taint from the world.”
“In the days to come this power will be priceless in the battle against the shadows. There will be many enemies and if this power is as awesome as you describe we will have a great advantage against his minions that despise light.”
“What are you planning to do now?” asked Nippy.
“We are planning on doing the ritual Qa Felliatio Delicto to rescue Anomen.”
“Doesn’t that require some sort of bait to stop the donor being attacked? Who is it?”
“Loner shall be the bait.”
“Let me help her. The shadow master is bound to send some of his minions and with my new sunfire ability surely I can help? Do you object Georgi?”
“I am sure you can, the sunfire will do as a border to stop entrance into the field.”
“I have no problems with your help.”
“When are you going to perform the ritual?”
“As soon as Loner is ready, then we will commence it.”
“Then I shall go with you”
Thantor, Georgi and Nippy walked down the corridor to await Loner.
Perverteer Paladin
-
dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
Although perhaps not the best judge of human emotion, given recent events, Dragon Wench was troubled by Loner's seething hatred towards Anomen. She could certainly empathize with her desire to kill him, but she also wished that Loner could come to understand that the Anomen who had attempted to murder her lover was not the same Anomen that she had once cared about. She thought that maybe she would try to speak to her friend later. But perhaps, she thought, it's different for me, "I never really cared about Anomen the same way that the others did, I never allowed him to get emotionally close, so I don't feel the same sense of betrayal." Then, turning her thoughts outwards again, she began to prepare herself for the coming ritual.
Thinking of Jerren and drawing strength from this, she began to form protection wards around her soul. Then, she coated her emerald sword with a flame potion particularly designed to confront shadows. Thus armed, she awaited battle.
OOC: In ToB there is a spell (level ten I think) called "Dragon's Breath." Essentially it summons the head of an adult Red Dragon, which then proceeds to breathe that very nasty dragon fire (remember Firkragg....?) upon enemies, without harming allies. Would anyone object if I employed this?
[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]
Thinking of Jerren and drawing strength from this, she began to form protection wards around her soul. Then, she coated her emerald sword with a flame potion particularly designed to confront shadows. Thus armed, she awaited battle.
OOC: In ToB there is a spell (level ten I think) called "Dragon's Breath." Essentially it summons the head of an adult Red Dragon, which then proceeds to breathe that very nasty dragon fire (remember Firkragg....?) upon enemies, without harming allies. Would anyone object if I employed this?
[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: dragon wench ]
Spoiler
testingtest12
Spoiler
testingtest12
Loner strode through the Keep, coming at last to the courtyard where Kramor was practicing with his sword. He looked up and smiled when he saw her. She drew back at the sight of the bright sunset, and put on the blindfold. Kramor went to her, and she threw her arms tightly around him. She was trembling, and he instantly knew something was wrong. "What is it?" he asked softly, kissing her hair. She told him about the ritual, about her reluctance, and her fears of the evil to which she would offer herself as a target.
"Are you certain you want to do this?" Kramor asked, and Loner could sense a familiar concern in him. She held him tighter.
"Georgi needs my help," she replied. "So does JB. I...don't consider that I have a choice, that being the case."
"I'll be with you then," he said.
Loner shook her head. "I always want you by my side, you know that," she said. "But I don't think that's a good idea. Anomen hates you, as he is now, and he may cause you some injury, or try to at least. I only wanted to see you before it begins, and to tell you what's going on."
Kramor nodded. "Very well," he said. "But I will be close by."
Loner was still stinging from Thantor's "childish sentiment" comment. She drew Kramor closer, and gave him a long kiss. He took her hand, and led her back into the Keep, and down to the dungeon entrance, where they met the others.
[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]
"Are you certain you want to do this?" Kramor asked, and Loner could sense a familiar concern in him. She held him tighter.
"Georgi needs my help," she replied. "So does JB. I...don't consider that I have a choice, that being the case."
"I'll be with you then," he said.
Loner shook her head. "I always want you by my side, you know that," she said. "But I don't think that's a good idea. Anomen hates you, as he is now, and he may cause you some injury, or try to at least. I only wanted to see you before it begins, and to tell you what's going on."
