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Leo_Lion
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The 5th Element & 6th Sense!
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posted August 26, 2005 08:07 AM |
bonus applied. |
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Standing on his familiar stone balcony, Lyon looked out at the setting sun. Instead of crimson hues dominating the horizon, however, this time golden beams of light illuminated puffy white clouds in the sky. Just then, he peered down at his old mentor, Artemus, who had just arrived on horseback with a few unfamiliar travellers. One of them seemed to be a Paladin wearing heavy armour and the other was some sort of winged creature, which looked like an angel. Knowing that the former Supreme Magi would soon come to see him, Lyon turned back into his room and sat down on the edge of his new bed.
Following the strange events involving the anti-magic sphere, the mattress had been replaced and fitted with fresh silk sheets. During the many hours since the night before, Lyon had laid down on his stiff new bed, but had not managed to get any sleep. He had spent so much time organizing his parents’ memories and going over his own recollections of the situation that his mind had been unable to find peace.
Now, he wore a white long-sleeved cotton shirt and brown khaki pants, which were creased from his earlier tossing and turning. His short dark hair was unwashed and tussled, as well, but he didn’t care…Lyon was just happy to be alive and excited to tell Artemus his incredible tale. As if on cue, the weathered old man knocked loudly at his bedroom door, showing his concern and impatience. With a nod, Lyon gestured to his newly appointed bodyguard to have him open the way. Hearing the lock disengage, Artemus pushed the door aside and walked straight over to his apprentice, embracing him in a paternal hug.
“I am glad to see you as well, my old friend!” said Lyon with a hint of surprise in his voice.
“After I noticed the increased military presence at the Fort and the nervousness of the aid, who told me to come and see you, I feared the worse. But now, I am relieved to see that you are safe and healthy.” said Artemus, as he held Lyon by the shoulders at arm’s length and looked him over.
“Well…I have a disturbing story to tell you that is going to change your mind about that very quickly.” replied Lyon with a lump in his throat.
Over the next few minutes, he told Artemus about his deadly encounter with the dangerous sphere that had come from the Western lands. Sparing no details, Lyon described the entire experience…from the most minute sensation, to the long dialogue between both parties. He revealed the ball’s plan to absorb all of the people from Order and Chaos-occupied territories, starting with himself. He then told the old Magi how he had been saved from the horrific transformation, since he amazingly had no traces of magic energy in him whatsoever. This seemed to bring a wry smile to Artemus' face, but when he saw tears welling up in Lyon's eyes, his expression was quickly replaced with a concerned frown. With emotion almost choking him, Lyon told Artemus that he was the next person to be added to the Western globe's collective.
Not knowing how to respond to this unexpected and terrible news, Artemus paused for a moment and then simply began recounting his own experience from the past day. He told Lyon how an alliance between the forces of Chaos and Order had been arranged thanks to the disturbing news brought by Gorm, the strange archangel. Quoting the winged creature word for word, while adding his own commentary, Artemus described the very real danger that Dean was amassing in the Southern deserts. Then, he informed Lyon that Somar, the mysterious Paladin, had come to the Fort of Order seeking to help them vanquish Dean’s evil forces.
After the former Supreme Magi finished describing every moment and detail of his encounters with Mordikai, Gorm, and Somar, he was not surprised to see his young liege standing there quietly. Knowing that he must be processing all of this new information through his special filter, Artemus did not press the young man for a response or a reaction. Finally, after 20 minutes had elapsed, Lyon spoke:
“Let’s have dinner! I’m hungry and eager to meet our new guests.”
(OOC Edit by Shadow: QP applied for consistent posting in this thread and for keeping them interesting enough to read to the end. Congratulations.)
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*The end to no beginning...
*Take care, Leo
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted August 26, 2005 07:20 PM |
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*Watching as Artemus left I took the time to admire the handywork of these people. The old fort, once bear, was now armed to the teeth for battle. I paced around the room and nodded while watching men bustle about their duty. Doing so even more quickly once they laid their eyes upon me. It's not as though I attempted to look intimidating, I beleive they just take me as the Angel of Death or some such nonsense that mortals believed in. When a group of men brough out a table and chairs and started laying food upon it, I knew that the time to meet the whole behind Artemus' faction was drawing near. Perhaps over a meal I could worm some information from him about demonic energies and the nether*
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When all else fails... Take notes.... ALL the time... ESPECIALLY when playing D&D.... or Pokemon in my case
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Asmodean
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Heroine at the weekend.
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posted August 29, 2005 10:51 PM |
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I came to the town at dawn, after a hard march through the night.
I had amassed a rough army of demonic-human hybrids, but I would need more if my plan would come to fruition.
Stopping outside the town with my bodyguard of nomad warriors and Hans the demon-man I wove magic into my voice so it would reach the ears of everyone in the town.
'OPEN THE GATES AND SURRENDER TO ME. SWEAR OATHS OF ALLEGIANCE TO ME AND YOU WILL BE LEFT UN-HARMED, PART OF MY NEW EMPIRE. REFUSE AND YOU WILL NOT LIVE LONG ENOUGH TO REGRET IT!'
The guards at the gates took a look at my forces, barely a thousand men, none in armour or carrying weapons beyond crude axes and swords. At this distance they could not see the demonic light in their eyes, nor the rippling muscles filled with hellish energy. Some of them still bore horrible death wounds that had not yet sealed up as the new demonic host asserted control of the bodily functions.
They thought themselves completely safe behind their high stone walls, and their highly trained army. The city of Mok'Thradin had supposedly never fallen to an invading army.
It would today.
Almost casually the guard captain launched a croosbow bolt which landed just short of my feet and stood quivering in the sandy ground.
