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| Thread: As per Pan's and Consis' request. | |
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 06:59 AM |
bonus applied. |
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As per Pan's and Consis' request.
Author's note: This was my first foray into writing as something more than a pastime. I'd just found my NWN home online and wanted to create a clan that could pvp with another, already established, group that called themselves the Drunken Bards. The inspiration for these characters was completely ripped from Cerebus, the graphic novel series by Dave Simms. I fully admit that I plagiarized the names Wolver Roach, Duchess Astoria, etc., though the storyline wasn't necessarily taken.
The premise for my idea for a clan was that in keeping with the absurd Roach character from Cerebus, all the Roaches had to have a first name that alluded to a Marvel Comics superhero. Yes it's hokey. Yes it's dorky. But that's the way it was.
Also, I screwed up with the Pantheons. The Turmish Lands were part of Faerun in 3rd edition D & D. Heironeous' equivalent in Faerun would be Tyr but for continuity's sake and a so-called 'lost' god being invoked I stuck with Heironeous. So without much ado.
Sweating and breathless, I was running--running to the place of my heart's desire. Oh, how many years had it been since I have touched these hallowed stones? How many years--of seclusion and contemplation--had it been since I smelled the lilac and honeysuckle emnating from the garden? And how many years had it been since I thought you would never write back to me, Astoria. Why now? What changed your mind? You said in your letter that you needed to see me urgently. Yet, the estate was untouched. Nothing lay in ruin. I didn't understand you, and was unsure if your explanation would be enough.
I started pounding on the door, the rhythem of the blows matching the throbbing in my neck. "It's unlocked. Come in." came a voice from the other side--her voice. My heart went aflutter and I couldn't stop it. Anticipation gnawed away at my gut. I threw the door open and there she was--unblemished by time and woe--beautiful as ever. "Don't stare," I told myself. Striding towards her and abruptly stopping some 3 paces from her, I took a knee. "Your humble servant, m'lady" is all I could muster.
She replied,"Skip the pageantry silly. Did they teach you that in Paladin school?"
"No" I said. " A lady of your stature...my actions demand no less."
"It is good to see you Wolver. It has been too long." she said dismissing my comment entirely.
"Aye m'lady, almost 11 years to be exact." I replied.
An uncomfortable silence fell over the parlor. My nerves finally started calming themselves, but I was desperate to make conversation. A million questions ran through my mind.
"M'lady, you summoned me. Why? Why now? Why haven't you answered my letters?"
"How are your brothers and sisters?" she asked while ignoring me.
"They're very well. I'll be sure to send them your regards," I said.
"And what are they doing with themselves these days?" she asked, clearly enjoying avoiding my own questions.
There was no way I was going to get a straight answer from her at this time. What choice did I have?
"The first set of twins m'lady, Colossus and Hulkin, are training hard to become warriors. Thor is kneedeep in scripture back at the church. Havok is enjoying living a monastic life. Strange is idling away time--wowing crowds with his spells. Punisher seems intent on bedding every woman in the kingdom. He drinks and carouses late into the evening almost every night. Sprite and Wonder have blossomed into the fairest of maidens. They have been wooed by several noblemen and powerful merchants. Yet, they seem determined not to live the life of a woman. They have wanderlust in their eyes and are off travelling with Gambit and Dazzling. The rest seem to be trying to enjoy the twilight of their youth."
"I see." she said. "And what about Ghost?"
I paused. "Too late," I said to myself. "She sees something."
"Ghost is studying arcane arts with a powerful wizard named Feldman."
Astoria nodded. "And what about the voices? Does he still hear those voices?" she asked.
"We don't discuss them m'lady. I'm sure you didn't ask me to come here just to engage in idle chitchat about my siblings. Why have you summoned me?"
"What happened that day Wolver?" she asked, again ignoring me.
"What day?" I replied, trying to play dumb.
"The day your parents died," she pressed.
"You already know m'lady. My parents were guilty of treason, and Ghost slew them."
"Wolver." she said. " What did they teach you about integrity at the church? I know you're lying to me."
"M'lady, I have told you all that I know." I said, trying to keep my composure.
"Do you remember a time when you swore you'd do anything for me Wolver?" she asked.
"Aye m'lady, and I'd still." I said.
"Then I am commanding you to tell me the truth about what happened." she said sternly.
"Damn." I thought to myself. "How could I let myself fall into that trap?"
"M'lady, I fail to see what happened that day has to do with why you've summoned me." I said, trying to draw up the courage to stare her down.
"Wolver, your parents died and your whole family split up. I want to know why! Swear to me, then! Swear to me that everthing you've told me is the truth!." She said gloweringly.
I paused. I met her eyes, those stunning eyes. They seemed to pierce into the very recess of my soul. I faltered, drew myself up and took a deep breath.
"I cannot swear to that m'lady" I said.
"Then tell me what happened!" she pressed, knowing I had finally cracked.
"M'lady, this is one of those times when after you've heard something you would have wished you had never heard it."
"I will be the judge of that, Wolverine!" she scowled. "Now, are you going to tell me or shall I just consider you to be as unreliable as all the other men in this world?"
The words, painful as they were, did not compare to the memories she was dredging up. I shuddered.
"M'lady, may I please have some tea?" I said.
"Of course" she replied, softening. "How utterly rude of me. I'd already prepared some for you."
She poured a cup. I couldn't help but stare in wonderment at her grace--the smoothness of movement that she commanded.
"Thank you, m'lady" I said while taking a sip. "Here is what really happened, and it goes back to the birth of Ghost and his twin Elektra."
"You see m'lady, Ghost was never supposed to live. Elektra was the first to come out of my mother's womb, but there were complications with Ghost. He was stillborn. Now, I wasn't present when my mother was giving birth, but my father said she let out a cry when she heard the news that shook the foundation of the hospital where she was. She cried the name of a long forgotten god--Heironeous--and begged him to spare her son's life in exchange for hers."
"But your family were followers of Tarim" said Astoria. "Why would she cry out for a different god?"
"I don't know m'lady." I said. "It was never explained to me. May I continue?" I asked.
"Yes, by all means go ahead." she said.
"What is interesting in the church of Heironeous, m'lady, is the belief that twins are really one soul, cleft in twain. Ghost and Elektra were just the best of friends growing up. Do you remember the black walnut trees next to our estate? There was a hammock lashed to both trees. Those two, they laughed and giggled together. They got into no small amount of mischief together. Endless summer days were spent by them out on that hammock--reading and laughing. They really were one soul."
"Something changed though. Elektra started having drastic mood swings. She started becoming withdrawn and detached. None of us could figure out why. What was especially strange was there were days that Ghost would be the exact same way, only he would shake it off and resume being his normal exuberant self. Not Elektra, though. Her malady grew stronger. And it was around the time of her 12th birthday that she started becoming deeply religious. When asked about her behavior change over the years, she'd become confrontational, belligerent, and lock herself in her room. We were at a loss, m'lady. We didn't know how to handle it. My father had had a string of bad luck with his business ventures and was staying at home a lot. So my mother's attentions were focused on him. She left it up to the rest of us to try and help her. But we couldn't."
"M'lady, this memory is forever burned in my mind. I awoke to the sounds of screaming that fateful morning. I ran outside with only my nightshirt on and there--silhouetted against the rising sun--was a body dangling by a noose from one of the black walnut trees. And the hammock was missing. It was Elektra. Sprite and Wonder were crying while trying to cut her down. Ghost came outside and bellowed out a resounding 'NO!' while he ran up to her. He knealt down next to her lifeless body and went to stroke her hair while trying to fight the blur in his eyes. As soon as he touched her, he cried out in agony...a noise I'd never heard before or have heard since. He started screaming 'WHY!? WHY!? WHY!?'. I moved to console him but he whipped up and ran to the shed. Almost as fast as he'd gone in, he came out carrying an axe. I moved to intercept him but he shoved me out of the way and made a straight line towards my parents. He raised up the axe and struck my father....repeatedly. All of us were dumbfounded in shock. He raised up the axe towards my mother and screamed 'YOU LET HIM DO THIS TO HER!! YOU LET HIM!! WHY!?' I had no idea what he was talking about. Had he gone mad? My mother, who I thought would be screaming bloody murder at this point, only said 'yes' in the meekest of tones. Then Ghost's axe fell."
I hadn't realized that how bad I was shaking at this point. I looked up, only to see a perplexed look on Astoria's face.
"I don't understand." she said. "Why would Ghost kill his father...unless" she cupped her hand to her mouth, the dawning look of realization sweeping her countenance.
"Yes, m'lady." I said sadly. "There are evil men in this world. And my father was one of them. He stole innocence and in the process destroyed half of Ghost's soul. If you would please, can we never talk about this again?"
She was still absorbing what I had said. I decided to press my interests and draw attention away from the story I had just told her.
"I see that Lord Julius's carriage isn't outside. Is he away?" I asked.
"Yes he is away. And yes, he isn't coming back." she said. "We're divorced."
"Oh?" I asked quizzically. I had already known that and wanted to hear her say it. It was bittersweet.
"So your family split up because of what happened that day." She said, steering the conversation back to where she wanted it to be.
"Aye, m'lady." I replied.
"And that is the reason why you and Thor left for the church, is it not?"
"Aye m'lady" I said, only half-lying.
"Wolver, words cannot describe the sorrow I feel for your family. I--I didn't know." she said.
"Now you want to know why I summoned you here" she continued. "One of the merchants I do business with, Clavius is his name. You know Clavius, don't you?"
"Yes m'lady." I said. "He used to do business with my father."
"Good." she said. "Then I won't have to go through the introductions. Several of Clavius's caravans have been vanishing."
"Clavius does business in Karunth, does he not?" I interrupted. "From what I remember Karunth is a peaceful land."
"Times change" she said.
"But some things don't." I said to myself.
"Anyway." she continued, "The last 10 caravans sent out have vanished. Even when we've sent an armed guard, they've disappeared."
"Sounds like a scam to me" I said. "Either Clavius is duping you or someone is duping Clavius...taking the inventory for themselves and then vanishing into Karunth."
"That thought had crossed my mind, if only briefly." she said. "But, with this last caravan...a survivor came back. And he told a woeful tale of ambush and blood. Clavius will be here shortly. I'm sure he can give you more information."
Almost as if on cue, there was a knock on the door. I answered it and before me was Clavius and a cloaked figure. Clavius had put on some weight over the years...obviously from living a far too comfortable lifestyle. He was richly dressed in fine silks and furs. In his bejeweled right hand he held a tobacco pipe. The cloaked figure I didn't recognize.
"Well, haven't you grown some!" said Clavius jovially. As he was about to expand on that, Astoria interrupted him.
"Time is critical, Clavius. Let us dispense with the formalities." she said impatiently.
"Of course!" said Clavius with no change in his mood. I bade him to come in and he did, with the cloaked figure following him.
"Who is this?" I asked, referring to the cloaked and shadowy figure.
"Wha? You don't recognize him m'boy?" said Clavius. "Tis your old house servant!"
And with that, the cloaked figure pulled back his hood. "Stetson!?" I asked incredulously. "Why are you here!? What happened to you!?" He was a mess. His graying hair was disheveled and balding. He had an eyepatch over one eye, and he could barely move his arms.
"My dear Wolver," he stammered. "I didn't want to reunite with you under these circumstances, but alas...'twas not my fate to decide."
"He's the survivor from the last caravan Wolver." said Astoria. "Tell him your story Stetson."
"Not much to tell, I'm afraid." he coughed. "We had some 30 odd warriors hired for this expedition. And they were no slouches, let me tell you. Orcs would have been fools to mess with this band."
"So, it was a quiet journey until we got to Karunth. Wolver, you ever get that eerie feeling that you're being watched? Well, we all felt it."
Come to think of it, I was feeling that at that very moment.
"These brigands" he said. "They didn't even bother to attack in the cover of night. They attacked without mercy and slew everything in sight--horses included.
I was the last one standing--my sword wavering but ready to fight them. They laughed. One of them...a woman I think...came up and with one punch knocked me out. When I came to, I was tied to a horse backwards. I looked up and saw the two of them with their bows out--arrows knocked."
"Wait a minute." I interrupted. "You mean to tell me that there were only 2 of them?"
"Yes m'lord...only 2 of'em. And one of'em was a woman."
"I sorry." I said. "Please continue."
"Well, where was I? Oh yes, the man...elvish fellow...come to think of it they were both elves. He pulled back on his bow...laughed and said 'too much' ...let up some slack and then shot me straight in the eye. Then, while still laughing, he came up to me and placed a sign on my chest."
"If he shot out your eye." said Clavius. "How did you know it was him?"
"Cause I heard the woman laughing in the distance still, m'lord. So, he held up this sign next to my chest and then I heard this *thwip thwip*. I got shot right next to each shoulder. Then they smacked the horse, and sent me away...with that accursed sign stapled to my chest."
"Let me see the sign." I breathed heavily.
"Here you go" said Clavius handing it to me.
"Beware the Drunken Bards. Next time send some wine with your shipment, you fools! Signed Zach Polecat and Elizabeth De Lac" I read.
I paused. "Stetson" I said. "You were like a father to me while he was away. You are the only father I have left. And they did this to you!?"
"Yes, m'lord." he quipped.
"M'lady, what would you have of me?" I said...anger building inside of me.
"It is obvious that Karunth is overrun with lawlessness" she said. "Wolver, I want you to take your brothers and bring these Drunken Bards to justice."
"Your will be done, m'lady. Strange and Punisher are here in town. I will take them with me. M'lady, if you can....send word to everyone else...that is...everyone except for Ghost...that we may need their assistance. I seriously doubt it though."
"Not a problem Wolver" she said. "Make haste my champion of the light. I shall be expecting word on your progress soon."
"Yes m'lady. Request permission to be excused." I said.
"Granted" she replied.
I left her palatial estate in a sprint. I hear you Zach Polecat. I hear your laughter. Zach Polecat and Elizabeth De Lac. I am coming for you. Nay, WE are coming for you. By my sword, I swear justice will be served.