Kramor nodded. "Very well," he said. "But I will be close by."
Loner was still stinging from Thantor's "childish sentiment" comment. She drew Kramor closer, and gave him a long kiss. He took her hand, and led her back into the Keep, and down to the dungeon entrance, where they met the others.
[ 06-30-2001: Message edited by: loner72 ]
-
Georgi
- Posts: 11288
- Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: Can't wait to get on the road again...
- Contact:
(OOC "felliatio delicto"?!? What exactly did you say this ritual involved...? *narrows eyes suspiciously* )
"Firstly, I shall attempt to explain the procedure to Anomen, in the hope that somewhere inside he wishes to cooperate," Thantor began.
Georgi turned to him. "Perhaps I might speak to Anomen privately, first?"
Thantor nodded. "That may be a good idea, if anyone can wring anything but abuse from him, I suspect it's you. If there is a problem, I'll not be far..." Georgi assented, and descended into the dungeon.
The pain in Georgi's head grew more intense as she approached Anomen's cell. She saw in his face that he was trying not to show the pain, but it was obvious to her. There was a time when she could read every line on that face... but maybe it hadn't changed that much. "Anomen..."
He looked up as she spoke his name, but remained silent... subdued, even. Their eyes locked. His had a haunted look, like a man stuck in a nightmare with no way to break free. Holding her gaze, he got up and drew closer to the bars of his prison. Georgi broke the silence. "Do you feel it, Anomen? The emptiness within you?" He made no reply. He didn't need to. She reached a hand through the bars, and touched his bruised cheek, frowning a little as she wondered who was responsible... He flinched at first, but did not draw back. "I know you do, Anomen. I can... I can make the pain go away. Here," her finger lingered on his temple. His hand grasped hers, and moved it to his heart.
"And here?" he spoke, in barely a whisper, little but a shadow of the man she had known.
Georgi fought to hold back her tears. "I hope so," she replied, withdrawing her hand. She quickly turned away to regain her composure, before climbing the steps to fetch Thantor for the final preparations.
As Georgi emerged, Darkpoet pulled her to one side. "Do you have to do this? For him?"
She sighed. "DP, there's no other way..."
He smiled grimly. "Let me go down there and kill the bastard. Problem solved. No dangerous rituals..."
"It's not that easy. It's a matter of putting things right, DP. Besides, who's to say what the effect would be if Anomen died, with his soul linked to mine... It may very well be just as dangerous. Don't worry... Thantor knows what he's doing, I think..."
"I never thanked you. For saving my life... I don't know how you did it, but thank you."
Georgi shook her head. "You'd have done the same for me, right?"
Thantor, who had been instructing Loner, interrupted them. "We're ready. Shall we begin?"
[ 07-01-2001: Message edited by: Georgi ]
)"Firstly, I shall attempt to explain the procedure to Anomen, in the hope that somewhere inside he wishes to cooperate," Thantor began.
Georgi turned to him. "Perhaps I might speak to Anomen privately, first?"
Thantor nodded. "That may be a good idea, if anyone can wring anything but abuse from him, I suspect it's you. If there is a problem, I'll not be far..." Georgi assented, and descended into the dungeon.
The pain in Georgi's head grew more intense as she approached Anomen's cell. She saw in his face that he was trying not to show the pain, but it was obvious to her. There was a time when she could read every line on that face... but maybe it hadn't changed that much. "Anomen..."
He looked up as she spoke his name, but remained silent... subdued, even. Their eyes locked. His had a haunted look, like a man stuck in a nightmare with no way to break free. Holding her gaze, he got up and drew closer to the bars of his prison. Georgi broke the silence. "Do you feel it, Anomen? The emptiness within you?" He made no reply. He didn't need to. She reached a hand through the bars, and touched his bruised cheek, frowning a little as she wondered who was responsible... He flinched at first, but did not draw back. "I know you do, Anomen. I can... I can make the pain go away. Here," her finger lingered on his temple. His hand grasped hers, and moved it to his heart.