'Take your rag-tag band back into the desert and die slowly madman, before me and my lads come out there and take notice of you properly.
The other guards on the wall hefted their crossbows hal-heartedly, sure that I would back off and forget my apparent foolish ideas.
Turning to my army I spoke.
'Kill them all except the weaponsmiths and armoursmiths. We will need their skills to make you a true army.
Try not to maim the bodies too much, it makes the conversion process more difficult.
Have fun'.
I retired to my tent, ignoring the hellish whoops of rage as my army barreled into the gates, climbing over eachother to the top of the wall.
They could die, but it would take the combined efforts of ten men or a powerful wizard to cut one of them down.
As I blotted them out I stared into my scrying pool, hoping to gain knowledge about the angel and check if he was carrying out my orders.
Seeing through his eyes I saw....ARTEMUS! That old fool still lived. Why couldn't he have lain down and died, like the rest of the destroyed council members. What could he be up to, getting involved in a war effort.
An armoured man was there too. Stiff-necked and militant. Perhaps a knight or a paladin. Though if a paladin had unbent enough to work with common soldiers he was a a rare one, as they were usually a priggish lot.
I could see him talking to someone, but he wasn't looking at either Gorman, or Artemus. I could make out a faint outline, almost glassy, almost misty yet neither description fit.
What kind of being could be hidden from my sight? Not the shadow mage, as I had observed him many times in his tiresome insights and girlish agonising moments.
I laughed at them, no true shadow mage worry about shadows in their own hearts.
So what kind of being was he?
Then the answer came to me.
A SPELL BREAKER. Rare beings whose bodies and souls were absolutely devoid of magic to the point of almost supressing it in others, if they trained the ability.
A spell breaker truly aware of their own powers could turn a mages magic back on the mage himself.
Most were unaware of the ability, and spells launched at them either broke apart, or were seemingly absorbed by the person, with no harmful effects to them.
A spell breaker could hurt my demonic army if he was allowed to live.
The next time I saw Gorman I would have a new assignment for him.
Assassinate this....Lyon.
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To err is human, to arr is pirate.
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted August 30, 2005 08:17 AM |
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Written by RedSoxFan3 and Shadowcaster
Around three score men with grim faces exited the Chaos Fort as the giant doors opened. Behind them stood thousands of men, all of whom he did not recognize in the least, all of whom but perhaps the most familiar face in his life.
The shock of seeing Mordikai once again was awkward and he did not know how to act or respond. It was as if part of him could not believe that he could see Mordikai on friendly terms once again. The memories of turmoil and of deep friendship battled against one another consuming his consciousness down to nothing but a pre-scripted exchange of greetings and one word responses to any questions he was asked.
"Rinaldo." the voice said. "How have you been... How have you been?"
"Good."
"It's good to see you... Where have you been all these years? What have you done all of these years..."
Rinaldo stood there and recalled his recent past and finally was able to accept and absorb seeing Mordikai before his very eyes.
"I've been doing striving to achieve exactly the same thing as yourself. I have looked to find my inner peace. I have built myself a new future, a new life. I have a pregnant wife. I have cured my curse. And now I can control the magic of the wood elves, of life and nature. I can clearly see what you have done these past few years."
"Looking to the future as usual, I see," the shadow mage began, "Alas, I am still not finished with the past."
Mordikai looked around at his men, then motioned for Rinaldo to follow him into the fort. The two wove through the labyrinth and finally ended up in the shadow mage's war room. Mordikai sat at the head of the long, thin table and then turned to address his friend of old once more.
"You are lucky to have everything in order, I envy you. Yet I am bound to the past until I resolve what I have caused."
"Caused?"
"I blamed you for Shiela's death, but it wasn't you who killed her." He gazed down at his hands and continued slowly, "It was me. I am to blame, and now I must make things right by making amends with both you..." his face darkened. "...and with Dean."
"Well I'm here now. What sort of closure do you need? We've both wronged each other. I don't like those things from the past anymore than you. Is there something else you're looking for?"
"I simply seek the assurance that you will forgive me for all I've done."
"I forgave you long ago. I forgave you when I stabbed you and left you for dead. Yet I didn't leave you for dead. I had set a time spell so that you would live until you were found. I forgave you when you tried to gain immortality from the Motherdark. But in the end you saved the world by defeating her, sacrificing any chance at immortality."
"At what price? Alivia is now dead, and I am still to blame. I must make those responsible pay for what they have done. I must kill Dean." He had before resolved not to kill the twisted summoner, but, in the spur of the moment, he found himself uttering those words. Words that Shadowcaster would have uttered. But perhaps this was what the shadow mage truly desired, ultimate justice.
"You have done the right thing in the end. That is what matters now, so long as you continue to do as such." Rinaldo lowered his eyes from Mordikai's in thought. "Why do you continue to give yourself no credit for what you've done? I fail to see how it was your fault that Alivia died. You didn't not kill her. You set her free. She is now far better off than she would be under the will of Motherdark." Rinaldo shook his head. "If you are to blame yourself for anything it is for the crusades that you have led for far too long. Your attempts to bargain your grievances have failed time and time again. All you do is end up finding more things upon which to blame yourself."
"These 'crusades' are all I have left, though. Once I confront Dean, one of us will die. If I fail, I have nothing to live for, but if I do succeed, I lose my purpose. Without my answer to fate, I am nothing."
"Lies meant to bind yourself to the past."
"No, these truths bind me to the present. You've created a life for yourself, moved on, but I...cannot. I can't explain it, yet it is still undeniable. I must do this. Surely you, of all people, would understand."
To be continued...
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Go Red Sox!
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Leo_Lion
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The 5th Element & 6th Sense!