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:06 AM |
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The War of the Roaches--Part I
Rain, unceasing rain. This cursed shroud has done nothing but worsen my mood even more on our journey to Karunth. It seems that the gods wish to hinder our way--jeering at us all the while. Strange and Punisher seem immune to it while sharing a bottle of whatever foul spirits Punisher has stumbled across. At least Colossus seems to be sharing my malaise....
The monotony of the journey allows my mind to wander. Who are these wretches--these so-called 'Drunken Bards'? How many of them are there? 2? A mere handful? A dozen or so? Multiple scenarios run through my head. Sometimes they look demonic in appearance. At other times they are half-starved wretches, demanding our pity. And yes...the battles play out in my head. This is almost going to be too easy. Surely the 4 of us can handle elven riff-raff. They spilt our blood first and now we will return the favor. Before our time is up in Karunth, yes, these bards will know and fear us. Should we allow for exile? Wait, I'm getting ahead of myself. It's time to break for camp.
Thankfully, starting a fire in the pouring rain isn't difficult with someone of Strange's abilities and Punisher's alcohol stores. My mood is brightened from the warmth of the flame--stroking my soul and forcing it to smile. Colossus seems unmoved though.
"What's going on bro, why the long face?" asks Punisher heartily while throwing a friendly arm around Colossus.
Colossus' face contorts, looks at me squarely, and says, "I don't like this. I don't like this one bit. I don't trust the Duchess. And I don't trust him."
My bright mood has been quickly wiped from my face, and my brow is starting to furrow.
"Those are some heavy words." says Strange. "Care to explain yourself before we have a duel on our hands?"
"ARE THE REST OF YOU BLIND!?" He explodes. "SHE'S USING US!! SHE'S BEEN USING US FOR THE LAST 10 FRIGGIN YEARS!!"
"Calm down Colossus." I say evenly, my voice trying to stay calm. "Where in blazes is this coming from?"
"WHERE DO YOU THINK THIS IS COMING FROM?" He replies, his anger not dimming and his eyes icily unwavering. "YOU SWORE ETERNAL FEALTY TO THIS WOMAN!! NOT JUST FOR YOURSELF!! BUT FOR ALL OF US!! WHAT'S WORSE?! WHEN SHE TOLD YOU THAT SHE ACCEPTED LORD JULIUS' MARRIAGE PROPOSAL, YOU LEFT!! AND WHO WAS IT WOLVER!? WHO WAS IT THAT STAYED BACK TO BE HER 'ERRAND' BOY!? WHO? THE COWARD WHO LEFT FOR THE CHURCH? OR ME!!"
"You are out of line Colossus." says Punisher, finally taking a stand. "We all agreed that Wolver make the family decisions after mom and dad.... You saw how far dad was in debt. We all saw the books. It was the Duchess who came forward and paid them--in full I might add. We owe her much."
"A POX ON WHAT WE OWE HER!" Colossus screamed--the depths of his anger reaching new lows. "WE COULD HAVE WORKED IT OFF. WE COULD HAVE COME TO AN AGREEMENT WITH HER! BUT NOOOOOO!! THIS CODSWADDLED LOVERBOY HERE GAVE HER MY ALLEGIANCE AND WITH HIS SELF-IMPOSED EXILE...GAVE HER 5 YEARS OF MY LIFE!!! YOU HEAR THAT YOU HORSE'S ARSE!? YOU OWE ME 5 YEARS!!
Strange started to interpose himself between Colossus and I, trying to break our eyes--and the inevitable contest of wills that was going on.
"Now, let's be reasonab--" he started.
"REASONABLE!? STRANGE, YOU WANT REASONABLE!? WAS IT REASON THAT THAT CAUSED HIM TO FORCE US INTO ETERNAL INDENTURED SERVITUDE BECUASE OF HIS INFATUATION!?!?" He screamed, his voice piercing the veil of darkness and rain.
"That does it." I yelled. "YOU WANT A PIECE OF ME LITTLE BOY!? COME ON!!"
That always got to him. Let's see if it still works.
With a great heave, Colossus pushed Strange out of the way and charged me. This I was ready for. What I wasn't ready for was the fistful of mud that went right into my eyes and mouth, simultaneously choking and blinding me. Easily, he found the sweet spot on my jaw and cause me to drop. So great was his anger, he stuck my face into a puddle until I started to convulse. Punisher, thank Heironeous for the fact he was such a bull, finally dragged him off of me.
For the next few minutes, the only sound was of me vomitting muddy water. This certainly wasn't the brash kid I left behind so long ago. I'll have to remember that the next time I want to incite him.
Punisher is the first to speak. "Blah, blah, blah you're friggin brothers!! Blah, blah, blah, let's stick together. Blah, blah, blah, save it for the bards. Sheesh."
Strange was still taken aback as to what just happened. He scratched his chin, acting as if there was some growth there. Then he spoke.
"I'm halfway inclined to agree with what Colossus is saying, Wolver." He says. "The Duchess certainly hasn't made it a habit of being forthright with us, and especially you."
"What do you mean?" I said
"What was the reason she gave you for marrying Lord Julius?" He said.
"She said that she had to accept it to be able to cover our father's debts." I said.
"Interesting" he said. "So--you cried that day because of the bitter irony of it all. And here I thought something different."
"Which was..." I pressed.
"Strange thought you finally realized that women of her stature never marry below them...that they always marry up. In effect, we thought you realized that Astoria would never have any use for such a thing as love." said Punisher.
"What do you know of love?" I said bitterly
"I don't know anything about it" said Punisher giggling. "Only that I fall in love at least twice a week."
"That's not love" I said arrogantly. "Lust does not even compare."
"Say what you want." said Punisher. "At least I've not gone to bed alone every night for the last 10 years.
"I bow to your expertise regarding matters of harlots and snows." I said. "When I require your assistance, I'll let you know."
"We digress." said Strange, interrupting us. "The Duchess lied to you that day Wolver. She did not need to marry Lord Julius to cover our inherited debts."
My heart sank.
"What proof do you have?" I said menacingly.
"Her accountant had a weakness for strong drink and gambling." He said. "I drank water and he drank Punisher's rotgut. Pretty soon he was betting wildly and had no way of covering his wagers. I wasn't interested in his money but the secrets he kept. You might say we came to a reasonable agreement."
"Why didn't you tell me this before Strange?" I asked.
He looked at me with all seriousness and said--rather sadly, "I didn't think you could handle it at the time Wolver. I'd already seen you cry once and didn't want to see it happen again."
"I knew it!" said Colossus. "She isnt' to be trusted."
"Hold." I said. "This news from what I see has little if any bearing on our mission."
"But it does open the door for questions, doesn't it?" asked Punisher. "It would be very easy for her to have her own reasons for wanting us to kill these bards and use Stetson as the fuel for our collective rage. I'm not saying she is doing this, but I can't say she isn't. Surely, you can understand where we're coming from Wolver."
"And the bottom line is a few less brigands in this world--thus making it a better place. I've no need to doubt." I said. "Now, if you're all finished, can we get some sleep?"
"Not yet" said Strange. "You two need to finish what you started."
I didn't really want to extend an olive branch to my kid brother. But, as was the custom of the defeated in our family, I did. I held out my hand. He clasped it and we embraced. Whispering into his ear, I said, "Good job today. You got the best of me." His face flushed and I swear I could feel him getting bigger with his pride swelling.
"Heh," I think to myself. "That is one thing an older brother will always have over his younger siblings--approval."
The rest of the journey was quiet....thankfully. Becuase, we needed all of our rest and all of our wits for the nightmare that we met in Karunth...
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:08 AM |
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The War of the Roaches--Part II
At long last we finally reached the fair town of Karunth. We found what seemed to be the only entrance to the city from some forest adjoining the so-called river district. After many weeks of having only the company of my brothers, it was rather strange to be back in civilization. The 'clomp clomp' sound of our horses' hooves against the cobblestone was starting to have a grating affect on me, and the fatigue of living out in the wild was dulling my senses. I could see from the look in Strange's eyes that I wasn't the only one thinking of a warm fire and a comfortable bed this night.
Punisher was the first to break the silence, as usual.
"Man!! Did you see that!?" he said rather excitedly.
"Yes, we all did. Now pipe down." said Colossus grumpily.
"I've never seen a goblin kill a bear bare-handed before! Wow!! Are they tough!" he said, happily ignoring Colossus. "And that wasn't no small bear neither! That one was about the size of your last girlfriend Colossus."
Turning purple, Colossus whirled towards Punisher.
"Care to say something, PEACEKEEPER?" I whispered to Strange.
"Care to DO something, LEADER?" He replied.
"Not really." I said wearily. "I'm ready for these two to start a brawl and spend the night in shackles. I figure that'll curb both of them. Not to mention, we'll also be guaranteed Punisher's sobriety for tomorrow."
"Well, I'm not ready for that. We don't know the local laws here. So...let's try to not draw attention to ourselves just yet." he replied rather irritably.
"Fine, fine." I said, defeated.
I sauntered up next to the both of them and whispered, "Guards are watching us right now. Calm down you." And then turning to Punisher I whispered, "And shut up you. You know how he is. Anyway, you're wrong. The bear we saw was smaller."
With a yell, Colossus reared up his horse. Laughing, I galloped up to the Market Square and dismounted. If I was going to get cuffed by him, I didn't want to risk the fall from my horse.
Colossus was in hot pursuit when all of a sudden a group of dwarves stepped into his path. His horse slammed on its brakes. How it managed to keep its balance on the cobblestone will forever be beyond me. Colosssus didn't seem too appreciative of his horse's newfound talent, pulling his face from his beast's mane.
"Watch where you're goin' stranger!" groused one of the dwarves. He was a particularly ugly one with a disgustingly long beard. I also couldnt' help but remark to myself how utterly ridiculous he looked while carrying the axe he had on his shoulder--easily one and a half times his size.
Colossus' horse reared up in the presence of the dwarf, nearly causing Colossus to fall from his saddle. She started whinnying incessently.
"Shut that horse up or I'll shut it up," said the dwarf. "It's disturbin' a meeting of the Guild of the Underfolk." he said pointedly at Colossus.
Colossus could barely keep his balance and certainly wasn't paying attention to the dwarf. I could see Punisher and Strange--sensing a fight--come riding up.
There are a few firsts in a man's life that he will forever remember. This was one of them for me. The dwarf gave about 5 seconds for Colossus to get his steed under control. When he didn't, someone shoot me with an arrow if that dwarf didn't ***** his right hand back and slug it right below the eye--barefisted I might add. The horse stumbled a few steps and the toppled on its side.
"Bleimy, Baslorak!! Ye killed his horse!!" said one of the dwarf's friends.
"He ain't dead!" replied the ugly dwarf. "Jest stunned!!"
"Colossus!!" I yelled while running up to him.
He was alternately struggling to get his leg from underneath his horse and hurling vile oaths at the dwarves, who looked slightly bemused.
"Let me give you a hand." I said. "Here now."
Strange and Punisher gave me a hand raising the horse barely high enough for Colossus to unpin himself. His leg looked a mess. I spoke a silent prayer to Heironeous and touched his leg...closing his split open calf.
"What the hell are you doing attacking our animals!!" glared Punisher.
"What in blazes are you doing bringing your horses into the marketplace?" the attacker shot back. "This is a place of commerce, not a barnyard! Horses ain't allowed here. Don't you see there are kids running around here? You could have killed one of them. Stupid country human. Go back to where you came from if you can't follow the rules here."
"Excuse me, but there seems to be some sort of misunderstanding." said Strange. "You see, where we come from there would be signs posted around the town letting visitors know local laws."
"Well, you ain't there now, are ye?" snapped the axe-toting dwarf. "You're here now. And here most peeps don't read a lick so there ain't no point in posting signs. Yer lucky the guards didn't haul you in for violating the law."
"Yes, yes of course." said Strange, trying to be amenable. "Thank you for letting us know that. Are there any other local customs we should know about?"
I was starting to think that this dwarf the leader of the others. They were in obvious deference towards him and made no attempt to answer Strange's question on his behalf. "Baslorak?" I thought to myself. "I'll have to remember that name."
"Besides no fighting and no stealing in town--under ANY circumstances unless it's monsters--then not really." He replied. "Anyway, like I said, you're interrupting a meeting." He turned his attention to his compatriots, completely ignoring us.
Colossus got up, and tentatively put weight on his injured leg. When he was satisfied that he could move, he said to the dwarf, "I suppose these laws don't apply to animals? I think you're an animal, dwarf; with your mangy hair, crazy eyes, and a smell that makes a pig sty smell like a woman's perfume. What do you say to that?"
"Uh-oh," was all that the three of us could whisper in unison.
The dwarf bristled. Slowly he turned around, regarding the man who had just challenged him. "I'd say you had a few screws loose in your head, boy, if you think that you can challenge me." He turned menacingly towards Colossus, who stood unfazed.
"Come on." I said, grabbing Colossus' collar. I looked at the dwarf and said, "We don't want any trouble. I apologize for that remark. My brother can be rash at times in his words."
We hadn't walked ten steps towards the merchant stalls when Colossus turned on me. "What was that about?" he shot bitterly. "You won't even support your own blood in a fight?"
Before I had a chance to reply, Strange jumped to my defense. "Idiot." he said. "He just knocked out your horse. Can you even fathom what he'd do to you? Can you? If you can't control that temper of yours, you're going to get us all killed."
"I don't care." he shot right back. "What I need to know is if I can trust you three in a fight." He looked straight at me. "WELL, CAN I!?"
"Brother, you can." I saw unhesitatingly. "Look. It's late. We've had a long journey. We should find an inn and start quizzing the townsfolk tomorrow about these--bards."
Punisher, who had turned his attention from us to his whereabouts said, "We're being watched."
I looked in the direction he was staring. Sure enough, there was a man standing next to some vendors sizing us up. He wore a goatee and had a sleazy air about him. Noticing our stares, he came up to us.
"Let's see. A portly paladin, an angry braggart, a wimp, and a drunk. Yep, that's gotta be you four. Hello Wolverine." he said arrogantly.
"You know us, but we don't know you stranger." said Punisher menacingly. "And I'd be careful who I called a drunk."
"And how do you know who I am?" I asked quizzically.
