Order of the Dark Flame: The Adventures Continue (no spam-story)

Yshania · Post by **Yshania** » Tue Dec 04, 2001 6:36 am

Yshania considered Vivien's words, and whilst they studied the beauty that Autumn bestows, she laughed easily with her friend. Vivien was stronger than perhaps Yshania had initially believed. She decided to stand back, she promised herself that Viv would be fine, and would know where to find her if she needed her.

They had slipped into a contemplative silence, the sun warming their faces. Eventually Yshania sighed and heaved herself forward, squinting in the glare of the sun. She turned to Vivien, about to excuse herself when she noticed her friend was looking deathly pale

'Are you alright?' she asked, suddenly concerned...

'Yes...I...' Vivien's voice trailed off as she struggled with her thoughts 'I...have just had the strangest dream...almost a premonition in it's power...I...I am being silly' she said dismissively. With that she rose and walked towards Simbul, Yshania, puzzled, watched after her...maybe Simbul could cast some light on this vision?

[ 12-06-2001: Message edited by: Yshania ]

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Dec 10, 2001 2:41 am

"Jenna... is everything alright?" asked Dragon Wench, concerned. She noticed that Jennabard was looking directly at Jerren in an odd way. Dragon Wench glanced at him, but his face was unreadable.
"It was me," Jennabard blurted out, ignoring Dragon Wench's question. "I was the one who murdered you."

Jerren considered her in a detached way for a moment, then said, "Yes, I know."

There was a long pause... no one knowing what to say. Jenna drew her dagger, Dragon Wench's hand went instinctively for her sword before she remembered she was unarmed.... the dagger moved forward, hilt first toward Jerren, who only looked at it. "Is this how you want to resolve this?" he asked quietly.

"I feel terrible about... about what happened. I have tried to imagine how you must feel towards me... I would understand if you hated me."

"What are you willing to do to make this right?" Jerren asked in a distant tone of voice, taking the dagger.

Dragon Wench touched his arm, "Jerren... ". He looked at her in a way that forced her to make a choice. She said nothing more. She chose to trust him. He turned back to Jennabard. "Well... "

Jennabard didn't hesitate. "Whatever it takes."

Jerren placed the point of the dagger at Jennabard's throat, the two of them looking directly into each other's eyes. "Then let this go." He dropped the dagger from her neck. "Whatever you have around this is the last piece of venom the Shadow Master left in you. Release it, Jennabard... and you will be free." He handed her back her dagger.

"Thank you...", she whispered, eyes moist.

"There is nothing to thank me for," he replied. He extended his hand to her, but to his suprise she embraced him, then Dragon Wench. "Oh," Jenna said to her. "Simbul is looking for you to join us in practice this afternoon."

"Ok, I need a bit of rest and then I will be down. Have you checked with Georgi?"

"No, I don't think Simbul knows Georgi is a mage. I'll ask her." And with that the three friends parted ways.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Mon Dec 10, 2001 10:00 am

Gwalchmai shook his head. He could have sworn that something had happened, something big and black and sad, but he didn’t know what. Like an after- image on his retina, he only saw a trace when he blinked.

“Not important, apparently,” he thought to himself. “Now on to the business at hand.” Murmuring to himself, he moved about the keep making preparations. “Let’s see, an Abomination, eh? A big, rotting, tentacled thing. Sharp or blunt weapons? Which would be best against such a critter? Maybe both - now there’s a nice balance.”

He rummaged through his belongings and considered taking his club. Unfortunately, the club was still on the DL from the thrashing that Dragon Wench had unwittingly given it. His staff would have to suffice for a blunt instrument. He had been growing fond of his oaken staff, and it seemed to be growing into quite a sturdy weapon, fitting his hands nicely. A sharp weapon was more problematic. He groped in the bottom of a chest for his old wakizashi - The Winter Blade - forged by specialists in his druidical order especially for him. The sword practically leapt into his hand, but he frowned anyway. For some reason, the idea of cutting an enemy and spilling vile blood onto the innocent earth struck him as wrong. But terrible times called for drastic measures. “The cold-based properties of this blade may prove useful as well,” Gwalchmai thought, “The bacteria in compost generates a great amount of heat, and freezing temperatures can inhibit or halt rotting altogether. This may be a weakness of the Abomination.” Gwalchmai made a mental note to ask Simbul about this later.