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posted September 01, 2005 07:32 AM |
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Standing at the side of a small square wooden table, Artemus gestured for Lyon to take a seat at his right. He then motioned for his guests, Gorm & Somar, to sit on the opposite sides of the ornately decorated table, so that everyone could face one another. As everyone sat down, a few aides entered into the large Banquet Hall carrying a wide variety of succulent dishes that had been prepared in the bustling kitchen. After their glasses had been filled with sweet juices from the local market, the old man stood up and spoke to all of those assembled around him.
“We are now at a cross-road. Since having rebuilt the foundation of the Fort of Order, both literally and figuratively, we have faced and overcome many obstacles. Whether they were vicious Warlords or rampaging hoards of savages, we have defeated them in battle and preserved our harmonious way of life. But now, we have learned that the greatest threat to our peaceful existence is assembling in the South, under the command of Dean. Although our resolve will be tested like never before, I am certain that with the help of the forces of Chaos, Somar, and Gorm, the fort of Order will overcome this obstacle as it has always done before!”
Having finished the speech that Lyon had instructed him to say while on their way to the Banquet Hall, Artemus raised his glass in a salute to his dining companions. Recognizing the conviction and bravado in their leader’s encouraging words, the group of aids standing nearby clapped with enthusiasm and pride. Seeing this, Lyon was certain that word of Artemus’ confidence would reach the ears of all the Fort of Order residents by the next morning. Silently, he thought to himself: “This pronouncement and last night’s attack on me are just the motivation that my people needed before we ask them to train for the next two months, as they have never trained before.”
***
After the last plate was cleared from the square table, Artemus declared that the jovial conversation, in which everyone had engaged during dinner, would now be turning to more serious matters…the war.
“Will we be discussing affairs of State in front of the boy, Artemus?” questioned Gorm, while looking over at Lyon.
Before the former Supreme Magi could say anything in response, the thirteen-year-old said: “Considering how I was adopted by Artemus after my mother died in labour, my entire life has been subject to affairs of State! Besides,” continued Lyon with obvious mischief in his voice, “Artemus is getting old and someone will eventually have to replace him once he goes completely senile.”
Despite their attempts to remain serious in the face of such comedic jesting, everyone in the Banquet Hall burst into boisterous laughter. Somar slammed his hand repeatedly on the table’s shiny surface, while Gorm gave himself a hug, as if to keep his ribs from breaking apart. Lyon patted Artemus lovingly on the shoulder, while the old man wiped a tear of joy away from one of his eyes. It would have been clear to anyone watching that a fraternal bond was forming between this group, despite the fact that they had only recently all met.
As the evening went on and the subject of the war was discussed, Lyon and Artemus were pleasantly surprised to see Gorm and Somar bring many valuable ideas and suggestions to the table. They were caught completely unaware, however, when the archangel spoke to them with a sad look on his face.
“I must apologize, gentlemen, for I have lied to you.”
As Lyon and Somar exchanged puzzled expressions, Artemus addressed Gorm on the subject he suspected that the winged creature was going to broach: “Is there something that you want to tell us about where you went after our meeting with Mordikai, at the Chaos Fort?”
“Yes.” replied Gorm. “I didn’t go chasing after an imp in the treetops. I went to see Dean in the Southern deserts.”
As he continued recounting his interesting tale over the next few minutes, everyone listened intently...save for a moment when Somar drew his sword and threatened to execute Gorm as a traitor. At Artemus’ command, the Paladin had sheathed his weapon and let the archangel finish his confession, but not before Lyon had noticed Somar’s complete devotion to the cause of good and the forces of Order. This was a reassuring thought, as he dealt with the truth of a spy being so close to him. Finally, just as Gorm finished declaring his intentions to fight against Dean with his very life, his three new companions were dumbfounded to see blood…not tears…running from his eyes.
Noticing the strange looks from the people at the table, Gorm reached up and pressed his palms against his face. And as he withdrew his hands and stared at them in horror, he spoke with a voice that was not his own…it was Dean’s!
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*The end to no beginning...
*Take care, Leo
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted September 01, 2005 08:13 AM |
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Written by Shadowcaster and RedSoxFan3 - Part II
Rinaldo shook his head and put his hand to his forehead as he looked at the ground. He wiped the sweat from his face and looked back up at Mordikai. "Would it be alright if I tell you a little something about revenge?"
"Revenge?" returned the shadow mage, "I doubt you could tell me anything I do not already know." Rinaldo did not waver, and Mordikai continued. "…but I don't mind," he replied.
"Have you ever tasted 'revenge' before? True 'revenge'?"
“Once...” Mordikai began somberly, “when I killed Sheila. I felt fulfilled as she fell to the ground," he quickly saw where this was going and hastily added, "but this is different. Dean is evil; he needs to die."
"So then you know that once you have indulged, you will never again be the person you were before?" Rinaldo was staring Mordikai straight in the eye; the shadow mage seemed to ponder the question. He then added, with a puzzled look on his face, "…and why would you call Dean evil? Did you view Shiela and myself as evil, too, or were we merely enemies?"
"No, not Sheila, she was merely deceived and murdered, caught up in a rivalry that should never have happened. No blame could be placed upon her," Mordikai responded, "But you...I did view you as evil, a treacherous dog of a friend that would not hesitate to stab me in the back again given the chance. I hated you." He paused, then looked inquisitively at the time mage.
"Didn't you want revenge on me for killing Sheila?"
"Yes I did. When I stabbed you, I had thought you were dead. I tasted revenge and it destroyed me. I am and never will be the person I once was. But you never tasted your intended revenge against me, did you? The longing for it consumed you, perhaps more than I, but you can still turn back. Only you have the chance to repent before you go too far." The shadow mage said nothing, so Rinaldo continued.