"You're probably the only man in this land who bears the symbol of a fist clenching a lightning bolt. She said to look for it." he replied. "I don't have too much time for this. So I'll make it quick. The name's 3-Fingered Brown. I'm working as a courier for the Duchess. I'm supposed to give you each a sack of gold so you can reinvest in some decent armaments. I was also given this letter to announce to the town when you got here." He brought out from inside his tunic a letter bearing my lady's seal. It was unbroken.
He handed us each our respective sacks. Punisher took a look inside his first and let out a whoop. "By Heironeous!" he said. "There's got to be at least 30 thousand in here!"
"Yeah right," said Colossus sullenly. "When have you ever held 30 thousand before?"
"Gambling, brother man." said Punisher. "High-stakes Dragon Poker. Won a fairly large pot against this cat by the name of the Sen-Sen Ante Kid.
"What'd you do with it?" said Strange, ripping the next question out of my mouth.
"Errr...two-thousand-gold-a-night hookers." said Punisher sheepishly.
"Let me get this straight." I said. "You were in the company of one such woman for two weeks?"
He bit his lip. "Actually, there were 10 of them...what a night." he said.
The four of us just stared at him incredulously.
"These are small fortunes you're giving us Mr. Brown." said Strange.
"Not after you see these prices, wimp. You'll soon see how fast it goes. Anyway, stand back a few."
He cracked open the lady's seal and shouted, "ATTENTION CITIZENS OF KARUNTH. JUSTICE SEEKS THE GANG OF ELVES KNOWN AS THE DRUNKEN BARDS. THEIR CRIMES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING: MURDER, ROBBERY, AND CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE BESTANDEN MERCHANT COMPANY; MURDER, ROBBERY, AND CONSPIRACY AGAINST THE DESPANA MERCHANT COMPANY; ROBBERY AND MURDER FOR THE DEATH OF THE DUKE OF PERTH; AND FINALLY, FOR UNPAID BAR TABS!! I HAVE APPOINTED THE ROACHES TO FIND THEM AND PUT THEM TO JUSTICE. I AM OFFERING GENEROUS REWARDS FOR ALL WHO STEP FORWARD WITH PERTINENT INFORMATION ABOUT THESE ROGUES. SIGNED, THE DUCHESS ASTORIA."
He folded up the paper at this point, looking rather dumbfounded. "But Trista and Jade...they're my friends..." he trailed off.
"So much for going unnoticed our first night here." I whispered to Strange.
"Did you say first night or first fight?" he replied, chuckling uncomfortably.
The group of dwarves started ambling in our direction. The one known as Baslorak stopped in front of Mr. Brown and said, "'Scuse me...could you repeat that? What crimes are they guilty of?"
"Murder and conspiracy" 3-Fingered Brown started.
"Yeah, yeah, we got that first part." said one of Baslorak's cronies. "What was that last part?"
"What, the part about unpaid bar tabs?" asked 3-Fingered Brown.
"Yearrghghg!!" the crony spat. "There's no more horrendous crime!! Surely they will die becuase of this!"
They all started chattering in their tongue(nonsense to me and any other civilized person).
"Leave it to a few disgruntled bartenders to get dwarves off their lazy arses." sneered 3-Fingered Brown. "You guys are a hoot. You know, the clown and pony show just left town. You can find work replacing them."
"You know stranger, I aint' you." said Baslorak steadily. "But if I was you, and I aint'. But if I was I'd be careful about who I'm insultin'."
"You know stranger, I ain't you." said 3-Fingered Brown in perfect imitation of Baslorak's gravelly voice. "But if I was you, and I ain't. But if I was I'd be staring at my knee right now. Oops, you already are."
"You aren't going to touch them. You won't even be able to find them unless they want to be found. I'm out of here. You might as well give it up right now."
He turned to leave.
"Wait." I said. "Where are you going?"
"The Duchess paid me to be her little messenger boy." said Mr. Brown. "She didn't pay me to answer your questions."
Colossus went to lunge at him, but Baslorak grabbed him saying, "Don't even try boy. He'd fry you. Just leave him be. You should be grateful that he even did this much. Methinks the gold was just too good to pass over his alliances."
"You should have said something about wantin' the bards before humans. It seems we have something in common. Should you ever need our help, you only need to call. The name's Baslorak Blunderbuss. People call me 'Battleaxe'. What's your names?"
"I'm Wolverine." I said haughtily. "Paladin of Heironeous and the eldest of the Roaches. These are my brothers Strange, Punisher, and you met Colossus."
"Good ta meet ya." he said rather convincingly. "See that inn over there? The one where them mercs are hanging out over by? You can stable yer horses there an' find food n' provisions as well."
Over the next hour we butted heads and exchanged information about the bards. I have to say that he gave pretty through descriptions of each member that he knew of. And he also warned us to be careful and to watch ourselves. Then he left.
He and his group turned and started running towards the River District. I rubbed my eyes in disbelief at the speed with which they ran. "How can they do that?" I asked myself. "With those little, stubby legs?" My respect for dwarves grew a thousandfold.
We decided to do our shopping right then and there. Gouging does not begin to describe the prices we were met with. Not only that, but the merchants had different prices for the same equipment. Some knucklehead named Alano Steel said that his trash was so expensive was becuase his name was recognized around the land.
"Yeah, as a charlatan." sneered Strange.
There we were, glimmering in our newfound steel and other accessories. I'd never been met with enchanted items before--much less ones that glowed. And yes, 3-Fingered Brown was right. The money did go pretty quickly. We decided to stop after 2 hours. Otherwise we'd have had to sleep in the streets that night.
The new day brought the chirping of the birds and the giggling of kids playing tag. We paid our inn bill and stepped outside into the cool morning breeze. Punisher volunteered to go and talk to townsfolk about stories they might have heard and Colossus volunteered to find out other local towns that might have less exorbitant prices. Karunth was very expensive it seemed. And I didn't even want to look at prices for a small house for us.
So Strange and I were standing there in the Market Square talking to each other and silently enjoying the peace and tranquility.
"Where do you suppose we should start looking?" I asked Strange.
*cold chuckle*
The hair on my neck raised. It was a woman's voice...full of confidence and cockiness. And it was unmistakeably maleficient.
"I think one of them just found us." whispered Strange.
I turned to meet this woman eye to eye. I was going to stare her down...break her...let her lose all her strength in a single look. Instead, it was I who was taken aback.
She stood there...only chest high. She was utterly gorgeous. Her long brown hair seemingly made from the finest silks and casually blowing in the breeze. Occasionally some of it would flow into her face...covering it up and granting her a come-thither look. Her body was lithe, lean, and very muscular for its size. I could tell just by the way she looked at me...those cold, stunning eyes. I could tell that she was undaunted. She cocked her head with the grace of a wildcat toying with its prey. These dwarves knew nothing of beauty. The only time they spoke admiringly of this one was when they were describing her armor and weapons.
"Trista...Trista Redwend." was all that I could breathe.
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violent_flower
Promising
Supreme Hero
Almost there.
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posted November 30, 2006 07:10 AM |
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I have read this and it is great. Let him tell you the story of love and how it found him…..Even better…
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Learn how to duck and weave because I will throw truth at you all day!
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:11 AM |
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The War of the Roaches--Part III
I stepped back under the onslaught of her gaze. Not only were her eyes piercing me, but others had stopped what they were doing to observe. We were starting to draw a crowd. Strange put his hand on my shoulder reassuringly and my courage returned. "Trista Redwend!" I said in my most commanding voice. "Thou art a villain, a scoundrel, a thief, a brigand, and a minx!"
"Who're you calling a minx, bug?" she shot back. "You were looking for me, so here I am. If you want to do something about it, I'll be waiting for you in the forest." She turned and walked away amidst the murmuring of the crowd. Strange watched her go. "You want to wait for the other two?" he asked.
"No," I replied. "Showtime then." he breathed.
We came to the entrance to the city.
"Strategy?" Strange inquired.
"Yeah." I replied. "I'll hit her high, you hit her low."
He turned and looked at me. "You call that a strategy?" he asked incredulously.
"No." I said. "You have anything better?"
No reply. "I'll take your silence as a 'no' then." I said.
We plunged into the forest, looking around furiously for our prey. She was nowhere to be found. Around us were all manner of bears. They seemed to be minding their own business, foraging for food. Strange and I crept up the path towards the crossroads. Somewhere in the distance, I heard a *twang*. I'd heard arbalests fired that sounded less authoritative then this one.
Strange's chest exploded and he slumped down, lifeless. I looked in horror at what remained of my brother. An arrow did this kind of damage? As I gazed upon his body, I watched it disappear into nothingness.
"By Heironeous!!" I cried. I turned to where the shot came from. Trista was standing some 50 yards away from me, already another arrow nocked.
"You *****." I said under my breath. I charged her, putting my shield close to my body and bracing for the impact. Another *twang* sounded, and an arrow pierced my skull. "M'lady," I sighed as my life left me. "I've failed you."
There was darkness, and then a light, and then I found myself back in the marketplace of Karunth. Strange was standing there waiting for me. He too was completely healed.
"What happened?" he asked.
"I'm not sure." I replied. "It would seem that Heironeous is with us this day. Oh, blessed day. Come Strange, our lord protects us and shields us. Let us deal with this elfin wench."
We sprang back into the forest...and died promptly. And again we found ourselves back in the marketplace.
"Again!" I bellowed.
So again and again we rushed towards her...never getting anywhere close to her. How many times we died that day I'm not sure, but Strange seemed to know.
"Enough!" he cried as he collared me, thus preventing me from charging again after her. "We're beaten! The day is lost."
I struggled against his grip. "Never!" I screamed. A boiling hatred was brewing in my soul; a hatred I'd never felt before. She'd shed our blood. Each defeat we were dealt hardened me. And a fanaticism I'd never known was quietly taking its hold over me.
"Forty times Wolver!" He said, clearly trying to get me to understand. "Forty times we've died. And Forty-two times won't make a difference! The futility of our endeavor is obvious my brother. We need to find another way."
"And what way is that?" I glared at him, fighting the urge to run him through with my sword.
"We break from her and train." he calmly replied.
"Where?" I asked. "I've not seen any kobolds or stirges seen we've gotten here."
"No, I havent' seen any of those either." he said. "But...I've seen goblins."
"Goblins?" I said. "Indeed, those are a challenge. Where'd you see them?"
"I saw them crawling out of a hole in the River District. Some merchant was firing upon them. I think we should investigate the hole and see if there are more." he said.
"Let's go then." I said. "Considering the way I feel right now, there are going to be some mighty sorry goblins in a few."
"Couldn't agree more." he said, chuckling.
We found the hole that Strange had described. But, we also saw Trista. Oh how it pained me to turn from her, to recognize her as my bettor. But I did. It seemed though, that she wasn't finished with us.
Into the sewers Strange and I went, with Trista following us. I wondered if the laws of the city applied to the underneath part. My thoughts were soon answered.
She ran right by us, her resouding laughter echoing throughout this disgusting place. In the distance we heard screams of dying. I could only assume that she was slaughtering goblins and orcs, laying waste to everything she came across; and leaving nothing for us. Around and around this subterranean area Strange and I looked. We came upon only carcasses that had scraps of clothing and a few meager gold on their bodies.
Eventually, Strange and I came across a set of stairs leading downwards. He and I looked at each other and took the plunge into the bowels of Karunth. It was there, that we began our training.
Orcs came and fell before my blade and Strange's missiles. When he was burned out on spells he'd turn to his trusty crossbow. Every time I slew a creature I'd imagine that I was dealing a fatal blow to Trista. By Heironeous would she pay.
We heard some strange squawking noises and decided to investigate. We crept towards the source of them and found ourselves in a room with stairs that didn't lead to anywhere.
"By Heironeous!" I said. "What matter of foul thing are those?"
"I dunno." said Strange. "They look like they've got the heads of vultures. And their arms! Wolver, they dont' have hands!"
"Ye gods." I said. "Those things look lethal!"
Our conversation drew the attention of these beasts and they turned towards us, their yellow eyes gleaming in the dim torchlight that the walls provided. They started towards us...and got stuck.
Not wanting the test their hooks, I pulled out my bow. Strange and I proceeded to shoot some 100 missiles at each of them. Most just bounced off of their hide, but some found their mark. Eventually, they died.
He and I looked at each other with some degree of satisfaction. Never before had we felled beasts of this magnitude.
"You of course know that we're in over our heads." Strange said.
"Yes." I replied. "But what other choice do we have? Let's continue."
Deeper and deeper we went. More orcs died at our hands. I was really starting to enjoy myself when we stumbled upon a chamber with pillars. They had an ill look about them. We took one step forward and out of nowhere a minotaur materialized. A minotaur! These monsters were the stuff of legends and there was one here living in the sewers of Karunth?
I tried to bring him down with my bow but he was too fast. I drew my sword and prepared myself against the massive axe that he wielded. Strange was trying in vain to get his attention with his crossbow, but his efforts were fruitless. I slashed wildly at this beast and drew a gout of blood. "Lucky." I said under my breath. The minotaur reared back with his axe and smote me, shattering my shield.
I ended up yet again back in the marketplace. Were the gods playing tricks on me? Was this a game to them to reject my soul? A few seconds later, Strange joined me. "Ouch." was all he could say. Unbelieveably, he was smiling.
"You know, I don't envy the path we're going to have to take to get back there." I said.
"But you won't." came a woman's voice.
I turned and regarded her. She was scantily dressed in red with dark hair and a furtive look about her.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"Well, I can teleport you to where you died." she said. "Free of charge."
"Interesting." Strange said. "Who are you anyway?"
"I am a cleric of Memneth." said the woman.
"Who is this Memneth." I said belligerently. "I've never heard of him."
"He is...the creator of all things." she said wistfully.
"Right." I said to myself.
Strange seemed fascinated though. He struck up a conversation with her. I let him banter with her for a few minutes before I decided to remind him of why we're here.
"So, there's a gathering place called 'the lobby' you say." he said. "And you can get there anytime and portal back here to the marketsquare from there? That's gr--."
"We need to go." I said, cutting him off. "Do what you advertised and let us be on our way, woman." I said.
"No problem." she said unoffended.