Next, Gwaclhmai checked the stables, making sure the horses all had good tack and plenty of feed was packed. Finally, he went to prepare rations that they could carry; enough for at least two weeks. Hard sausage, salt bread, dried fruits. Thinking about it, he realized that some roasted pumpkin seeds might make a nice treat for everyone. Some salt, cumin, and a trace of cayenne would make them taste very nice, though he made sure to make a big batch of un-spiced seeds for Thantor, knowing Thantor’s dour tastes in food....

Aleldar · Post by **Aleldar** » Mon Dec 10, 2001 10:19 am

As Simbul walked into the kitchen, she made eye contact with Aleldar. When Aleldar, noticed Simbul, he knew it was too late. Cursing silently to himself, he slowly sat down. Watching Simbul ever so carefully, he felt a faint chill go down his spine, when she smiled at him.
Simbul walked straight towards Aleldar and quietly spoke, so the others couldn't hear her.
"It has been three years, since I hired you out on a job. So, did you get it? Or does the Red Wizards still have it? I hope you haven't forgotten what happened to Markus. I want to make sure that you are not holding out for more money, because I will make sure you die rich, like he did. So Aleldar, what is your answer?"
"I don't have it." Replied Aleldar quietly.
"Damn it." Simbul yelled as she slammed her hand on the table. "And why not?" She hissed coldly. Her eyes glowed at Aleldar, as she stared at him. Walking around the table, Simbul calmly spoke into Aleldar's ear.
"Three whole years, and all I get is I don't have it. Then where is it? Aleldar, I'm starting to lose my patience with you. As I said, I hope you are not here for more money. Because, I wil....."
Aleldar cut Simbul off, as he spoke calmly and quietly.
"I don't have it because, it is buried under rubble, in Eversault. Xanathar's people took it, from the Red Wizards by force. I found out that the Wizards planned to get it back. To make a long story short it's dead, and now you can relax a bit easier now. As for me, coming here to see you is stretching it. I am tired and was hungry, but these kind people gave me some food. I don't want your money, especially when I found out what you wanted."
Simbul looked shocked, she started to pat Aleldar's cheek, but slapped him instead.
"You should never speak to a queen like that, what would people think."
Aleldar looked at Simbul questionably, as she walked back to the others, smiling.

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Tue Dec 11, 2001 2:31 pm

Nippy walked into the kitchen to hear a ringing slap, Aldedar had a red mark where Simbul had struck him and it was hard, Nippy walked upto him and took him out of the keep before anything brash happened.

"So Aldedar, what are you proficient in? What do you wield and why and what did you study?" asked Nippy

Aleldar · Post by **Aleldar** » Tue Dec 11, 2001 4:05 pm

As Aleldar followed Nippy outside, his cheek was numb, but he didn't care. It was one less thing he had to do. Aleldar then carefully answered Nippy's question.
"I was trained as a Ranger, I also can do many other jobs. One thing you will have to get use to about me. I don't brag or share, at what I'm good at. I'm don't mean to offend you, but it is the way I am. I have seen too many good men die, because of bragging or sharing their proficiencies."
Aleldar's features softened, after seeing the look on Nippy's face. He then quietly spoke, "I can speak all the Elvin languages and many other tongues of the Realms. I've done some mercenary work, assassinations, for the good. I'm a follower of Sheveresh, and will leave to do his bidding if asked. I have two swords of Dwarvin and Elvin make, and I made my own bow. That is one thing, we Wood Elves are good at, let me know and I'll make you one."
Aleldar's face-hardened and his eyes glowed bright blue, almost piercing into Nippy.
"I hope you all know how dangerous, Simbul can be. I have seen her kill, with a flick of her little finger. Don't let her charms fool you. The item she wanted me to steal from the Red Wizards was Medusas. The Red Wizards were controlling her with a ring. I'm just happy, that Medusas was killed."
Aleldar slapped Nippy on the shoulder and grinned.
"So are you going to introduce me to the ladies or are they all taken?"
As they started walking back to the Keep, Aleldar stopped.
"Oh yes, I have a question to ask you. Where can I find Queen Ria'ya and Darius?"