"I will not argue that Dean is a horrible person for destroying the council, but there are better things to do with your life than chase after revenge against all who wrong you."
"I agree, but this is bigger than just me now. Artemus, a member of the very council Dean uprooted, is preparing his armies just as I am preparing my own. Yet we plan not fight one another, but a third threat, even greater than our own." He could tell by the look on the time mage's face that this news surprised, and maybe even slightly disturbed him. "Dean has gone mad with power, he is building an army to the south, filled with the foulest spirits ever to walk the earth: demons, devils, and even worse things than these. I will admit that, before, I had vowed to kill Dean for Mother's sake, but now I fight him of my own volition. If we cannot defeat him, everyone is doomed."
Rinaldo couldn't believe what he was hearing. "Yes. It is good that I stopped here," he thought to himself as he looked back up at his old friend. "Tell me everything you know."
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Go Red Sox!
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Leo_Lion
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The 5th Element & 6th Sense!
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posted September 06, 2005 04:03 AM |
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*Written with Asmodean & Gorman’s approval and input.*
"If you're so willing to throw your life away in a futile battle against me, Gorm, I might be merciful and simply kill you now. As for the rest of you,” said Dean through the archangel’s body, while pointing a shaky finger towards the three other people standing around the small wooden table “your deaths will be much more painful and agonizing!"
Upon hearing these words and seeing this unholy possession take place before him, Somar jumped to his feet and backed away from the table. Lyon, on the other hand, stood his ground and began processing every minute detail of this situation through his unique filter. As for Artemus, he remained seated, but was doing so only because he was deeply frightened by Dean’s display of power.
Seeing the fear in the former Supreme Magi’s eyes, Dean said to him: “Artemus, you should have died of despair years ago, like the rest of the Mages that I cut off from their magic. I just hope that you won’t die of old age before I get the chance to finish the job.”
Sensing his mentor’s vulnerable state and hoping to put an end to Dean’s charade, Lyon stepped forward and placed himself between Gorm and Artemus. As he went to scream obscenities at the evil wizard controlling his new ally’s body, Dean interjected by saying: “I don't know who you are boy, but I simply cannot allow someone with your magical invulnerability to interfere with my plans. Therefore, you must die!”
And no quicker had Dean uttered the threat, that Gorm drew a mighty sword from his waist and swung it down upon Lyon. Fortunately, the thirteen-year-old had reacted just as swiftly to the death-call and was able to dodge the strike. As the massive sword crashed through the table and sent a variety of papers flying into the air, Lyon struck the archangel’s sword hand with a kick that he had practiced hundreds of times before and snapped the bone with clean precision. Consequently, Gorm’s weapon dropped to the ground with a loud clang and he backed away clutching his disabled limb.
At this point, Lyon had to shout for Somar to stay back and not run his blade through the possessed creature. “We can’t just kill him; he is our friend and comrade! We have to give him a chance to break free of Dean’s evil hold.” With great care and concern in his voice, the young boy pleaded to his injured ally: “Come on, Gorm, be the master of your domain! Fight against this intruder and cast him out. You can do it! I know you can.”
The carefully chosen words seemed to have an immediate effect, considering that the archangel not only ceased his attack against Lyon, but he also spoke with his own voice: “How can you be doing this to me Dean?”
“When I grabbed you in the desert, I not only showed you my hellish power, but I also planted its seeds in you…as I have done with all of my demon soldiers. And as I can control them using this ability, I can control you too.” replied Dean, in Gorm’s thoughts. “I was just being cautious, but it’s a good thing that I did not trust you to carry out my orders. Because look at you now…vowing to fight me to the bitter end. Hmph! You are mine, traitor, and now you will kill Lyon!”
Following the command uttered by Dean, Gorm drew a dagger with his uninjured hand and held it at the ready. He did not move forward, however, he just stood there. Although his body remained perfectly still, his mind and soul were being thrown into complete turmoil. He was fighting Dean’s power with all of his strength, but could feel himself slowly losing the internal battle. Looking over at his new friends, Somar and Artemus, Gorm felt a twang of sadness at having exposed them to this kind of danger. “It won’t be long now, until my will dissolves completely and I am forced to try to kill Lyon again.” he thought to himself. “And if that brute in the desert succeeds at taking full control of my body, there is no way that anyone will be able to stop me before the deed is done.”
Sensing Gorm’s frailty, Dean screamed once more within the archangel’s mind for him to attack the young boy. Finding himself unable to resist, he started stepping forward and raising his dagger. Knowing how this whole thing was going to end, namely with Lyon and his death, Gorm looked over at the thirteen-year-old with a compassionate smile that spoke of blossoming friendship and mutual admiration.
Then, like a flash of lightning, the possessed creature spread his impressive wings and lunged towards Lyon. Before he could get out of the way, Artemus’ apprentice found himself pinned to the ground, under the large archangel’s body. And as warm blood started flowing from between the huddled bodies, Gorm gave Lyon a quirky wink and spoke through clenched teeth: “Dean fears you, boy! And that’s good enough for me.”
Before he was able to fully comprehend what had happened, Somar and Artemus pulled Lyon away from the winged creature. And after quickly examining his person for the telltale stab wound, and not finding a single scratch, the thirteen-year-old looked over at Gorm’s overturned body. Everyone immediately realized that their possessed ally had actually defeated Dean, in the end, because the blood that was spreading across the Banquet Hall floor belonged to him, and not to Lyon. It seems that by considering the archangel’s broken limb useless, Dean had not thought of controlling it and had left the door open for Gorm to use it. With this opportunity, the winged creature had guided his weapon away from the evil wizard's target and deep into his own heart.