And just like that we were back in the sewers. True to her word, I was staring at the back of a very angry minotaur. Realizing the danger that Strange was in, I sprang forward to attack, but was too late. Strange materialized and was immediately met with a minotaur axe. I heard his deathcry as I ran the minotaur through from the back. He roared and struggled mightily against the blade that had found his heart. It took a few minutes for his strenth to leave him, but he finally collapsed. Strange blipped back in to see me lording over the lifeless body of our adversary.
"No other way to travel." he beamed. I was starting to find his cheerfulness sickening.
We took another step forward and were immediately beset upon by 4 more minotaurs. Many deaths later, we were standing...drenched in blood, our chests heaving, yet victorious.
"I'm done for the day." I said. "Let's do some more of this tomorrow."
"Yeah, I'm in agreeance." he sighed. "Hopefully we can have Colossus and Punisher to help."
They never showed back up. So, for the next several days Strange and I plunged deeper and deeper into the sewer, finally meeting some monstrous ogre by the name of Geb. This thing was clearly beyond us so we tried to find other places to check out. Into some crypts we went, meeint hordes of zombies and skeletons. We even met the distorted revenant Old Rosie, slew her, and took her sword. It was by far the most valuable item we'd come across. The great thing about her crypt was these undead that constantly sprang from the ground. They were challenging, but not impossible to defeat. We learned much in those lonely days in the heart of Karunth.
One night as I was retiring to my quarters, I received a visit from her.
"Hello Wolver." she said.
"Hello yourself." I growled. "Why are you here elf?"
She flitted around the room, giggling.
"Well, I wanted to see how you were doing. Oh, and I've got some news for you. By the way, I saw that fight you had out in the forest. She's cuuuuute, isn't she?" she laughed.
"Spying on me, are you?" I said venomously. "Now why would the duchess have you keep an eye on us? I'm sure you've told her our apparent lack of progress already and you bring word of her displeasure."
"On the contrary Wolverine, she's happy to see that you and Strange are alive and in one piece."
"Then what news do you bring?" I asked.
"Welllll." she said slyly. "Do you want the good news or the bad news."
"I'm weary and I don't have time for this elf. What is the bad news." I said.
"The bards have a war cleric." she said.
My spirits sunk lower and lower. Too often I'd heard tales of men-of-arms in droves dying at the hands of these semi-divine beings.
"I see." I said, struggling to show impassiveness. "And what is the good news?"
"Havok and Thor are on their way." she said. "But, Thor is pretty fat now and is too large for his armor. So, he has to go by foot."
"This is good news?" I said. "That's going to be at least a month. And anyway, I know that the clerics of our church are too inexperienced to be able to match a hardened war cleric. Brother or not, you still haven't matched the bad news you just gave me."
"Ok." she said. "How about this? I kinda went to go see Ghost."
"You did WHAT!?" I thundered. "Why on Heironeous' green earth would you do such a thing. Did the duchess tell you to do this? What's she trying to do? Answer me you rotten little pixie before I pull out your wings!!"
"No, no," she said hastily. "The duchess doesn't know. I went to see him in secret. He really wants to join you and be by your side. His master says that he is finished with his training...that there is nothing more he could possibly teach him."
"Tell the duchess, thank you for being able to find Thor and Havok." I said. "And ask her to keep searching for everyone else."
"And as for Ghost?" she asked
"Don't ever mention your meeting with him to anyone else." I said sternly.
"And what should I tell him?" she pressed.
"Tell him nothing. Do not seek him out again. Ever." I warned.
She looked at me with hurt eyes. But she nodded and flew out into the night sky.
"Ghost, here in Karunth?" I thought to myself while staring out at the stars. "Heironeous help us all."
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:12 AM |
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The War of the Roaches--Part IV
A new day was born and still there was no sign of Colossus and Punisher. I was starting to get a knot in my stomach becuase of their enduring absence. If they had died, wouldn't they find themselves back in Karunth? If they'd been captured by the enemy, wouldn't there have been some attempt to ransom them? These questions were weighing heavily on me when Strange brought to my attention more disturbing news.
"You smell awful." I told him after we embraced. "What did you do? Have you been sleeping with swine?"
"Oh no." He said, biting his lip. "Some kids hurled dung at me. They called me a pig for picking fights with a girl. What's worse, some of the vendors are refusing to do business with me. They're saying they won't deal with enemies of their best and most valued customers. Wolver, this town belongs to them."
"Damn" was I all could muster. "Go get cleaned up and we'll look for outlying towns then. If Karunth is this corrupt we'll never find safety here, only hostility."
"Aye." he said. "Hey, when I'm done I want to show you something. I've learned a few new tricks."
I observed him leaving and decided to do some people watching. Indeed, the stares I was getting from the locals was frosty to say the least. Some kids were singing a song about getting an extermin--something or other. Were these bards so famously wealthy that they could buy off an entire town? What about the local magistrate? I suddenly became very aware that my presence was not welcome--that WE were not wanted.
Strange came back about a half hour later, his smell much improved and with only a lingering stink of the abuse he had been served. "For my next magical trick." he said gaily. "We'll have to step outside." I nodded my assent and we plunged back into the woods.
At his insistence, we found a group of about 7 or 8 bears busily foraging for food. I didn't want to get too close to them. I could take 2 at the most but this pack would easily overwhelm the two of us. Strange muttered some words...new words to me...and launched a red hot ball of fire into their midst.
"Ye gods." I breathed. I turned to look at him, wondering if he'd done that with the aid of a scroll, but his hands were naked. The ball of fire exploded and there were several gutteral cries of pain rising from the pack that Strange had just incinerated. But they weren't dead. And immediately they knew who their attacker was. I yelled to get their attention and started waving my arms, knowing that Strange didnt' stand a chance against them. I plowed into the lead bear and started engaging him. Strange, taking advantage of his extra time, launched another one. This one exploded not two feet from me. Oddly, it did not affect me. There were more cries from the pack. I dispatched the lead one easily, but nearly choked on the stench of his burned flesh.
There were streaks of burned and matted fur racing past me. The bears were desperately trying to reach Strange. His courage gave and he ran. This allowed me extra time to get their attention. They would not be able to ignore my steel. The bears bellowed in frustration and attacked me with a renewed fury. But I could see their strength ebbing. Strange turned around and launched 2 more fireballs and that was it. We had just laid slaughter to not less than 4 tons of teeth and claws.
"What do you think?" he said.
"How were you able to do that and leave me unscathed? Why didn't I get burned as well?" I asked.
"Dunno." he said. "Maybe because I like you."
"This has just tipped the balance in our favor Strange. If you can get enough time, there's going to be nothing but crispy fried bards at our feet when all is said and done."
"That's the trick though Wolver." he said. "I need the time. Think you can provide it?"
I stood in silent contemplation at his question. I didn't think he meant to be insulting by it. But it just came across like that.
"No." I said. "I'm pretty sure I can't. But I've got an idea. I think I know how we can buy you time."
"How?" he asked.
"Mercs." I said with a grin. "We'll use mercenaries."
We strode right back into town and went to the inn. Sure enough, there were 3 mercs there standing around. They seemed to be fighting boredom and were losing. I wasn't impressed.
"Let me do the talking." I breathed.
I approached the one closest to me. He had a wicked looking greatsword slung on his shoulder and was giving me the hairy eyeball.
"My brother and I are on a hunting expedition." I said, stopping before him. "We're looking to catch some pretty big fish."
"How big?" he shot back.
"The biggest." I said with a smirk.
"If yer lookin to hunt big fish, then you'll want to talk to Castan over there." he said, thumbing in the man's direction. "What kind of fish are the biggest to you anyway?"
"Drunken bards." I said, locking my eyes with him.
"Wha...?" he spat. "I otter run you through fer knockin th' bards. Wait a second, yer one of them bugs, ain't ya? I got news for you stranger, when me mum Hilda Rogerthur went sick with pneumonia it was Trista herself who gave her an enchanted cloak an' healed her. Fer that, I swore never to raise anything towards them except a glass in their honor."
"How touching." I shot right back. "A merc with a conscience. Did you ever wonder where she got the cloak from?"
"Makes no dif'rence to me bub." he said. "Allz I know is me mum is healthy as ever an' the bards got a welcome roof over the heads should they ever want it. I can tell you this too. Ah ain't the only one who feels the way I do. Now get lost before I spend a night in the stockade fer smackin' you around."
"Anytime, anytime." I whispered.
I went over to Castan, hoping to have a different result.
"Hello." he said rather cordially.
"Hello yourself." I said. "I'm in need of a merc."
"I can help you then." he said cheerfully. "I'm in need of an employer."
"Great." I said. "What kind of price are we talking here then?"
"Oh." he said. "2000 gold a day. I go off of a flat fee becuase I've been burned in the past when I've been offered a share of spoils.
"2000 gold?" I asked. "That seems rather high. How about 1000?"
His eyes narrowed as he scrutinized me. "You drive a hard bargain." he said. "1000 gold a day it is then."
I looked at Strange, who winked at me.
"Great then." I said. "We're looking for other towns close to Karunth. Know you of any Castan?" I asked.
"Depends on what you're looking for." he said.
"We're looking to be able to sell loot that we find." I said.
"Holderness." he said without skipping a beat. "No other place."
He said it so fast I wondered if he was going to lead us into a trap.
"Follow me." he said. "It ain't but a short journey."
He took us through the forest and into the Crags on the eastern end. I'd been here before but we ran into bandits who whupped my brother and I pretty badly. Fortunately, they were nowhere to be found. We turned northeast and found ourselves on the outskirts of a huge fort.
"By Heironeous." I said. "Why would man build such a huge doorway?"
"Men didn't build it boss." Castan said. "Giants did. I've been in there a few times. Let me tell you, it ain't for the faint of heart. Anyway, we're real close now."
We hit the crossroad and turned left and right into Holderness itself. The scene was chaotic. I'd never seen giants before. They were legends...a race that had long ago trod this land and died out in wars with the other races. Now, I was staring at 4 of them?!
"Smash you!!" they bellowed. "Dead you be!!"
At least they didn't seem like the sharpest tools in the shed.
Castan waded right into them. I'd never before seen such swordplay. Strange was about to launch a fireball when I knocked his hand away and disrupted his concentration.
"The citizenry." I said. "We can't take the chance."
"Fine." he said irritably, pulling out his crossbow.
Not 45 seconds later Castan was wiping his sword and surveying the carnage he had inflicted. There were dozens of town militia milling about, and they were giving a big 'hooray' to Castan.
"The way is clear now boss." he said.
"Great." I said. "Do you give lessons?"
"Nah." he laughed. "Never had any formal training you know. Just practice."
We made a beeline towards the blacksmithy. Castan warned us that there was a lich who had his own shop and even though he was very respectable, he was unnerving.
Inside I saw all manner of wondrous items. Incredibly, the blacksmith was offering me thousands more for the gear we brought to sell than any merchant I'd ever met. I was about to ask him how he managed to stay in business when I found out the prices he was asking for. Highway robbery doesn't even begin to describe the price quotes he was giving us.
"I don't get it." said Strange, scratching his head. "People could just buy stuff in Karunth and never drop a gold here for whatever gear they need.
"Yeah, but you'll never see in Karunth what can be found here." said Castan. "Everyone who is anyone brings their highend items here to sell. If you want to get the best gear available, you're gonna have to buy it here or in Bloodstone."
"Bloodstone?" I asked. "Where is that?"
"Far away." he said. "Beyond the Western Gulthmere forest and the Galena Mountains. "It's a long and harrowing trek."
"I don't know about any of those places you've just said." I responded. "How do we get there?"
"When you're ready for what's available there." he said mysteriously. "You'll know how to get there."
I waited for further explanation, but none was forthcoming. Strange and I finished our business and became laden with gold. "Thank you Old Rosie." I said under my breath.
"What now?" Castan asked.
"Let's do more exploring." I said. "Let's see what's beyond Lockyer."
"No problem." he replied.
We left Holderness and went back into the crags and into the forest. We were getting ready to turn north when we literally ran into a most unpleasant surprise. It was Trista.
"You!" I screamed.
"You!" she yelled back at me.
"Get her!" I shouted.
Castan bounded after her and locked blades with her. Their swordplay was dazzling. I tried to aid as best I could but she would switch from Castan to me...and her sword hurt.
Strange was frantically trying to calm himself down. Finally, he started launching his fiery death at her. Castan was scoring deep cuts into her. She started to reel.
"DIE TRISTA!" I yelled gleefully.
Castan wasn't going unscathed. He too was feeling her sword. But he looked fresher and stronger than she did. Another slash brought her to one knee. Strange kept firing his spells at her, but I couldn't tell if they were having any effect. She took a step back and pulled out a potion of some kind.
"No matter." I thought to myself. She's obviously outclassed. A shaft of blue light descended from the heavens, blinding me for a second. When the bulbs left my sight and my vision was restored, my courage left me. She was completely unharmed and it was Castan who now looked vulnerable.
Strange panicked. He'd run out of fireballs and magic arrows and decided to try a different tactic. I knew this spell. It was a gamble but we needed something...anything.
A darkness enshrouded Castan and Trista. Immediately, the battle became one-sided. I listened to what was going on inside that veil. From what I could tell, Castan had stopped fighting completely and all I could hear from the veil was, "Ow! Ow! Ow!"
I was preparing to go in and attack this she-devil when an arrow caught me in my shoulder, biting into me. Spinning around to find my new antagonist, I beheld for the first time Jade Everlasting.
Everything fell apart at that point. I tried to charge Jade but was met with another arrow that hurt even worse than the first one. Castan's death scream resounded in the woods and Strange seemed paralyzed with fear.
"Retreat!" I yelled. "Get the hell out of here Strange!"
I quaffed one of my own healing potions and started to run. 2 more arrows found their mark on me before I was able to find the safety that Karunth provided. Strange wasn't behind me.
Instead, he came to meet me from the MarketSquare. "Got me." he said. "I need to rest and get my spells back."
"Did Castan come with you?" I asked.
"No." he said while sitting down. "He just stood there right where he died, not moving an inch."
"Then we're going back in there." I said. "We're going to get him, kick their butts, and call it a day. And don't ever cast darkness on him again."