"And here?" he spoke, in barely a whisper, little but a shadow of the man she had known.
Georgi fought to hold back her tears. "I hope so," she replied, withdrawing her hand. She quickly turned away to regain her composure, before climbing the steps to fetch Thantor for the final preparations.
As Georgi emerged, Darkpoet pulled her to one side. "Do you have to do this? For him?"
She sighed. "DP, there's no other way..."
He smiled grimly. "Let me go down there and kill the bastard. Problem solved. No dangerous rituals..."
"It's not that easy. It's a matter of putting things right, DP. Besides, who's to say what the effect would be if Anomen died, with his soul linked to mine... It may very well be just as dangerous. Don't worry... Thantor knows what he's doing, I think..."
"I never thanked you. For saving my life... I don't know how you did it, but thank you."
Georgi shook her head. "You'd have done the same for me, right?"
Thantor, who had been instructing Loner, interrupted them. "We're ready. Shall we begin?"
[ 07-01-2001: Message edited by: Georgi ]
Who, me?!?
While Georgi was talking to Anomen, Thantor was preparing Loner for her confrontation with the demon. "You must not let it get to you. No matter what it says or does. It will show you terrible things in an effort to disrupt the ritual. If that happens, Anomen's soul will fall into the abyss and be destroyed forever. And in that case, I do not know what could be done to help Georgi."
"I will keep any shadow minions from you," said Nippy. "You need only deal with the demon himself."
"What exactly must I do?" Loner asked.
"You must find Anomen's soul once the qa field is stabilized. You must help me keep it stable with your energy, at the same time leading Anomen's soul back to its proper home. And you must remain with it to make sure it is properly integrated into his being. Every step of the way, the demon will be with you, trying its utmost to foil your efforts."
Loner took a deep breath. Thantor put a hand on her shoulder. "I know you're apprhensive about this. But truly, if I didn't think you were strong enough for it, I wouldn't have asked you. You have the potential to become a great ki master, and this is a major step on that path."
Thantor had never spoken so plainly before; his words strengthened Loner's confidence. "I am ready," she said.
Georgi, Thantor, Loner, and Nippy descended together to Anomen's cell. Kramor stood at the dungeon door, watching them go into the darkness.
They stepped into the cell, and Thantor shut the bars. Loner had kept the blindfold on. Though she could still only see vague shadowy forms, she didn't trust herself to look on Anomen's face and retain any measure of control. Anomen was sitting crumpled up in a corner, and Thantor directed Georgi to go sit by him. Thantor himself sat cross-legged by the bars, and Loner was in the center of the cell, facing Anomen. Nippy stood behind her.
Anomen lifted his head and looked directly at Loner. She heard the smile in his voice as he spoke: "Loner, my sweet. Come back to me, have you?..."
"It's the demon," said Thantor. "Be ready for the worst he can throw at you." Loner sat motionless, concentrating on her breathing, descending into a meditative state, waiting for the ritual to begin.
"I will keep any shadow minions from you," said Nippy. "You need only deal with the demon himself."
"What exactly must I do?" Loner asked.
"You must find Anomen's soul once the qa field is stabilized. You must help me keep it stable with your energy, at the same time leading Anomen's soul back to its proper home. And you must remain with it to make sure it is properly integrated into his being. Every step of the way, the demon will be with you, trying its utmost to foil your efforts."
Loner took a deep breath. Thantor put a hand on her shoulder. "I know you're apprhensive about this. But truly, if I didn't think you were strong enough for it, I wouldn't have asked you. You have the potential to become a great ki master, and this is a major step on that path."
Thantor had never spoken so plainly before; his words strengthened Loner's confidence. "I am ready," she said.
Georgi, Thantor, Loner, and Nippy descended together to Anomen's cell. Kramor stood at the dungeon door, watching them go into the darkness.
They stepped into the cell, and Thantor shut the bars. Loner had kept the blindfold on. Though she could still only see vague shadowy forms, she didn't trust herself to look on Anomen's face and retain any measure of control. Anomen was sitting crumpled up in a corner, and Thantor directed Georgi to go sit by him. Thantor himself sat cross-legged by the bars, and Loner was in the center of the cell, facing Anomen. Nippy stood behind her.