Now, as the three remaining figures stood and watched their new friend die, Lyon said in quiet contemplation: “The war has suffered its first casualty.”
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*The end to no beginning...
*Take care, Leo
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2XtremeToTake
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted September 06, 2005 04:24 AM |
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Elsewhere, The Unholy One, and the Unnamed Child, now at the age of six, had still not spoken a word. The aging process was slowing down, and the child was no longer aging rapidly. Suddenly, something changed. He looked around, things seemed to have gotten darker.
"Elf, did you notice that?"
Notice what?
"Nothing changed?"
Not that I'm aware of, but as I am not currently in posssession of my own body, my senses are somewhat dimmed
"Oh, Shut up."
Something was definitly different. It took him a while to figure it out, one of his former opponents had been slain. But which? The time mage? No, his signal was still alive. It wasn't Dean, his signal was suspiciously growing stronger. What about the magog? His signal had seemed far away, as if he was in a different dimension. But nontheless, it was still there.
One of his rivals had been killed. Whom had he forgotten? It wasn't the rogue, he was elsewhere. Angelboy...the betrayer. Yes, he was gone. The one whom had betrayed him not once, but twice. But what evil had the power to slay an archangel? Was there some other evil that had come across the lands that The Unholy One was unaware of? He had been released from his prison several months, but had not yet encountered any of his former rivals. One was now dead. When would he meet the others?
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I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met.
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Asmodean
Responsible
Supreme Hero
Heroine at the weekend.
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posted September 06, 2005 12:30 PM |
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BASTARD!!!
Lightning split the sky above desert.
FOOL!!
Hurling his scrying glass away from him Dean strode out of his tent.
'HANS!' he barked. 'We march! North!'
As Hans appeared running, the urgency in Deans voice spurring him.
'Sire, do you not think it would be better to...pacify some of the towns to the west before this unseemly march?'
Backhanding him, Dean roared 'Do not question me! We march north. We will take every living person we see from now until I personally squeeze the life out of that boy! That...Lyon! Get the nomads on their horses to scout, and get the rest of the rabble moving'.
Wrenching into the nether Dean tore a chimera through the gateway in a rage. As the creatures spirit met Deans corrupted essence it became a twisted version of itself and roared in Bestial insanity.
Leaping on to it's back Dean commanded it to fly.
He had to think calmly. All to often these days his rage was barely held in check. A side effect of his...'gifts', and one that served well if properly used - but he could not allow himself to give in to his emotions or he would ruin his own plan.
His mind-control of the angel had been flawed. Even a fallen archangel held enough of the divine in him to combat demonic influences, which had resulted in his sickening noble, and ultimately foolish sacrifice.
As Dean soared and tried to calm himself he noticed the landscape around him.
Barren sand dunes for miles ahead,with a few walled towns that would harvest him a few thousand soldiers all told, but he needed more if he was to deal with the two armies being massed against in the far north.
At this height he could see the glint of the sun off the sea. In little more than a week he would be leaving the desert dunes to enter the swamps of Selsin.
The lizard people there were ferocious fighters, and the murky shifting paths of the swamps would be slow navigation for his army. But the witches..... perhaps they might be open to an alliance. He would have to prepare and request a meeting with one of his old teachers, the swamp-doctor Tig.
That old hag had first imparted the voodoo knowledge to him required to raise a zombie, and she had had enough ambition for power to unite the tribes of the Lizard people under the Selsin banner. Perhaps her ambition would extend further....
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To err is human, to arr is pirate.
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted September 07, 2005 06:11 AM |
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The two friends sat through the night as Mordikai recounted all that had happened, all he had been told. He spoke of Dean's betrayal, his vile nature, and his awesome power. The time mage had many questions, but only some were answered. The shadow mage only knew so much.
"I think that you should go and visit the Order fort," Mordikai began, "I wish you could stay longer, but there are more important things you must know. I have no idea where you are headed, but, please, find out what has gone wrong with that man. If you can, tell me all you know when next you choose to visit."
"Who is at the Order fort?" Rinaldo asked.
"Both Artemus and Gorm have returned to that place so they can prepare the troops of Order for the Great War. I have yet to see Dean since he turned, but I've heard stories. Be safe, friend, and pray that you do not get caught up in this mess. None who do will fare well, and few will live to see a sunrise without Dean."
They both stood.
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>_>
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Deimos
Known Hero
LHW Paladin
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posted September 14, 2005 02:27 AM |
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Edited By: Deimos on 15 Sep 2005
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Somar, Lyon, and Artemus were gathered in the main hall, discussing what happened.
Somar: This is unacceptable. No one can posess an angel. This Dean, he must have vast powers at his disposal if he can do something like this.
Lyon: Are you thinking of chickening out?
Somar: Absolutely not! It is my duty as a paladin, not only to the Gods, but to the people as well. I will strike him down, even if it means giving up my own life!
Edit by RSF: The next time you simply throw any character randomly into one of your posts when he is in a completely different place, I will just delete the post and apply a penalty. Edwin is at the Chaos Fort and never went to the Order Fort. If you wish to include my character in your posts, send me an IM or email and we can discuss any idea you might have.
Edit by Deimos: Sorry.
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Let's Have War=Best thread on HC.
By the way, my name is Deimos, not Diemos.
Some people don't have a life. Others spend it on HC- Lord Woock.
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted September 15, 2005 07:06 AM |
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They both stood.
"Rinaldo I presume?" Edwin called from the doorway, then approaching the two mages with his hand held out.
"Yes, I am he," Rinaldo said taking the strangers hand.
"This is Edwin, my second in command. He knows a lot about Dean." said Mordikai. He took a step and began to raise his hand in farewell, but Edwin interrupted forcing the shadow mage to withdraw his retreat.