"Fine." he said. With that, he took a catnap right in the middle of the street.
When he came to, I hoisted my shield close to my body. "First we rendezvous with him. Then we'll deal with the other two." I said.
We went back into the forest. Evidently, our enemy had contemplated this action and were waiting for us, their arrows serving as our greeters. Strange immediately died. I managed to get past their withering crossfire and to where our saviour was. True to what he told me, Castan was not moving.
"We need your help." I said breathlessly.
"Hello." he said in the same exact tone of voice he'd used when we first met. He did not recognize me.
"Hey, they're coming. Get your sword ready." I said.
"I can be your merc for a fee of course." he said.
I lost all of my patience. "I paid you good money you despicable hand-wringer!! Now get to work!" I screamed at him. More arrows were finding their mark. I quaffed yet another potion. But it's magic couldn't keep up with the damage I was sustaining.
"For two thousand gold a day..." he started.
"I'm not having any of this!! I paid you for a day's work and I expect a day's work!" I screamed. "I--ahh..." Trista decided to end our negotiations with her sword. I looked down to see it poking through my chest. And yet again, darkness crept over me.
Again and again we fell against our foes. Even with Marente in tow, we could not match the fury of these elven war masters. My frustration reached a boiling point. As it stood, both of our mercs were standing stupidly in the middle of the forest with Strange and I discussing tactics.
"I'm going to go take a look." I said.
"How?" my brother asked.
I pulled out a bottle with an incandescent orange glow to it. I quaffed it and immediately vanished. "Like this." I said.
"Nice trick." he said. "Hurry back."
I walked out into the forest. Trista and Jade were again lying in wait, ready to pounce on us. But Jade seemed to be severely injured. She was bleeding profusely and incredibly didn't seem to be aware of it. I moved closer to Jade. I knew that this was only reconnaissance, but I couldn't pass up this opportunity. I pulled out my sword and got closer still. Something seemed horribly wrong with what I was about to do.
"This isn't right." a voice said in the back of my head. "This isn't the way."
I shut it out and ran Jade through. She cried out in a most satisfying manner and died right there on the spot. "They CAN die then." I murmered happily.
Too late, I realized that I could be seen again. Trista screamed at me and in3 steps...one was to brandish her sword and the other two were to cut my neck...she slayed me.
When I found myself in the MarketSquare again, I waited for Jade to come and join me. She never came. "How odd." I thought.
"Have you had enough yet?" said a silky voice came from behind me. I knew this voice and I thoroughly despised it.
"No!" I said turning on him. "I'll never have enough until they've died a thousand times for everytime I and Strange have fallen!"
"You'll never live long enough then." 3-Fingered Brown said, sneeringly. "I told you you can't beat them."
"Speaking of your second-rate magician brother, here he comes now." he said.
Strange met me in the MarketSquare, giving me a puzzled look.
"You know, if you want to get better. If you want to get good, I know of a place where you can really learn." said Brown.
"And where is that?" I snapped.
"Gulthmere." Brown said. "Find yourself the town of Raven and seek your fortunes at the Wilhawk Tavern. It is but the beginning to a whole new oyster right for the picking."
I studied him. There wasn't any deception in his voice.
"One question." Strange said. "Why are you helping us?"
"Who said anything about helping you?" Brown said with a sneer. "I just want you to give them better sport. Think what you will, but you know I'm not lying Paladin."
We watched him vanish into the crowd. "I really hate that man." said Strange.
"So do I, so do I." I said.
"What now Wolver?" he asked.
I thought for a few minutes. It was apparent that we were no match for one bard. And we'd not even yet met Polecat, De Lac, Elderran, and this war cleric of theirs.
"Let us grab our gear and leave a note for Colossus and Punisher." I said. "We make for the Gulthmere forest and into the land itself. Now all we have to do is find it."
And with that we left.
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:14 AM |
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The War of the Roaches--Part V
Flush with success in Gulthmere, Strange and I came stumbling back into the Western Gulthmere forest westbound. We did not look forward to dealing with the bandits that had blocked our way previously. But even those dark thoughts weren't enough to dispel the giddiness we felt.
"My god Wolver, have you ever seen so many orcs?! They wouldn't stop coming!!" said Strange.
"I know Strange!! Yearhgh! I'm still riding a high from that battle. 6, 7, 8 at a time trying to squeeze in through the gate! And just me blocking them and you scorching them. Whew!" I said.
"And what about those spiders? I can't believe how many times I got bit and thought for sure I was a goner." said Strange.
"Lucky for us we got the key." I said. "Now all we need to do is figure out a way to deal with those mummies. By Heironeous Strange, I can't wait to go back."
"Let me see what you got again." Strange said.
"Here it is." I said, pulling it out. "The keeper called it a 'greater swordsman's belt.' Strange though."
"Yes?" he asked.
"No, I meant it was strange that I can't wear it yet. Hmm, there must be some kind of activation required. I don't know, maybe a secret word?"
"How is that for running a business?" Strange said laughing. "For 30 some odd thousand gold we'll sell you this nifty magic item. By the way, if you want the secret word that goes with it, that'll be another 15 thousand."
"Well if it works as advertised, it's worth 10 times that." I said. "You ready?"
"Yeah, let me get mine out." he said while rummaging through his pack.
We both pulled out identical potions, each with a glowing red liquid. I did not cherish having to run from a fight but I knew from experience we couldn't handle these foes.
"Someday Strange. Someday, you and I will grab that villain by his horns and skewer him with that ugly green sword of his."
"Heh, I know." Strange said, drinking his potion. "C'mon, last one to Chief Gratko has to buy dinner tonight!" And just like that, he was off.
With a whoop and a yell, I quaffed my own and gave chase. The bandits lurking on the other side of the clearing simply did not have enough time to react. Oh, how it burned my blood to have to avoid a fight with bugbears and orcs. But they weren't the problem. No, it was the human clerics that were with them; and their ace in the hole, the man who wore blue armor and was adorned with a stag's helmet.
We raced past them and into the pack of goblins lying in wait. They were almost too easy and even Chief Gratko was no longer a problem. I wiped my sword clean of goblin blood while Strange rested. With the exception of the bears, the way to Karunth was now clear.
When we finally made our way into the city, there was a commotion going on. The citizens were talking in hush, excited voices. Only 3 words caught my attention for whatever reason; Alaghon, Orcus, and Paryanees.
"What's all this about?" I said, trying to fight the crowd. "Strange, you know what they're talking about?"
"Well, I know that Alaghon is a land some ways from here. There's a ferry docked here that takes people too and from it. I've never been there though." he said, his voice trailing off.
"Well, let's try and get to the MarketSquare and find out. By the way, have you heard anything about Brundero and the rest of his guild?" I said.
"No." he said. "I've been with you. How could I?"
I nodded and kept wading through the crowd. We made our way to the MarketSquare and saw a man and I'm not sure what standing beside him.
The man had long, straight blonde hair and had a regal air about him. He was wearing a magnificient suit of fiery red full plate mail. I'd never seen it's kind before and was sure it had to be ceremonial in nature.
The figure standing next to him was cloaked and hooded. He was small, small as a halfling. I caught a glimpse of where his face should have been and saw an enormous nose, long beard, and glowing blue eyes. The rest of his features were cloaked in shadows.
As I approached, the short one bellowed out, "The demon prince Orcus has come to threaten the fair land of Alaghon!! I Paryanees, am looking for heroes to stand their ground and fight this infernal denizen of the deep! Who among you will fight under my banner? Who among you will help defeat him!?"
Without thinking I shouted in turn, "The Roaches will answer this call!"
Strange shot me a look. I shrugged and disregarded it. Stepping forward, I regarded the little man and the blonde warrior. The warrior looked at me icily and gave a stiff bow. "Thomas Covenant, at your service." he said.
I returned the simple act of courtesy. "Wolver Roach at yours. And this is my brother Strange."
"Good, good." said Paryanees, wringing his hands together. "We'll give a few more minutes for the others to join."
"Others?" I asked inquisitively. But my question was ignored.
We waited for a few more minutes, long enough for some others to join. One that caught my eye was a swarthy-skinned female elf. As beautiful as Trista was, this one was equally as ugly. She seemed to know this Paryanees fellow and the two of them were having a private talk.
"Strange." I said, whispering. "What manner of being is he? What kind of man is this Paryanees?"
"He isn't a man brother." Strange said. "He's a gnome. I've met them before. Very nice people they are. This one is different though."
"How so?" I asked.
"Well, normally they don't have glowing eyes." he breathed.
"We can't wait any longer Delith." said Paryaness to the dark-skinned elf. "The rest will just have to meet up with us."
We assembled as a group, some 6 strong. Paryanees led us towards the docks and onto the boat that would invariably take us to this new and alien land.
Who is Orcus?" I blustered out.
There was a general ssnowing coming from the rest of the party. Paryanees looked at me and said, "He is the demon prince of the undead. And he seeks to make war upon this world. You must defeat him and send him back whence he came. Or...."
"Or what?" I said.
"Or all is lost." he said rather melodramatically.
"Great." I whispered while watching Paryanees turn away.
We docked in Alaghon. And Paryanees was nowhere to be found.
"What do we do now?" I asked the rest of the group.
"We decide who is going to be leader." said Thomas. "I don't want it." His statement was followed by a chorus of, "I don't want it either." Eventually, the mantle of leadership fell upon me.
"By Heironeous." I said to myself. "I don't know a thing about fighting demons."
"Save your own." whispered Strange, chuckling.
We travelled through the maze of the city and found ourselves on the North Gate road. At this point we stopped. None of us knew where to look for this Orcus.
"Seek out the lair of the grey wolf," said a voice from out of nowhere. It was Paryanee's voice.
I had no clue what he was talking about, but some of the others did. We went north. Strange and I had to periodically drink our potions just to keep up with the rest of the party. I couldn't help but note that none of the others were.
Our path took us up onto a hill call 'Mysterious Peak.' From there, the road branched in 4 directions. We continued north and followed the road called 'The Moonlight Drive.' Evidently, it was a road to an inn called 'The Serious Moonlight.'
We met an enclave of druids on the road. One happened to sell very cheap arrows and potions of heal. I'd never tried those before, but at 330 gold a pop, I could afford to be experimental. The road turned north again and we found ourselves at the mouth of a very forboding cave. All at once there was a shuffle from the party. Some drank potions that turned their skin hard as stone. And the one known as Delith started casting spells--cleric spells. I quaffed a few of my own, muttered a few incantations in the name of my lord and blessed the rest of us. Strange, as usual, was casting his own defensive spells. Considering how quickly he'd fall if ever engaged, I wondered just how weak he really was when it came to taking a punch.
We stepped into the cave, with Thomas Covenant and some other warrior taking point. It narrowed very quickly and only allowed for two of us to walk abreast of each other. It was in these narrow passageways that our enemies laid in wait for us.
Zombies, liches, and the occasional werewolf barred our way. The warriors were doing an incredible job of hewing them down. I couldnt' imagine anything standing up to them. Their skill with their blades was superior to even Castan's.
We finally finished with the guardians of this hole and ended up staring at a door. Only, Paryanees was there waiting for us as well. "Just behind this door lies the doom of our time." he said. "Oh, and it looks like you have backup."
From out of nowhere, Trista materialized. Strange and I took a step back in utter shock and disbelief.
"Why the hell are you here villain?" I hissed.
"Becuase this is important bug. Anyways, I was a member of this quest first." said Trista.
"Come." said Paryanees. "Let us put aside our differences for this fight. Trust me, you will all need each other if you hope to survive. Who has the key?"
"I do." said Thomas. He unlocked the door and opened it. The party started streaming into the room behind him.
Paryanees' advice fell upon deaf ears. Every moment I spent in her presence was an affront to all I held dear. Oh, what a cruel trick of the gods to place my mortal enemy in my midst and force me to call her 'ally'! No, they weren't going to get the laugh on me. Though I couldn't outright attack her with my sword, I had other options open to me.
Almost at once, Thomas and the other warrior engaged just about the foulest looking thing I'd ever seen. He bore the pig-face of an orc with two ram's horns curling around the side of his head. He bore an obsidian wand that had on its end a human skull. And he was fast.
Trista was not far behind. Delith stayed in the background, lobbing spells at it. The quarters were too tight for me to try and get in there. I brought out my bow and started firing away. For some reason, I couldn't target Trista.
Over the din of battle, I started whispering things I was sure her elf ears could hear.
"You're worthless Trista. You're a harlot Trista. You're a strumpet Trista. You're a minx." I said on and on.
She was too engaged in the battle to respond. I didn't ask her to join. I didn't need her to be here. She wasn't wanted. So, I did the one thing I was sure anyone else in my greaves would have. I kicked her out of the party.
"Justice will find you, you snow." I hissed at her. There were flashes, nay, shafts of blue light encompassing the warriors. They fought tirelessly against an enemy that was equally as tireless.
"Justice will not sleep, Trista. Is it true your mother bedded with an orc?" I spat.
Someone brought her back into the party. Who so dared to disobey me? It was me who they made me leader. I didn't ask for it. It was my call and mine alone who I'd associate with. Not theirs. I promptly kicked her out.
"You're not welcome here Trista!" I whispered. "Go back to your hovel and wait for justice! You're not wanted here elfin wench. You're a despicable thing who will so richly deserve death at the end my sword."
The battle wasn't going well. Delith had run out of spells and was futilely trying to hit the demon prince with her sword. Thomas and the other warrior were bleeding profusely from their wounds. Trista, I was happy to see, wasnt' faring any better. Someone invited her back. Yet again, I kicked her out. Whoever was engaging in this contest of wills with me was going to lose.
"Someone, invite Trista back!" boomed Paryanees' voice. "And don't kick her out!"
I was taken aback by the forcefulness of him. For some reason, I did not want to test him. Fuming, I made no move when she was brought back in.
Eventually the demon prince was brought down. He simply did not have the regenerative abilities these warriors did. Trista pulled off her helmet to wipe off her brow. When she looked up at me, our eyes locked. Incredibly, her eyes were welled with tears. And she looked away while putting her helm back on.