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Wed Dec 12, 2001 7:51 am

"I have never thought about using a bow, may I see yours?"

Aldedar gently pulled the bow from his pack. A smooth stave with tight cord was in all essence a simple weapon but you could feel the heart of the longbow, the hand grip coarse with power, as if it was still part of the tree. It took great strength to pull back a composite bow like Aldedars, Nippy wondered if he could be a good archer.

"I have always used both of my katanas, I've never used a bow before. Do you think you could teach me properly?"

Nippy had a look of pleading in his eye.

"If you want to speak to Rai'ya go to the ruins, I imagine Darius is there also."

Nippy still hoped that Aldedar would consent to teaching him archery.

[ 12-12-2001: Message edited by: Nippy ]

Aleldar · Post by **Aleldar** » Wed Dec 12, 2001 2:58 pm

"I have no problem teaching you how to use the bow. It is not as easy as using your swords, but the arrow is the weapon. Most times, you have to use it quickly. Make snap shots, which will take practice. The best time to use the bow, is when you can go slow. Vision the target in your head, and seeing the arrow hitting it's target. If you are as good with the swords, then you will have no problems with a bow."

Aleldar swept his fingers though his hair. Then pulling it back and tying it with a piece of leather, to keep his hair out of his eyes. Aleldar and Nippy, set up some targets in the Keep's courtyard. He showed Nippy the stance and how to aim. Aleldar let loose a few arrows to show Nippy, how to hold the arrow and letting go. Standing back, he handed the bow to Nippy and some arrows.
"Here, go ahead and practice. The bow is yours, a gift for being so generous and helpful. Later, I will teach you how to make your own arrows. Do you have a place where I can clean up? I'm begining to feel like a bear, coming out of hibernation."

[ 12-13-2001: Message edited by: Aleldar ]

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Thu Dec 13, 2001 7:26 am

"Aye and you smell like one too!" Laughed Nippy,

"Thank you for the bow my friend, it is a gift I shall treasure for my life. You may find a bathroom, upstairs, they have something called a shower which pours water over you, you should try it! "

He escorted Aldedar to the bathroom near a guest quarter and gave him a towel. He showed Aldedar how to work the shower.

"Now for more practice!"

Nippy raced downstairs ready to improve his aim. He went back to the courtyard and picked up a few arrows, he run his finger down the shaft of one and felt a tingle, he did it again this time uttering words of sunfire, the head of iron changed to fire! He notched the arrow, whirled around and slammed an arrow into the target, setting fire to a straw dummy in a burst of light. His eyes flashed from the bright light and he grinned, a new weapon to remove shadows....

OOC: Is this ok with y'all?

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Dec 13, 2001 10:02 am

Gwalchmai sat in Vivien’s rooftop garden, humming tunelessly. He thought about spells that might be useful against the Abomination. A flaming arrow flew past him over the roof, missing both him and the intended target by several hundred meters. Gwalchmai continued humming.

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Thu Dec 13, 2001 10:09 am

"Damn! I missed him!"

Nippy walked up to meet Gwalchmai.