"Don't worry about choosing men for me. I will come to you when I am finished assessing your men to receive your input and then I will give my recommendations." Edwin turned to Rinaldo. "Right now I do not have time to tell you every little detail about Dean. I will say however, that you should go to the Order Fort."
And as quick as Edwin had entered he turned and left the room, giving Rinaldo and Mordikai a casual salute. He kept a low profile sticking to the shadows. Not in a snooping manner, but in a very subtle way to bring as little attention as possible. Nearly all of the men he walked past, did not even notice him or gave him a half-hearted glance. At last one of the men spotted him fairly far off also recognizing him as he approached closer and gave him a firm salute.
'At last' Edwin thought smiling at the man. After asking of his name and rank, Edwin told him to meet him at sunset outside the gates for some assessments. Edwin did the same thing for the next ninety minutes inviting in total inviting only a mere four men.
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Go Red Sox!
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted September 21, 2005 08:48 PM |
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‘How am I ever going to catch up with a time mage?’ she cursed to herself. Unlike her husband, she did not possess the powers of time, only those of nature. Not even riding on her horse was she as swift as her husband who traveled by foot. She whispered into its ear to run faster and lighter. The two glided across the roads of the forest and onward across the plains. She knew Rinaldo had been heading west, but other than that she knew nothing for Rinaldo knew as little of where he would go as she. He had told her the stories of the Chaos Fort and the Order Fort and said he would likely pass by those empty places lest his nose pointed him elsewhere.
And so the forts were the only places of which she knew to look. The journey that took Rinaldo a mere two days and two nights by foot had taken her three days and two nights of riding without pause. As the wood elf came within sight of the Chaos Fort, she at first saw nothing. The evening sun had nearly set, just beginning to paint the sky orange and pink. Thus she was blinded by both its beauty and glare.
As she descended the hill, the breeze shifted directions and gusted now blowing against her. But not after taking a mere four strides she motioned her companion to stop. The wind blew her golden hair back in the wind and some of it into her face. Brushing her hair behind her ear, she squinted at the sun to try to see more clearly of the massive structure. So unnatural it looked, in such contrast to its surroundings, almost uninviting. She knew this to be the Chaos Fort, just from how Rinaldo had spoken of it in his stories. But just like her husband, she too was in disbelief to see the thousands of soldiers taking quarters. Knowing that Rinaldo would have stopped here, she rode down swiftly to the gates to gather information.
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Go Red Sox!
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted September 22, 2005 05:57 AM |
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Rinaldo grinned and looked the shadow mage in the eye, "You two sure do think alike."
"He was probably listening in on the conversation when I told you where I thought you should go," Mordikai paused, "Of course, I only told you because I wanted you to know that I agreed with you."
"I figured you knew where I was headed," the pair stood. "Through friendship and rivalry, you were always the one who knew me best."
"Were?"
"Yes," Rinaldo said, his jovial expression molding into one of purpose, as if he had just remembered the ones he sought to protect. "I told you that I have a wife, Severya. She means the world to mean, as I am sure Shiela meant to you. My wife knows the secrets I must forbid even you to know."
"It's good that you have found your love," the shadow mage began, his joviality disappearing as well. "I can't wait to see mine again." Mordikai turned to go. "Good luck on your journey."
"And yours as well. May we meet again soon."
Rinaldo left the fort and headed east, leaving the shadow mage to his own thoughts. Edwin was nowhere to be found, but Mordikai could tell he was still around. The rogue was probably training the soldiers he had spoken of before. Though the shadow mage did have his doubts about a rogue taking the role of trainer, he would not make his decision known unless the rogue failed in his endeavors.
Later that night, Mordikai held a banquet in the mead hall deep within the fort, and sounds of mirth echoed up to where the rogue waited, beside the gate. Edwin was used to this solitude, yet it seemed to him that the shadow mage was afraid of it. Mordikai was a rogue, too, so why did he fear the lot that was handed to him in life? They weren't even celebrating anything; the war hadn't even begun.
Mordikai stood in his place at the head of the table and toasted the alliance with the forces of Order, a gesture that met with the resounding cheers of his men. No longer did the shadow mage fear dissonance within his ranks, for all cries rang in harmony that night. Except for Edwin's, who was nowhere to be found. Mordikai hadn't even seen him all day. But this troubled him little, as worry was too out of spirit for tonight.
That night, the forces of Chaos went to bed enebriated, knocked out cold from the night's festivities. Moral had run high that night, yet it had cost them clarity in the morning. Mordikai was one of the first to awaken, and he surveyed the damage that had been caused in the previous night's celebration. Soldiers lay scattered across the large room, some piled two or three high. Most had passed out in the fray, others were too drunk to leave. The shadow mage began to regret his decision to celebrate a victory they had not yet won.
As morning came and went, the hall slowly emptied and the servants of the feast came and began to empty what was left - both man and garbage. Mordikai had them gather in the courtyard. He did not speak to them from the General's Balcony, but instead walked in front of them, at eye level.
"Last night, we had pleasure to spare, but now we must look to the future. Last night was the last night of celebration that we will see for a while, for now we must train vigorously and unrelentingly in preparation for this war that is upon us. Once Dean is defeated, we will have cause to celebrate."
"For the cause!" he shouted, lifting his sword into the air.
"For the cause!" they returned.
"How terribly cliché of you," said a voice once Mordikai had left the men to their regimen. The shadow mage looked up at the rogue, who wore a grin befitting a prankster that still looked somehow regal on him.
"Where were you last night?" Mordikai asked.