"Crying? Tears?" I said to myself. "How dare she act so hurt!" I made a move towards her but found my way blocked by Thomas.
"You have wronged a friend of mine today, Wolver. And I will remember it." he said. I noticed how tightly he was gripping his sword, which was now sheathed.
"And I will remember you as well Thomas." I said, without skipping a beat. "I will remember how you chose to sleep in the beds of villains."
Paryanees immediately shifted from a stern, gruff mood to a congratulatory one. He rewarded us but I paid no heed to his words. My mind was still fixed on one woman and how close I came to blows with a near stranger.
Strange and I left the cave. I was in no mood for exploring, and he was in no mood for me.
"You know, you aren't making us any friends." he said.
"So? Why would I want to be friends with that kind of filth anyway?" I said.
"You of course realize that Thomas is a Paladin, don't you?" he said, his voice steadily rising.
"No I didn't. And why should that matter anyway?" I said.
"Isnt' there supposed to be a brotherhood within your order?" he asked. "Aren't Paladins supposed to aid each other whenver possible?"
"Sure, but as you can see, even Paladins like him can be corrupted. Honestly Strange, would you want him as an ally knowing he's friends with Trista? Hmm? I certainly don't. Call it a conflict of interest or whatever you want, but I know that I wouldn't be able to count on him in a scrum. He's a dirtbag."
"Who's the one who is corrupt?" Strange whispered.
"What was that?" I said. "I didn't hear you."
"I heard Wolver." Strange said. "I heard about what you did to Jade in the forest."
"So what?" I said. "She got what she deserved. You need to get your head screwed onto your shoulders brother. We're in a war. A flat-out war. Don't preach to me about what is right and what is wrong in war."
"YOU DON'T GET IT, DO YOU?" he exploded. "YOU'RE A PALADIN FOR HEIRONEOUS' SAKE!! NOONE EVER SAYS 'a warrior shouldn't do this...a sellsword shouldn't do that'!! THEY SAY THAT ABOUT PALADINS!! YOU'RE THE ONES WHO THEY LOOK UP TO!! YOU'RE THE ONES WHO ARE ALL SO HIGH AND FRICKIN MIGHTY!! YOU'RE THE ONES WHO ARE LIVING AVATARS OF YOUR GODS!! AND YOU GO AND BACKSTAB A WOMAN!?!? WHAT ARE YOU SAYING--NAY--WHAT ARE YOU SHOWING ABOUT OUR CHURCH?! HOW DARE YOU TELL OTHERS TO LIVE A JUST LIFE AND TURN AROUND AND DO THE EXACT OPPOSITE!!? HOW DARE YOU!!"
"I don't care what you think right now Strange." I snarled. "The bards are evil. They need to be dealt with. The rules of engagement don't apply to evil!! You expect me to act all chivalrous with them? Ha! As soon as I turn my back I'm going to find a knife in it. And you expect me to grant them what they would not grant others? No, those who show no mercy will be granted none. Those who do not know compassion will be granted none."
"I don't expect it." said Strange. "He does. And what do you know about compassion anyway these days? By gods Wolver, you've changed ever since we've met them."
"I'll hear no more of this." I said. "I'm going back to Karunth and taking a few days off. Don't find me. I'll find you." I turned and stormed off.
That night, while sleeping in my quarters, I dreamed. I dreamed of my house, and the sweet smell of grass. I dreamed of the pungent odor of the black walnuts laying on the ground, rotting until one of us complained and got stuck with the duty of picking them up.
I was staring at the trees. They were bare of leaves, and maybe even devoid of life. The hammock that my sister used to hang herself was missing. There was no joy here. And I was filled with despair.
"Come here often?" said a smooth, steady voice that came from behind me.
"Aye, I do." I said, gazing at the trees. "This right here, this spot I'm standing in. This was the spot I stood in when my life changed forever."
"And if you could go back, would you change it?" said the voice.
"Of course." I said. "Of course I'd change what happened."
"How?" asked the voice.
"I...I don't know." I said.
"Or, you do know and you fear what you'd do?" said the voice.
"I-I don't understand." I said.
"Tell me Wolverine, what do you fear the most? Do you fear that if ever you were given a chance to do this over, you'd stand paralyzed just like how you did before or that you would actually be the one with the courage to raise the axe." said the voice.
"It wasn't courage that forced Ghost's hand, but anger." I said, pondering my thoughts. "An anger I know all too well now. That though, is not what I fear the most."
"Then, what is it?" asked the voice. "Ah, I can see now. You fear abandonment more than anything. You fear abandonment by your duchess and you fear abandonment by your god."
"I do." I said. "In that you are correct."
"Then why do you abandon me?" asked the voice.
"I...oh swee--" I started.
"Words ring hollow Wolverine. A man's deeds define him; not words, not intentions, and most certainly not his past."
I stood rooted to the spot. I didn't dare turn to see the face of my lord.
"We all have choices Wolverine." said the voice. "Just as Paryanees chooses to personally deal with mortals, I choose not to."
"W-what?" I asked.
"Paryanees is a god, Wolverine." said the voice. "He is a god who delights in mortal affections. But, for every action, there is an equal and unpleasant response. His dabbling with mortal affairs makes itself felt througout the entire land."
"What do you mean about actions?" I asked. "You saved my brother's life."
"Did I?" said the voice.
"Didn't you?" I said meekly.
"I spared your brother's life, yes. But at what cost? Did I save him? That is another question entirely."
"I don't understand." I said. "What do you m--"
"Understanding is not required of you right now. What is required of you is a choice. And it is a choice I will not aid you with. Goodbye Wolverine."
I awoke from my slumber with both a searing and numbing feeling on my chest. Gasping I stumbled out of my bed and fell to the ground, groping at my chest. The comforting weight of my medallion--my lord's symbol-- was missing. Again, the searing pain wracked my body. I pulled off my top trying to expose myself to the air, thinking I could cool it down. It didn't work. I felt as if I had two white hot irons poking into me. Eventually, the pain subsided.
I stood up and leaning against my mirror, I sought to make sense of my dream. I was about to go get a drink of water when I noticed markings on my chest. There were too distinct, for lack of a better word, brands there. I grabbed a torch and looked more closely. On the right, there was a hand holding a lightning bolt. On the left and over my breast there was a hand, grasping 6 arrows pointed downwards and fanned out.
I watched as the brands faded away, stunned. I knew those markings. The fist holding the lightning bolt was the symbol of my god. And the fist holding the arrows was the symbol of his half-brother and arch enemy, Hextor.
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violent_flower
Promising
Supreme Hero
Almost there.
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posted November 30, 2006 07:16 AM |
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Ok these breaks are ridiculous and I shall not give into your selfish needs anymore… Blah.
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Learn how to duck and weave because I will throw truth at you all day!
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:17 AM |
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The War of the Roaches-- Part VI
I awoke the next day bleary-eyed and exhausted. Too many questions were pounding in my brain. What did my lord mean about Paryanees? Was something about to happen? Was some great evil coming? And what did he mean about Ghost? What was the difference between sparing his life and saving it? I tried to push these questions out of my head and focus on other matters. More specifically, I tried to concentrate on the fact that I was now disgraced and dispossessed.
After finishing my morning routine, I decided to check out the goings on of the MarketSquare. The place seemed to be bustling with acitvity so I checked the vendor stalls to see if anyone had sold something I could use. While manuevering between stalls I caught sight of Jade Everlasting and another obviously female elf. The other one wore an ugly light blue outfit and had her head encased in a white helm with a golden face. And she had in her hand a wicked looking obsidian bow. I'd heard of this bow before from Brundero. Its owner, now standing before me, was the infamous Elizabeth De Lac. The same Elizabeth De Lac that so cruelly tortured Stetson. If she was here, then was Polecat also in the vicinity?
I turned quickly, bought a cloak and threw it over me, hoping I'd not been spotted. I left the square, drank an invisibility potion, and returned. I wanted to hear what my enemy was up to. I wanted to find out what they were planning.
Jade and Elizabeth were talking to a group of inexperienced looking adventurers. I knew the type, for I too once bore the arms they did. It seemed that I had caught the tail end of of their conversation.
"And don't forget, it was the drunken bards who did you a favor." said Jade while handing each of them a small fortune in gold.
"Wow, thanks." said the awed recipient of her gift.
"No problem." said Elizabeth "Let's go Jade."
I watched the two of them bolt towards the River District. Breathing a sigh of relief, I dropped the invisibility when out of nowhere came the booming sound of two women's voices.
"If you see one bard!!" shouted the first one. I think that was Elizabeth's voice.
"How many are behind you?" shouted the second voice. That one had to be Jade's.
It seemed like a trademark of theirs. I'd heard those words before, albeit much more faintly. I thought to myself, "If they have a trademark, then we should as well."
I finished up my business with the vendors and was about to venture out into the woods when I literally ran into Colossus and Punisher.
I stood agape for a few seconds before my lips curled into a smile. I threw my arms around the both of them, ecstatic that they were alive.
"Where in Heironeous' name have you two been?" I demanded.
"Adventuring man. And keeping a low profile. It looked like we just missed you in Gulthmere." said Colossus.
"Tell me everything." I said.
We laughed and talked about our exploits for the next hour or so. I told them about what I saw with Jade and Elizabeth and the fact that the town seemed to be the unofficial property of our enemies.
"Can you make heads or tails of it?" I asked. "If they're thieves and brigands, why are they supplying adventurers with gold?"
"Oldest trick in the book." said Punisher.
"Huh?" both Colossus and I asked.
"Sure. Think about it." said Punisher. "The gold they give now is an investment of sorts. The adventurers they give the money to get bigger, stronger, faster, and better. That means they can go further and deeper into dungeons and even into the abyss. They know in the back of their minds they owe the bards a favor for giving them a jumpstart on their career. Also, when the bards start filching belongings off of them, they'll never suspect them. Why? Because the bards were so generous to them before."
"That's dastardly." said Colossus.
"Yep, and it works beautifully." said Punisher. "30 thousand now means a possible artifact or relic in the future. But, it gets even better than that. Because money talks, these adventurers are soaking up everything the bards have been saying about us. I've even heard a rumor that you backstabbed one of them in the forest."
"Erm." I said.
"I'm not even done yet." said Punisher. "It seems they've also declared a war on anyone who associates with us or is friends with us.
"It's true." said Colossus. "You ever met Ders? Ders Steel?"
"Yes." I said. "Yes I have. Sellsword. A little taller than me. Broader shoulders. Has an unnatural fascination with the greatsword. Highly skilled. A cretin though. Why?"
"Well, he said he got bushwhacked by them the other day." said Colossus.
"Not surprising." I said. "They've bushwhacked a lot of folk."
"Yeah, this is different though." said Colossus. "He says he used to run with them. But becuase they've seen him talking to you, me, and whoever else they tried to ice him."
"I can understand that." I said, my brow furrowing. "I wouldn't want to associate with any of their friends. He was with them. He's a traitor to them. They cast him out. Good on them. I'd do the same."
"Yeah, well." said Punisher. "Maybe we should start one upping them ourselves. You know, donate some money to new adventurers...get them to understand that we ain't the bad guys. Let them do the talking for us."
"What you do with your money is your own business." I said. "Me? Not a chance. I don't need the affections of a person whose allegiance is bought by a few baubles and trinkets. Uh-uh. Nope. Not for me."
"You do things your way." Punisher said. "I'll do them mine. We'll see then who has the most alliances at the end of the day. I'm going."
"Where?" said Colossus. "We just met up again."
"Got things to do. An underground to see to. That kind of thing. I'll catch up to you two later." said Punisher. He backed up a few steps, waved, turned, and then left.
"You feeling frisky?" I said.
"You bet." said Colossus.
"Gulthmere?" I said.
"Sure. But let's stop off at Bloodstone first." Colossus said.
"Bloodstone. I've heard of it. It's close to the Western Gulthmere forest, no?" I said. "What's there anyway, besides highend items?"
"You'll see." said Colossus. "C'mon."
"Be on the lookout." I said. "There's bards around."
"Yeah, yeah." said Colossus. "I know."
We took off running; through, Iuz, through Lockyer, past Sargon's tower, past the Keep on the Borderlands, killed some half-orc slavers, and kept going east. When we came to the Western Gulthmere forest, Colossus pointed up and to the left towards the hills. I nodded and turned. We took this hilly path into the Galena mountains.
"Wait a second." Colossus said while reaching into his pack. "Here, take this."
I took from him a potion that had a purplish hue to it. He drank his and I took mine with it. Immediately, my skin turned grey and hard as rock. Yet, I still retained full mobility.
"By Heirnoeous!!" I yelled. "I've seen this before. I travelled with some adventurers to fight some demon prince name 'Orcus' and they had this. Where did you find these?"
"Where we're going right now." said Colossus. "Get ready, becuase the way is barred."
He took off and I followed after him. Above us and to our right was a giant holding an arbalest. In front of us were about 4 others like him wielding clubs.
"SMASH YOU!!! DEAD YOU BE!!" snarled the leader.
Colossus set upon him and with a magnificient whirl of his blade, knocked him off of his feet. He and I took turns running him through while the others were plodding towards us. I must confess that enemies this size make great targets. And I especially loved the fact that this bugger wasn't retaliating.
"How'd you do that?" I asked.
"Later." he said.
Again, we set upon them. I took full shots from their clubs that would have normally thrown me against the cliff walls. But becuase of this new armor of mine, they were merely glancing blows. Colossus knocked another one down. I help slay him. Again, and again. It was very simple and very effective.
"Teach me how to do that." I said.
"No problem." he said. "I'll give you pointers when we're in Gulthmere.
We examined the bodies. The leader had a stack of some decent arrows and a really nice sword that I'd never seen before.
"Blessing of the Daystar." mumbled Colossus. "Not too bad."
We went inside the gates to Bloodstone and saw a one-story building ahead and to our lefts.
"Wolverine, my brother. I give you Bloodstone." said Colossus.
We went inside and spoke to the elfin vendor. What I saw that day, what I saw in her inventory, was nothing short of spectacular. And, everything was affordable.
I picked out a beautiful looking bastard sword that I could use immediately and a particularly wicked looking one I was planning on using later on. It's name was 'Bloodletter'.