"You alright Gwal? Still recovering from the wine?" Grinned Nippy "This thing we are fighting... what is it? What can harm it?" asked Nippy.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Dec 13, 2001 10:21 am

"Well, it's big enough that I think even you will have a hard time missing it with those arrows of yours...." (

)

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Thu Dec 13, 2001 10:29 am

"Well, well, well! The old man thinks he's funny! Atleast when I drink wine I know there's only one thing in front of me! But seriously, is it immune to fire? Will my katana harm it?" (

)

Aleldar · Post by **Aleldar** » Thu Dec 13, 2001 11:30 am

Aleldar followed Nippy's instructions, on how to operate the shower. As the hot water sprayed on him, Aleldar started to relax. Sitting down as the water sprayed on him, Aleldar meditated. As he meditated, he started to reflex on his past. Not knowing who his parents were, Aleldar was raised by an old Elvin Wizard. He always called him uncle; Aleldar never knew his real name. Uncle taught him how to read and write, all the Elvin languages, including Drow. Aleldar remembered how hard he worked on learning the Dwarven languages. Uncle taught Aleldar, how to make bow and the different kinds of arrows. Aleldar had no problem doing that; he could make any weapon after he envisioned it. When the wizard told Aleldar, it was time for him to go and learn from others. He told Aleldar, that he could teach him no more.

Aleldar was sad at first, but then realized Uncle was right. He left and never saw the wizard again. Aleldar then remembered he never knew the real name of the old wizard, except for Uncle.

Sighing Aleldar leaned back, letting the hot water spray on his chest.

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Dec 13, 2001 12:25 pm

“Ah, yes, well... you have me there, young Nippy.” Gwalchmai grudgingly admitted that he couldn’t hold his wine as well as others, “As to the Abomination, I really don’t know. Thantor was telling me that it is essentially a huge pile of walking rot and decay, possibly intended to lure the dead God Moander back to the land of the living, as it were. My personal theory is that fire may actually aid the creature, since natural decay produces a certain amount of heat and thrives in warm, wet conditions. I would bet that cold-based attacks might serve to slow it down.” Gwalchmai turned away and looked down into the courtyard, “Though I could be wrong. I noticed that Simbul and the others were practicing with fireball spells and such earlier today. I suppose enough heat will kill anything, even decay. But.... our bigest problem might be just getting near to the beast. It’s got mind-possessing tendrils, powerful tentacles, and makes Shambling Mounds at will” Gwalchmai produced a small bag and offered it to Nippy, “Pumpkin seed?”

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Thu Dec 13, 2001 2:08 pm

"Why I've never had pumpkin seeds before! If I may!"

Nippy delved into the bag and lobbed a few in his mouth, he was surprised at the taste and spat them out.

"Sorry about that! Must be an aquired taste, although speaking of seeds I have an idea... What if we were to create a wall of thorns and use the spell, wall of ice to land a big block of ice on him? What do you think? The thorns would protect the casters and we could hack at the tentacles that got through..."

Gwalchmai · Post by **Gwalchmai** » Thu Dec 13, 2001 3:18 pm

“Well, that sounds like a good idea to me, but it seems as though the consensus is to let Simbul come up with the most effective spell combinations. Though I’m not sure that is the wisest thing for us to do. She has only really approached Jenna and Viv with her ideas, apparently not knowing that Georgi and Dragon Wench are both accomplished mages. By the same token, those of us in the clerical profession, Yshania, Thantor, and myself, are no slouches when it comes to offensive spells. And on top of all that, you and Jerren have that whole Ancient Magic stuff going for you...” Gwalchmai waved his had dismissively. “I hope we all have the chance to discuss tactics, so we don’t have to rely on Simbul to clue us in before its too late.”

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Fri Dec 14, 2001 8:13 am

"How about we go and tell her now? I want to and lets not forget Aleldar, although he was rebuked by her, he is still an amazing archer, one that could help us really well..."

dragon wench · Post by **dragon wench** » Mon Dec 17, 2001 12:37 pm

place holder...well actually a bump too

Nippy · Post by **Nippy** » Mon Dec 17, 2001 12:39 pm

Originally posted by dragon wench:
<STRONG>place holder...well actually a bump too </STRONG>

Good Idea, I got the 700th post!!

Blatant post count increaser.....