Anomen lifted his head and looked directly at Loner. She heard the smile in his voice as he spoke: "Loner, my sweet. Come back to me, have you?..."
"It's the demon," said Thantor. "Be ready for the worst he can throw at you." Loner sat motionless, concentrating on her breathing, descending into a meditative state, waiting for the ritual to begin.
Nippy too had to prepare. He sat in meditation, waiting for the field to stabilize. He also needed to build up sunfire. There was little he could do in the actual battle stakes as Loner had to take Anonmen's soul with her. He would serve as a beacon, a guard and somewhere for Loner to aim for.
Perverteer Paladin
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dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
The gloom of the dungeon felt stifling to Dragon Wench, until now she had avoided this area of the keep. Although not of elven lineage, she could understand the loathing that these people had of dank and darkness. Restless, she positioned herself close to the dungeon exit and studied the preparations from afar. Watching Anomen was particularly fascinating. His expression constantly alternated between maniacal frenzy and a gentle desire to please. He looked terrible, his hair was matted and stringy. His dark eyes, empty pools, gazed at them from above the pale concave hollows that had become his cheeks. He more ressembled a hunted animal than he did the knight that she rememembered.
Dragon Wench shuddered; with her sword at the ready, she continued to observe the progressing ritual.
Dragon Wench shuddered; with her sword at the ready, she continued to observe the progressing ritual.
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Deep in her meditation, Loner heard Thantor's voice, but could not understand the words. She suddenly felt Kramor's presence within her spirit, and knew he must be projecting his thoughts to her, sending her his strength. That was his way of being there to protect her throughout this dangerous task. Her fear eased a little. Thank you, my love, she whispered in her mind.
OOC: Nice work, everyone!
@Georgi: ROFL Waverly came to me in a vision, shirtless and chopping wood, and offered the ritual name. Since it was Latin, how could I refuse?
After lighting a large candle elaborated with metaphysical symbols and doing the initial breathing mundras to help organize his mind, Thantor began mentally placing the etheric seals at each of the four directions. Using a small bundle of burning sage, he invoked the specific element, totem animal, and nature force to help protect the sanctity of the ritual. Each step, each movement was done with meticulous precision and rhythm, creating a sense of balance and equilibrium that each participant could draw strength from. He began to blend the energies of everyone in the room, thinking of them in terms of an element. Georgi as Fire, Nippy as Earth, Dragon Wench as Wood, Loner as Water, and himself as Metal. He placed the ornate box containing the sacred instruments in front of him, and began the ritual placement. First he drew the altar cloth and spread it on the floor of the cell. Anomen began to laugh hysterically, which startled Georgi sitting closest to him.
"I'll be sure to use your diaper when you wet yourself, you pathetic little toad, " he cackled. "Or maybe I'll use it to get a better grip on your tongue before I rip it out," he screamed, launching forward. He was unable to move out of the corner of the cell, however, since the evil within him was held fast by the seals. Unperturbed, Thantor next drew out a censer, followed by an aspergillum. He blessed the sacred water that it held and placed both items on the altar cloth. Last, he drew a delicate necklace from which a small, star shaped crystal hung. He went over to Loner and placed around her neck. "This is a psicrystal, Loner," he whispered. "It is female in nature and keyed to poise." Loner instantly felt an expanding sense of calm along with a sensation of rooted power that made her think of an enormous oak. "The comment about the 'childish sentiment'. Have you figured that out?" Loner nodded. "It was a warning. You were showing me how easily my emotions could be manipulated."