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>_>
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted September 22, 2005 08:22 AM |
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"Last night? I was here in the Chaos Fort. But I expect that was not the question you had meant to ask. You are wondering why I was not at the banquet." Edwin spread his hands apart and looked at Mordikai with his head cocked downward so that he had to raise his eyes to meet Mordikai's. His casual mannerisms seemed flirtatious to a stranger's eye, which made most men give him an odd stare. Edwin touched his fingers together and raised his head level taking a breath.
"So to say why I was not at the banquet, I was training your men." he said dropped his hands to his side. "Four men to be specific. They will be your first line of defense. You will never be without two of them at your side. While you sleep, while you are awake, whereever you go, they will be at your side, your personal bodyguards."
Four men stepped forward and took a knee.
"Their training started at sunset last night. Today their service to you will begin. No longer are they Soldiers of Chaos, but the first members of the Elite Chaos Guards Division. This past night these men have spent in its entirety learning this." Edwin handed Mordikai a large scroll. "This is the basis of the Elite Chaos Guards. It is their doctrine and they live to serve and protect the Lord and General of Chaos. This man happens to be you. Rise my brothers." The four men stood. "Step forward and state your name and rank." Each man took orders without hesitation.
"Private Gerald Greens of the Elite Chaos Guards."
"Private Jonathon Rolfield of the Elite Chaos Guards."
"Private Sean McKenney of the Elite Chaos Guards."
"Officer William Ravenshood of the Elite Chaos Guards."
"Recite the oath for Lord Mordikai." said Edwin.
"The Chaos Elite Guards Division was created to protect and serve our Lord of Chaos."
"To carry out his wishes to the best of our abilities."
"And if we cannot do what he wishes, then we shall train until we are worthy of serving him once again."
"Our lives are in his hands."
"For this oath bonds us to him until the day we die."
"I, Gerald Greens."
"I, Jonathon Rolfield."
"I, Sean McKenney."
"I, William Ravenshood."
The four spoke the final line in unison.
"Swear on the honor of all our kin, living and diseased, and on our souls in the afterlife, to learn, follow, and carry out the rules and guidelines of this doctrine under penalty of death."
Edwin looked back at Mordikai with a hint of a smile.
"Does Lord Mordikai accept the oath that these good men have given?"
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Go Red Sox!
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UndeadRSF
Hired Hero
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posted September 28, 2005 04:46 AM |
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This was actually written by Shadowcaster, but I'll post it for him.
Mordikai nodded at the troops and dismissed them to do as they pleased. He then pulled Edwin aside once they had left the courtyard. "Bodyguards?" the shadow mage asked fiercely. He seemed almost indignant, "What makes you think I need bodyguards? I can take care of myself, I'll have you know." His eyes blazed as he spoke.
Edwin seemed to expect this, and began to explain his reasoning calmly. "I understand your concerns, but you'll have to trust me when I say this is for your own good. Your sorrows have dulled your skills, my friend. You've been so caught up in your 'one last quest' that you have lost the means to attain it." His eyes never left the shadow mage's, and it became unerringly apparent that he had planned this extensively. The rogue's mind was truly incredible.
The shadow mage remained silent, as he always did in times like this, so Edwin continued. "I watched you as you began to build this army, saw the passion which drew recruits to an ancient relic of a base and rebuilt the armies of Chaos to their former glory. You had passion like I had never seen before, but now it seems you wish merely to fulfill the tireless quest you set out to accomplish five years ago. Devotion slowly melded into obligation, and you began to lose sight of those things that so drive you. Now you just want to finish up and be done with it."
Edwin stood. "I cannot yet reveal my purposes for coming here, but what I can tell you is that you must become what once were if you ever hope to face Dean. You must mix the passion of your vengeful years with the serenity of your years of friendship with the one you once hated for so long. Only then can you really find peace."
Mordikai stood and turned to leave. Edwin stopped him.
"Don't run away!"
The shadow mage paused for a moment and looked back at the rogue, then, with a slight grin, he said: "Bring me those four men. I want to see how much work is yet to be done."
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted September 29, 2005 10:47 PM |
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The rogue nodded, obviously confused at the shadow mage's sudden change in attitude, and headed out the door. It would take more than a name change to draw Mordikai back to what he once was and combine that with who he had become. He must find the resolve to be guided by rage enough to drive his once singular passion, yet never yield to it as he had done in the past. He had become a martyr to his ideals and troubled introspection, so much so that his eyes had left the path upon which he was walking and focused merely on the goal that lay in the distant future. Mordikai had bound himself so fixedly to one purpose and one alone for so long that he forgot what it was like to live for himself and tend to his own power. If Dean was ever to die at his hand, that must change.
Instead of dying for those he loved, he would live for them again, as he had done back when Sheila was still alive. It was then that he felt the happiest, so his decision was easily justified to himself.
He stood and left the small room and began to wind through the labyrinth, a determined look on his face. The shadow mage had almost let his chance at reform slip away, but now he would test who he had become over the past five years. He doubted the results would turn out well.
Mordikai stepped into the courtyard, where Edwin was already waiting with the elite guards he had trained for just 24 hours. "We're going to play a game," he began in a matter-of-fact tone, as if the men standing there should already have heard this before. "I will go into the fort and hide away in the shadows, and you will search for me. Sort of a twisted version of hide and seek with only one assigned to hide. The catch is that I will be constantly moving through the expansive darkness of the Chaos fort, perhaps lurking behind you every step that you take. If I am able to sneak up on you without you knowing, you are out. I win if each of you fails."
Out of the corner of his eye, Mordikai could see Edwin grimace, as if to say 'a game?' He turned back to the four and motioned them to turn away and go to the corners of the courtyard. Once they reached the far edge of the base, the hunt would begin. They obeyed without question. Edwin had done well in that regard.