"You want to hear something strange?" queried Colossus.
"Sure." I said.
"There's another passage to this town via Alaghon. But, the prices are 10 times as much there as they are here."
"That is strange. Show me more." I said.
"Go through that trapdoor right there." said my brother. So I did.
The vendor was a dapper old man who was busy holding various flasks and test tubes up against his face. But his wares seemed to be more in favor of spellslingers. At least I thought that until I came upon his potions. The wonders of this apothecary defied description. I bought nearly one of everything with the exception of Greater Stoneskin potions. Those, I bought 30 of. I also tried Ethereal Visage. One group he called 'shape change'. I didn't know what it did but I was willing to take a gander. Finally, I loaded up on potions of death ward and trap finding(guaranteed to disarm all traps).
I went back to see Colossus when I was done. He was gone from the first room, but I spied yet another trapdoor that was opened. Going in, I stumbled into another room that was much larger than either of the previous two.
"Wolver, come here and meet Bork. Wolver, Bork Rellix. Bork, this is my brother Wolverine."
"Good ta see ya!" bellowed the immense half-orc that stood before me.
He too had a tremendous inventory. As it stood, I'd upgraded my armor, shield, helm, rings, and amulet.
"You've got to try these." said Colossus, holding a pair of raggedy boots before me.
"What are they?" I asked.
"Boots of speed." said Colossus. "Greatest thing since women. You wear these, and I guarantee you'll run faster and farther than ever before. "
My eyebrow raised. I'd seen boots like this before as well. Brundero and his pack of cronies were wearing them. And they did run fast.
"Great, what about you?" I asked.
"I've already got a pair." he said.
"Why aren't you wearing them then?" I asked.
"Can't seem to fit them on right just yet. I talked to the vendors. They say it sometimes just takes time for a magical item to get used to you." said Colossus, handing the boots to me.
I tried them on. They too didn't quite fit yet. "Oh well." I thought.
We headed out and back towards Gulthmere. When we came to the clearing right before Gulthmere Grove, Colossus stopped and motioned me to look his way.
"You see that?" he said, pointing at the catacombs. "They're open. Someone else is here." I nodded.
We brandished our swords and crept into the grove. There was to be no bloodshed here. But, I still found comfort in the grip of my hand on my steel. Peering around and seeing nothing, we approached the dwarf standing next to the yellow portal. I figured he might have some last minute items for us before we plunged into the forest of wither. The only thing that caught my attention were those potions of heal. I hadn't tried the one I got in Alaghon so I wasn't sure of what they did still. But, the ones in Alaghon went for 330 gold. These were going for almost 2k? Hmm, that seemed to be a steep jump.
I pulled one of them out and showed it to Colossus. I could tell from his blank stare that he had no idea what it was. I took a step back and drank it. Immediately I was bathed in blue light. Only from this perspective, it wasn't nearly so blinding.
"What was that?" asked Colossus.
"Potion of heal." I replied. "I don't feel any different though."
"You should have seen the shaft of light that hit you. My god Wolver, I thought you were going to see your maker."
"Shaft you say?" I replied. "Shaft? As in a blue shaft?"
"Yep." he nodded.
"By the gods, I've discovered what the enemy uses Colossus! This has got to be the finest potion of healing in the lands. And they've been under our nose for this long? Oh, sweet Heironeous Colossus. I'm ready to go to hell with backpack full of these."
"I'll take 10." I said, whirling back upon the dwarf. "And I'll throw in an extra hundred if you can tell me if you've seen anyone come this way recently."
"Sure did." he said gruffly. "Elf, by the look and smell of her."
"Just one?" I asked.
"Just one." he replied.
"What did she look like?" I asked.
"Well, I couldn't really tell you her face. She had a white helmet on with--"
"a gold face." I finished for him.
"Yep. You got it." he said.
I looked at Colossus and immediately liked our chances. So, Eizabeth made the mistake of wandering off alone, did she? I could almost hear her death scream in my head.
"Which way did she go?" I asked.
"Towards Raven." said the dwarf. "Not 30 minutes ago."
"C'mon Colossus." I said. "We've got an elf to catch."
He nodded in assent and we started running. When we got to Raven I turned to him and asked, "Where do you think she would go?"
He thought for a minute. "Wilhawk Tavern." he said.
We ran through the streets towards our prey. Now we were the ones stalking our prey. Now we were the hunters. And soon we would be the victorious few.
The door to Wilhawk Tavern had indeed been left open. My brother and I stepped inside, with Colossus taking point. He needed a wide berth for that sword of his. Honestly, I didn't understand what he saw in it, what he saw in that massive thing as opposed to a good, stout shield.
Sure enough, there was a woman standing next to Darrey. From the slightness of her build I knew she was an elf. Her clothes were different but the helm was the same. I approached from the front while Colossus circles behind her.
"Show your face villain." I hissed, my hand tightening around the hilt of my sword.
"Villain?" said the elf, looking at me. "Who's a villain?"
My eyes widened in startlement. Quickly, I waved off Colossus. This wasn't Elizabeth. The voice wasn't the same. I sheathed my sword and removed my helm.
"I apologize." I said. "Sincerely, I thought you were someone else."
The elf did the same in turn. When she removed her helm I couldn't help but note that her skin seemed much darker than other elves I'd come across.
"Are you a bard?" I asked quizzically.
"Goodness no." she said laughing. "I can't carry a tune."
I studied her. She really didn't know what I was talking about. I glanced at Colossus, who gave a quick nod in her direction. He too felt what I'd been. There are times you will meet someone and you recognize an instant rapport with that person. Why I felt that with this one, I didn't know. All I knew was that she had completely disarmed my brother and I.
"We, meaning my brother and I, want to know if you'd honor us with your company while we adventure." I said.
She regarded us for a few seconds. Then she drew in her breath and said, "Sure, why not. I've got nothing better to do right now."
"My name's Wolverine Roach, Wolver for short." I said. "This is my brother Colossus. There are many, many more in my family but for right now it's just the two of us. What's your name?"
"Raven." she replied. "Raven Stardust. A pleasure to meet the both of you."
"Well met Raven." I said. "We meet a Raven inside Raven. The gods smile upon us today."
"Coincidence?" I whispered to Colossus.
"Providence." he replied, beaming.
We took care of the little bat problem and with the halfing scum in the corner of the bar. From there, we headed south.
"Bandits?" asked Raven.
"No." I replied, pulling out my key. "Let's get inside the forest of wither today."
Colossus clasped me on the back. "You've got one too, eh?" he said with wink.
We took to the forest and dispatched the bandits and goblins. Raven ran ahead to take care of some farmer whose house had been invaded by the goblins and escorted him back to Raven. For that, we were handsomely rewarded.
The forest of wither was connected to the southern forest. Only, it had a high wall to discourage trespassers, or so I thought. There was an equal chance that it was built to hold something in. I opened the gate and from there we headed south. I remembered skeleton warriors here before and sure enough there were. We dispatched them and found ourselves at an inn.
Now, Strange and I had a bad feeling about an inn being this deep into the forest and having all of its lights out. But I felt more confident with Colossus and the elfin warrior beside me. She really impressed me with her ability to wield two blades simultaneously. We went inside and were almost immediately beset upon by shadowy creatures.
They were tough. They were really tough. And their touch was enough to drain a man's strength from him, to make him feel as cold as they were. But Raven found a weakness. Either from stumbling around or from previous knowledge, she found torches along the walls of the inn. And with each torch lit, the shadows retreated, crying in pain. They wouldn't even defend themselves when we pressed the attack against them.
We searched the inn and found nothing of interest. We were about to leave when Colossus started beating on some old boxes and crates. I was starting to get agitated with his immature way of dealing with his boredom. But I didn't say anything. Amazingly, he had seen something I didn't. For with the last broken crate, a way into the basement was revealed to us.
We went down and found a small lake underneath. This was probably where the old innkeep drew water from. Upon inspection, we found a small passageway that led further in and it lead us to some sort of watery guardian. It obviously wasn't in the mood for conversation so the 3 of us dispatched it rather quickly. We found two chests and examined their contents.
Inside one of them was perhaps the ugliest helm I'd ever seen before. Raven had a knack for being able to Identify magic items so I handed it to her. She said it was a helm of the dead and that it protected it's wearer from Death Magic. There was nothing left down there so we headed out and towards the temple that Strange and I had been to before.
Again, we were set upon by skeletons. They weren't average skeletons, but hardier warriors with a deeper bite to their blades. Inside, we ran into all sorts of foul undead. Wraiths, mummies, wights, and even vampires crawled out of the woodwork to come drag us to our doom. But we weren't interested and convinced them with our swords that we weren't coming with them.
It was in the deep recesses of the temple that we finally found the nature of the evil that was poisoning the land. The high priest had been desecrated and it was up to us to resurrect him and set things right. We found many powerful artifacts that had to be sacrificed to certain altars. And when we did, the door to his tomb unlocked.
Stepping inside, we all buffed ourselves in preparation for some climactic battle. I stepped up to the altar where the high priest lay. On either side of me were guardians of some sort. But they did not move to block my way. I resurrected him. But, instead of being thankful, he attacked.
"What is this devilry?" I said under my breath.
He started casting a spell, ancient words escaping his lips. I desperately tried to shove my sword into his gaping mouth to shut him up but couldn't. In a split second my life was ripped from me. Colossus fell too.
Instead of the usual blackness and inevitable respawning, I resisted and let my sould hover above me. For some reason, I could still feel my surroundings. Perhaps I wasn't dead but had instead entered some form of stasis. Raven was running. Evidently, the priest had summoned creatures from the netherworld to aid him and they were giving her chase. Around and around the altar she ran until sensing an opportunity, she ran up the stairs, pulled out a scroll, and raised me from where I had lain. She did the same to Colossus. Hastily, we retreated to discuss our options.
"Kill the cleric and his goons go with him." said Raven.
"Sounds easy enough." I said. "But what about his magic?"
"He hit you with death magic." said Raven. "You have any protection against it?"
"Aye, we do." said Colossus, pulling out a potion from his pack. "You should have some too Wolver. If you don't, I've got plenty."
"I've got some." I said, drinking mine. "Now let's go kick his arse."
Being shielded against his magic, we had a much easier time dispatching him. He fell, but didn't leave anything behind.
"What do we do now?" Colossus asked.
"I don't know." I said. "I don't think he was supposed to attack us. In fact, I'm sure of it. Let's see if we can get some answers."
We left the crypt. Clearly, I wasn't the only one irritated by our lack of success. We searched for days for clues as to what we needed to do next but couldn't find any. Defeated, Colossus and I headed back for Karunth. Raven said that she wanted to stay a little bit longer and so we bid her adieu.
When we got back into Karunth, we saw some citizens posting up some signs all over the town. I didn't pay them much heed but Colossus wanted to go have a look.
"Wolver, come quick! You've got to read this!" he said.
"What. What is it." I said.
Walking over to where he stood, I read the sign with bated breath.
"The honorable Dangle LongShanks and the beautiful Lady Elizabeth De Lac will be wed in two weeks time." I read aloud. "It will take place in Ireran's temple. Come one, come all to witness this most important day of their lives."
I stopped in silent contemplation.
"So, are we going?" Colossus said with a slight chuckle.
"Absolutely not." I said.
"I see the wheels in your head turning, bro." said Colossus. "What are you thinking about then?"
I looked at him, the coldness in my heart gripping me.
"I was thinking...I was thinking." I said, trying to put it as tactfully as I could.
"I was thinking, what does a monster know about love?" I said while ripping the sign down.
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:18 AM |
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The War of the Roaches--Part VII
In writing this, I am trying to make sense of events as they occurred when they occurred. Unfortunately, my writing has been somewhat delayed as of late. So I need to stress that in the event that I cannot recount conversations as they actually happened, I will attempt to recount conversations as they would have happened. If anyone gets a hold of this journal, they should know that it has been written without prejuidice towards anyone and does not attempt to put any into a higher light, especially myself or my family. So, with that being said, my story will continue.
It was now a week before the wedding and my mood was darkening every passing day. It seemed that this wedding was going to be the social event of the year in this land. And I confess it pained me to hear news of the bride being cast in a shimmering glow of compliments and sweet nothings. It almost made me feel physically ill.
Havok had already arrived in town. This on the surface seemed to be good news. Unfortunately, my relationship with Havok had strained in recent years and neither of us desired the company of the other. He played it off by mentioning that he was beyond the rest of us in skill level and we could learn nothing from watching him beat fell beings senseless. This of course sent my hackles flaring and it took a great amount of self-control to keep from challenging him right there on the spot.
Strange and I still weren't speaking to each other and Punisher had gone missing again. With Havok insisting on going his own way and Thor in places unknown, Colossus and I were left alone to figure out what to do next.
We met in the MarketSquare and discussed our options. Neither of us were interested in going back to Gulthmere. Nor were we interested in looking around Bloodstone.
"Do you remember that giant stronghold over by Holderness?" Colossus asked.
"Aye, I do." I replied. "Think we're ready for it?"
"Remember those giants in the Galena Mountains? Well, the stronghold is filled with'em. Should be pretty easy. Just make sure you've got enough of those greater stoneskin potions and we'll be fine." he said, brimming with confidence.
"I've got plenty." I said. "When I found out what they did, I would have been a fool not to stock up. Wait a second though, I've got to do one more thing."
"What's that?" he asked.
I ignored him, turned towards the crowd, and yelled at the top of my lungs, "FIGHT FOR RIGHT!! RIGHT FOR FIGHT!! FIGHT FIGHT FIGHT!!"
My words were met with broken chuckles from the crowd. Colossus looked at me and said, "What the hell was that?"
"Catchy, isn't it?" I replied nonplussed.
"Nooo, you sound like an idiot." he snapped.
"Say what you want right now Colossus. You'll see. It'll stick with the populace soon enough and they'll eventually be grateful to hear it."
"Yeah, whatever." he responded impatiently. "Can we go now? Or do you have some other cheer you want to do? Maybe you've got a dance to go with it?"