"Excellent. View everything you are about to experience as impersonal, just like you would the thrust of a sword. Detach, Deflect, Defeat. Remember your training." Again Loner nodded, slowly acclimating to the feel of weight and depth that the psicrystal had introduced into her ki field. He said a silent blessing, extending this as well to Kramor, then went over to Nippy who was already deeply in mediation. He could faintly feel ancient energies within the warrior, and he preformed the same blessing for him that he had for Loner. He rose and approached Dragon Wench, continuing to proceed in ritual fashion. He performed the blessing, then, sensing her restlessness, he asked, "Have you ever been to a birth?" Surprised, Dragon Wench indicated that she had. "This will be similar in many respects, since we are actually re-birthing Anomen's soul. It will be long, painful, and raw, perhaps shocking. Like a birth, you will need to pace yourself. If you know a short prayer or inspirational piece, that maybe helpful." He smiled at her. "I'm glad you are here. The more quality people I have to depend on, the better."
He returned to the altar cloth and addressed Georgi. "Are you ready?" She met his look with a fierce resolve in her eyes. "Let's do this," she said grimly. "You'll need to lie on the floor, with your head next to me. Each Qa transfer is unique, Georgi, but generally you will experience a feeling of leaving your body. There will be a silver cord that will connect you to your physical form. At some point, you will connect with Anomen so that the transfer of essence will take place. And eventually you will need to return. Simply say your own name when you are ready to return to your body. Do you understand?"
"No problem," Georgi answered curtly.
"One other thing," said Thantor, looking solidly into her eyes. "I want you to know that before I let anything happen to you, this demon will have to rip out my heart. I have your back." Georgi nodded, impressed by the emotion behind Thantor's words. But let's hope it doesn't come to that, she thought, lying down.
Thantor lit the remaining bundle of sage and placed it in the censer. Small tendrils of acrid smoke drifted from it. He then began the ritual proper by saying an invocation, then began to chant, swinging the aspergillum and sprinkling the sacred water on Anomen. A horrific, piercing scream filled the cell.
@Georgi: ROFL
Waverly came to me in a vision, shirtless and chopping wood, and offered the ritual name. Since it was Latin, how could I refuse? After lighting a large candle elaborated with metaphysical symbols and doing the initial breathing mundras to help organize his mind, Thantor began mentally placing the etheric seals at each of the four directions. Using a small bundle of burning sage, he invoked the specific element, totem animal, and nature force to help protect the sanctity of the ritual. Each step, each movement was done with meticulous precision and rhythm, creating a sense of balance and equilibrium that each participant could draw strength from. He began to blend the energies of everyone in the room, thinking of them in terms of an element. Georgi as Fire, Nippy as Earth, Dragon Wench as Wood, Loner as Water, and himself as Metal. He placed the ornate box containing the sacred instruments in front of him, and began the ritual placement. First he drew the altar cloth and spread it on the floor of the cell. Anomen began to laugh hysterically, which startled Georgi sitting closest to him.
"I'll be sure to use your diaper when you wet yourself, you pathetic little toad, " he cackled. "Or maybe I'll use it to get a better grip on your tongue before I rip it out," he screamed, launching forward. He was unable to move out of the corner of the cell, however, since the evil within him was held fast by the seals. Unperturbed, Thantor next drew out a censer, followed by an aspergillum. He blessed the sacred water that it held and placed both items on the altar cloth. Last, he drew a delicate necklace from which a small, star shaped crystal hung. He went over to Loner and placed around her neck. "This is a psicrystal, Loner," he whispered. "It is female in nature and keyed to poise." Loner instantly felt an expanding sense of calm along with a sensation of rooted power that made her think of an enormous oak. "The comment about the 'childish sentiment'. Have you figured that out?" Loner nodded. "It was a warning. You were showing me how easily my emotions could be manipulated."
"Excellent. View everything you are about to experience as impersonal, just like you would the thrust of a sword. Detach, Deflect, Defeat. Remember your training." Again Loner nodded, slowly acclimating to the feel of weight and depth that the psicrystal had introduced into her ki field. He said a silent blessing, extending this as well to Kramor, then went over to Nippy who was already deeply in mediation. He could faintly feel ancient energies within the warrior, and he preformed the same blessing for him that he had for Loner. He rose and approached Dragon Wench, continuing to proceed in ritual fashion. He performed the blessing, then, sensing her restlessness, he asked, "Have you ever been to a birth?" Surprised, Dragon Wench indicated that she had. "This will be similar in many respects, since we are actually re-birthing Anomen's soul. It will be long, painful, and raw, perhaps shocking. Like a birth, you will need to pace yourself. If you know a short prayer or inspirational piece, that maybe helpful." He smiled at her. "I'm glad you are here. The more quality people I have to depend on, the better."