"If you really wish to be tested, let me join in on the hunt as well. Just be warned that I've watched your patterns from shadows of my own, and will not be so easy to escape." He grinned.
Mordikai grinned as well. "We shall see, I suppose. You must, however, go outside the gate and then come back in before you begin your search."
"Scared?" Edwin asked half-jokingly.
"Terrified," the shadow mage shot back before darting into the labyrinth. "Good luck," trailed his voice behind as he disappeared into the dark doorway of the Chaos fort.
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>_>
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted October 09, 2005 01:15 PM |
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"You heard him. Go outside," Edwin said to the men. And disappeared into the shadows of the night. He watched the four of them very carefully exit the gates. Edwin followed them from a distance, his dark cape wrapped around him covering his body. Keeping him attuned to the shadows even more. Though he knew he wasn't invisible like the man he was about to face, he was certainly not able to be spotted but by only the most well-trained eye.
He watched them go back into the fort and approach the labyrinth after standing around for a second or two outside the gates. Their demeanor was quite casual and colloquial. Though he knew they were most certainly on a lookout, they were not trying to hide themselves at the same time. And that left them vulnerable. He knew that Mordikai would see them and blind them almost instantly, thus would be his only time of opportunity.
He followed them at as great a distance as possible. Waiting to see when Mordikai would poke out his head. He stayed back not just one corner or turn in the large maze, but sometimes even two corners. He spent nearly an hour staying back as far as he could. For an instant he thought he might have saw the feintest patch of a shadow take on a life of its own, but it was only a glimpse. He was not sure if he had seen Mordikai's magic acting up or if it was merely a flicker in the dim light of the torches.
But finally the time came when Edwin finally saw what he had been looking for a small patch of shadow jumped out from around a corner and it was quite a ways down the hall. It grew farther and farther down the hall, but he stayed put. Trying to see if the shadow would move out of the hallway. He looked behind him, which happened to be around a corner and saw several torches down the long hallway having the same brightness he had seen all night.
He peered around the corner a second time and saw nothing but darkness. He knew the shadow mage had to be nearby and he guessed it was down that hallway. So cupping his hand ear he strained to pick up the feintest noise. The sound of footsteps being carefully placed, suddenly the footsteps became extremely muffled as if they had turned a corner. Feeling his way down the hallway he quickly followed the sound of the nearly inaudible footsteps. As he neared the corner and poked his head around again, they were again less muffled. The footsteps stopped and he heard the slightest sounds of feet twisting, he pulled his head back around the corner and held his breath. Now the footsteps turned and were headed down the hallway getting closer to him. The darkness that had just left this section of hallway returned. Edwin could hear every move Mordikai made right down to whether he was tip toeing or rolling his foot starting at the heel.
The footsteps stopped at what sounded to be just before the corner, so Edwin was assured that Mordikai could not yet see Edwin.
"Hello, Mordikai," said Edwin stepping out from around the corner. He held out his hand. "Good game. Could you turn the light back on please?"
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Go Red Sox!
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Deimos
Known Hero
LHW Paladin
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posted October 09, 2005 02:05 PM |
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Later that night, at the Order Fort
Somar: What worries me is this: how can a necromancer possess an angel? I mean, isn't the point of an angel is to be immunne to various possessions?
Artemus: Well, Dean is extremely powerful. In fact, he's one of the most powerful necromancers I've ever seen.
Somar: You know, that's not going to help us beat him. Now, the thing is, that we have to think about what Dean may do next.
Artemus: How would we do that?
Somar: Well, he possessed that angel, but the angel killed himself. Naturally, Dean isn't going to be happy.
Artemus: So?
Somar: Dean is going to try to ressurect the angel as an undead! Don't you see?! We have to pour holy water all over his body!
Artemus: But he's an angel. I don't think that they can turn into undead.
Somar: Well, I didn't think that angels could be possessed, either, until today, or, more correctly, yesterday. Who knows what else Dean can do? I suggest that we purify the angel before Dean has a chance to do anything else.
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Let's Have War=Best thread on HC.
By the way, my name is Deimos, not Diemos.
Some people don't have a life. Others spend it on HC- Lord Woock.
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MightyMage
Honorable
Legendary Hero
of INSANITY and DELICIOUSNESS
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posted October 10, 2005 09:11 AM |
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Near Mt. Starfall...
The cold grew more and more bitter as the days passed. Lance the Mighty Mage had been moving on foot for over a week since his horse, Thunder, had passed on.
It seemed the cold had finally done him in as it would Lance if he didn't find shelter soon. Ahead of him lay Mt. Starfall. This was a famous landmark in Avalonian history as it was once the location of the magic city Fallen Star. It was said that the first version of the Royal Order dwelled there before it was destroyed.
As Lance neared the mountain range he spotted several small caves. One of those would serve as a suitable shelter assuming Lance could muster enough power to make a fire. All at once that fateful day swarmed back into his head. The death and destruction. It had been quite some time since than. Who knew what kind of trouble Dean had been causing. This is why he needed to be stopped. This is why Lance would pursue.
He found a relatively dry cave and made camp for the night. His flint had been lost during his fight with the ice demons so it was luck that the once Mighty Mage was able to gather enough power to warm himself.
It's not big but it shall work for the time being.
Lance began rummaging through his pack until he found what he was looking for. A neatly rolled up scroll containing the mapped areas past the Avalonian border. It had been some time since he last visited that area. Hopfully they would take him in. He needed answers and they were the only ones who could help him now.
It would only be a few more days now...
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Though I must still bow
in awe for the awesomeness that is
MightyMage. For he is all I could ever
want to be! - OhforfSake
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This thread is pages long: 