He returned to the altar cloth and addressed Georgi. "Are you ready?" She met his look with a fierce resolve in her eyes. "Let's do this," she said grimly. "You'll need to lie on the floor, with your head next to me. Each Qa transfer is unique, Georgi, but generally you will experience a feeling of leaving your body. There will be a silver cord that will connect you to your physical form. At some point, you will connect with Anomen so that the transfer of essence will take place. And eventually you will need to return. Simply say your own name when you are ready to return to your body. Do you understand?"
"No problem," Georgi answered curtly.
"One other thing," said Thantor, looking solidly into her eyes. "I want you to know that before I let anything happen to you, this demon will have to rip out my heart. I have your back." Georgi nodded, impressed by the emotion behind Thantor's words. But let's hope it doesn't come to that, she thought, lying down.
Thantor lit the remaining bundle of sage and placed it in the censer. Small tendrils of acrid smoke drifted from it. He then began the ritual proper by saying an invocation, then began to chant, swinging the aspergillum and sprinkling the sacred water on Anomen. A horrific, piercing scream filled the cell.
Those who will play with kitties must expect to be scratched.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
Many are cold; few are frozen.
Absence is to love what wind is to fire... it extinguishes the small, it enkindles the great.
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dragon wench
- Posts: 19609
- Joined: Tue Apr 24, 2001 10:00 pm
- Location: The maelstrom where chaos merges with lucidity
- Contact:
Both surprised and honoured at Thantor's suggestion Dragon Wench began to think about some of her favourite poetry. She found that the process of searching through her mind was relaxing, and she wondered if that had been his intent. After a few moments she softly began to murmur:
"On the beach at night alone,
As the old mother sways her to and fro singing her husky song.
As I watch the bright stars shining, I think a thought of the clef of the universe and of the future.
A vast similitude interlocks all,
All spheres, grown, ungrown, small, large, suns, moons, planets,
All distances of place however wide,
All distances of time, all inanimate forms,
All souls, all living bodies, though they be ever so different, or in different worlds,
All gaseous, watery, vegetable, mineral processes, the fishes, the brutes,
All nations, colors, barbarisms, civilizations, Languages,
All identities that have existed or may exist on this globe, or any globe,
All lives and deaths, all of the past, present, future,
This vast similitude spans them, and always has spann'd,
And forever span them and compactly hold and enclose them."
As she spoke, she sensed Anomen's torment and the feelings of anguish and hope radiating from her friends. She continued to focus inwards and perhaps from the magic of the ceremony and the words of the poem, she began to feel a long absent wholeness, a connectedness that had evaded her for many years.
OOC, the poem is Walt Whitman's, On the Beach at Night Alone. It seemd to fit, but if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know.
"On the beach at night alone,
As the old mother sways her to and fro singing her husky song.
As I watch the bright stars shining, I think a thought of the clef of the universe and of the future.
A vast similitude interlocks all,
All spheres, grown, ungrown, small, large, suns, moons, planets,
All distances of place however wide,
All distances of time, all inanimate forms,
All souls, all living bodies, though they be ever so different, or in different worlds,
All gaseous, watery, vegetable, mineral processes, the fishes, the brutes,
All nations, colors, barbarisms, civilizations, Languages,
All identities that have existed or may exist on this globe, or any globe,
All lives and deaths, all of the past, present, future,
This vast similitude spans them, and always has spann'd,
And forever span them and compactly hold and enclose them."
As she spoke, she sensed Anomen's torment and the feelings of anguish and hope radiating from her friends. She continued to focus inwards and perhaps from the magic of the ceremony and the words of the poem, she began to feel a long absent wholeness, a connectedness that had evaded her for many years.
OOC, the poem is Walt Whitman's, On the Beach at Night Alone. It seemd to fit, but if anyone has any other suggestions please let me know.
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