So we geared up and ventured out past the crags and into the stronghold itself. My brother was right. The giants, while possibly posing a challenge for a single warrior of our stature, were completely overwhelmed by the combined force of two of Heironeous' hands, or at least one of them. I still hadn't talked about my dream with anyone in my family and Heironeous willing, I wouldn't have to.
Waves of giants fell against our swords and died a miserable death. We spared noone, not even the women or children. And it wasn't just giants we found. Evidently, there was a meeting that we broke up when we slew a frost giant ambassador and some female drow emissary. We took the note into our possession but couldn't make any sense of it.
"Perhaps, someone in Holderness will be able to help." I mumbled to myself.
After several hours of hacking everything in sight and finding to our satisfaction every last enemy dead, we ventured down below. Some jailer took offense to our unannounced presence. But we convinced him to retire and give up his keys. More mysteries befell us when we opened up the jails and found swarms of undead behind them. Only one cell contained an actual person and he showed no interest in escape, much less thanks for our freeing him. After several minutes of arguing with him we left him alone. I'd no time to help those who obviously did not want to be helped.
More exploration netted more monsters; orcs this time. Some were swaggering warriors who had a hard time swaggering once we helped free them of their legs. Others were slaves, stupid and pathetic. Of course my brother and I took mercy upon them. They were harmless and showed no signs of malevolence. Eventually, we found the cheiftain himself and his pet white dragon.
The battle went surprisingly well. We slew the cheiftain and bore down on the dragon. His breath hurt but wasn't the stuff of legends. And soon we were standing victorious over his lifeless carcass. I took a moment to reflect on our victory as I'd never, ever, beaten a dragon before.
We found a key that opened a room previously barred to us and found a series of portals. We ended up in some bizarre far off place where winter's chill was omnipresent.
"We should continue Wolver." said Colossus.
"Why?" I asked. "Haven't we done our duty? Haven't we quelled the threat to Holderness?"
"Not at all." he said laughing. "We now have to deal with the frost giants, and they're no slouches. You still good on your potions?"
"Aye, I am." I said wearily. I was having difficulty maintaining focus but I didn't want to show it.
We continued into a series of caves. Outside was pitch black darkness only pierced by the flickering torch that Colossus held in his hand. We maneuvered through and around them when I was suddenly hit with an icy blast chill. Such a thing I'd never seen in my life.
"What--is--that?" I queried to my brother pointing at the amorphous blob down below.
"Dunno, it's white and gooey and slimy." he said.
"You know, your powers of observation stun me Colossus. Anyone could have seen that. What is it though?"
"Like I said, dunno." he responded irritably. "Don't let it touch you though."
We fixed our bows and brought out fiery arrows. I mean, it made sense. Things, creatures living in such bitterly cold conditions would obviously be vulnerable to heat and fire. It worked well. And thankfully, because that blob came right up an opening in the cliff and after us. After many minutes of retreating and firing upon it it fell, for lack of a better word, dead.
We continued to explore the series of caves, yet we were starting to find evidence of others at work. Where once these caverns were teeming with frost giants, we started coming across carcasses. What really perplexed me was the fact that these carcasses were untouched...their treasures still on their stiffening bodies.
I hefted up a club I'd found on one particularly burly giant.
"Hey Colossus, what do you make of this?" I asked.
His brow furrowed and he pulled out a red potion, drank it, and took the club from me.
"It's a club of human smashing." he said. "Wicked."
"Great." I replied. "Why can't we find a club of elf-smashing?"
Deeper and deeper into the series of caverns we went and still we found of evidence of fresh kills. I started to find it very disturbing that the corpses weren't looted. It was as if whatever else was down here wasn't looking for giants, but for something or someone else.
My fears turned out to be not unfounded when our hunters finally caught up to us. Whirling around, I turned to regard Polecat and some dwarf with him.
"Oi, lookit this Ghim." Polecat said sneeringly. "Some bugs caught in the light."
"These are the ones you were talking about?" gruffed the ugly stump next to him. "They don't look so tough."
Colossus and I looked at each other and saw the mutual panic in our eyes. We weren't ready for this. Nowhere to run and nowhere to hide, what choice did we have but to attack?
I'd no idea who the dwarf was but if he was Polecat's lackey, he was our enemy. I engaged him with my blade while Colossus clashed swords with Polecat. Polecat's laugh resounded through the corridors as he had his way with Colossus. I couldn't help because I had my own problems.
The dwarf didn't even bring out his sword. He just bobbed and weaved, all the while slugging me. My stoneskin crumpled against his onslaught. I knew it wouldn't hold up much longer. My mind raced trying to figure out some way to even the odds...to find some way to be able to even connect with my opponent. Two more earth-shattering punches brought down my stoneskin and I was now completely vulnerable.
I grabbed the first potion my fingers touched in my pack, drew it out and quaffed it. Immediately my skin hardened, turned red and scaly, and I grew.
"By Heironeous!!" I whispered.
I felt stronger, stouter, and now was ready to deal some damage to my opponent. He was, however, completely undaunted. I reared my head back to breathe an ungodly amount of fire on him, but nothing came out. I was a dragon without fire?! I tried to claw him, yet still he was completely untouchable. I tried to bite him, to swallow him whole and still I could not lay a tooth on him. He punched and kicked me with impunity and I felt my strength failing. I retreated out into the cold, hoping to somehow ditch him. It was no use. He pursued me and destroyed me.
And still, final death eluded me. I was aware of my opponent. I was aware of him wiping his blood-soaked gauntlets in the snow, turning what was once perfect white a dirty brown. When he was done with his business, he turned back towards me and spoke.
"Remember, it was you who initiated this. It was you who attacked me with your sword." he said, shaking his head and starting to pace.
"A sword is not a toy. It is a weapon. It deals death. Yet you waved it in front of me so impotently. You came upon me like a child, you fool. And this is what you get." he sneered.
At this point, I was silently screaming to my god to take me. Never before had I felt so shamed; to be beaten and then admonished so. I perceived him pulling out a scroll, mumbling some words, and my life returning to me. He disappeared immediately and was gone.
I felt so alone in that bitter wind. I screamed out, "Colossus!!" And didn't get a reply.
I went back into the caves and again bellowed out his name. I was desperate at this point.
"Colossus!!" I yelled.
"I'm here!! Pipe down, will ya?" his voice sounded in the distance.
I ran to him and talked to him about what happened.
"Did he get you?" I asked.
"Yeah, he did." he responded. "Blew me away and then ressed me. Man, I hate them."
"I hear you, I hear you." I said. "Seems like they're gone though. Want to continue?"
"Sure." he said. But I could tell his heart wasn't into it either. We were both soundly thumped. It was just sickening.
We found the lair of the frost giant Jarl and of course there was only evidence of some titanic battle. Our enemy destroyed us and then had his way with the giants. It felt as if all of our efforts were for naught.
With my shoulders somewhat slouched, Colossus and I came back to Karunth. Over the course of the next week, we met many times with the bards and were soundly beaten. Instead of rage and a desire to best them, I was starting to feel defeated. This was too much. We were outnumbered, outclassed. And it was becoming increasingly obvious that we weren't making any progress.
It was on a Friday then, that my spirits were somewhat uplifted. I was meandering around the square when of all people to show up, but my brother Thor. I ran up to him, beaming.
"Hail Thor!" I yelled heartily.
"Hail Wolver!" he responded cheerily.
I clasped his arms and said, "By Heironeous it's good to see you!! You look well."
"Aye. Legging out this journey helped take care of this ole' tummy." he said, patting his belly.
"But your beard has grown." I said. "Heh, it now rivals a dwarf's."
"Aye, but I like it like this now. Makes me look older." he said.
We bantered a bit more. I asked him about his journey and he asked about our situation.
"What do you want to know?" I asked.
"What are our assets?" he asked, stroking his beard.
"Just each other. Strange, myself, Colossus, Havok, you and Punisher." I said, my eyes falling away from him.
"Okayyy." he said, drawing it out. "And what about our liabilities?"
"Everyone else. The bards run the show. That and their allies, both numerous and powerful."
"I see." he said, studying my face and looking for some joking reassurance that the situation wasn't as grave I had just told him.
When none was forthcoming, he followed my eyes towards the faint sound of wedding bells in the distance, gently wafting through the warm early summer breeze.
And we just stood there, in silence.
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:19 AM |
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The War of the Roaches--Part VIII
With the unholy matrimony of Elizabeth De Lac and Dangle Longshanks complete, I decided to lay low for a few days to get a feel for any potential shift in prevailing attitudes about them. Was Longshanks a member of the Underfolk guild? If he was, then did their marriage force an alliace between the bards and them? Our hands were full enough with just the bards. We did not have the strength to deal with the Underfolk as well.
Instead of finding any kind of meaningful information, I was met with even more dirty looks and hushed whispers. Something had happened, that much was evident. And from what I could tell, I was being held responsible for it.
I sent Thor off to work his battle skills. The journey may have allowed him to fit into his armor again, but his swordsmanship was severely lacking. So, after some gifts were exchanged, we parted ways.
Strange and I met in the MarketSquare. He shot me a wary look and then approached me.
"What are your plans today?" he asked.
"Dunno." I replied. "You and I need to have a rematch with those bandit invaders though."
"Which ones?" he asked. "There's a lot of bandits out there."
"The ones with the antlered helms Strange. You know, the ones with the green, glowing swords." I said.
"Those bastards?" he said. "Heh, you're right. Let's get'em."
We travelled towards Bloodstone and the Western Gulthmere Forest. We slew a band of half-orcs and sorcerors along the way, along with Chief Gratko and his goblin Cronies.
Just behind the farm house our quarry lay before us. There were three of them but I wasn't too worried about the numbers. I picked the closest one and our swords locked into an immortal grapple.
Strange started slinging fire, electricity, and cold with aplomb. With his support in the background, the dirty, grimy work of swordplay was made exponentially easier.
The first one went down and I didn't even have a scratch. The remainging bandits though, were no fools. They started casting their own spells of protection before engaging me. My sword wasn't strong enough to pierce their own stoneskin. And so, I had to just start chipping away.
And chipping away I was, when a searing flash of light consumed me. Everything went dark.
"Ambush!!!!" screamed Strange.
From behind me in two different directions, I felt two swords pierce my flesh. And still I had no idea who the new enemy was.
I broke from the bandit and ran smack dab right into the barn. Clumsily, I bounced off of it and ran in a zig zag line, desperately blinking my eyes and praying my eyesight would be restored.
I heard curses and magic words being uttered my an unmistakeably sinister and familiar voice. That voice belonged to Delith Bloodcraver. So all along, she was the war cleric the elf had warned me about.
Blades started springing up from the ground all around me, ripping into me. I consumed a heal potion and kept running in circles. Finally my sight came back and I was forced to regard Elizabeth and Trista in hot pursuit of me.
I turned and met their charge head on. But immediately I knew I was outclassed. I could shrug off their blows a bit better, to be sure, but I still couldnt' hit them. I couldn't draw their own blood. I couldn't make them suffer the way they'd made others to suffer.
Delith joined in the fight, and it was all I could do to keep consuming heal potions. I couldnt' even mount any kind of offense in the face of their onslaught.
"RUN!!" I screamed, more for myself than Strange.
We bolted into the Western Gulthmere Forest. There, we split up, with Strange going towards Bloodstone and myself running towards Gulthmere itself. I knew if I could get to Durodil's grove I'd be safe.
The bards, though, had their own ideas about intercepting my flight. Arrows peppered my back and legs. Poison from some of these arrows started seeping into my blood, slowing me down.
I ran up a small hill, my breathing becoming more and more labored. More arrows found their mark and I stumbled head over heel down the other side of it.
Getting back up, I was finally able to get some cover from the trees. I felt I was going to make it.
Running to through an area south of the grove, I found solitude in the grove itself. The warm, yellow glow of the portal in the center, surrounded by its circle of stones, raised my spirits immeasureably. I was still bleeding and sick, but I was safe.
My enemies appeared in unison, marching abreast of each other. The stopped some five paces from me and started laughing.
"You're running so fast these days Wolver, we're starting to think of you as a monk, not a paladin." chuckled Delith.
"Yeah, an evil monk though." echoed Trista. "Isnt' there something against your paladin creed against sending assassains after someone?"
I had no idea what she was talking about, and decided to play dumb. With no answer coming forth from me, Elizabeth put in her two silver.
"Sending assassains to kill a lady on her wedding day inside the very church where she's getting married? Even I didn't think you would stoop so low. But, you never cease to amaze me, coward." she spat.
"All of you will die by my hand. All three of you." I replied coolly. "If not in this life, then the next. You are filth, you are vermin. We know what you're up to. And though you've managed to fool everyone else around you with your 'charitable' acts, my family sees right through you."
"Blah blah blah blah blah, let's leave this coward sisters. He's been enough sport for us today." sneered Trista.
Delith turned away, turned back towards me, and said, "Wolver, be a dear and tell your brother Strange I think he's cute."
The three of them laughed uproariously, their evil hen cackles resounding through the grove. They started walking away. Before they disappeared, I called out to them.
"Trista!!!!" I yelled.
She stopped, turned around and said, "What?"
"You didn't kill me today Trista. I took your best shot today and I still stand. I took all of your best shots and I still stand. Remember that." I said steadily.
She scowled and the three of them left.
I waited for an hour before making my way back to the Western Gulthmere Forest. Remembering the detour Strange had made, I went back towards Bloodstone. And there he was, still lurking around the shops.
"So, they all went after you, huh." said Strange. "Boy, you've really pissed them off!"
"Let them come. It's only making me smarter and stronger." I replied indignantly.
"They said something though, that caught my attention. They made mention of some sort of assassination attempt on De Lac while she was getting married. They seem pretty convinced that I hired someone to whack De Lac."
My statement was met with silence.
"Well I didn't! Ok!? So just get that thought of of your head Strange. If there was an attempt on De Lac's life, I had nothing to do with it."
"Ok, ok." said Strange. "You can't blame me for believing that. It's not like you aren't callous or capable."
"Exactly how am I callous Strange? How am I?" I asked, challenging him.
He gave me a stunned look, wondering how the hell I even had the audacity to ask him such a question.
"Remember what happened with Sprite? She still doesn't talk to this day." he said.
"Don't even try to pin responsibility for her on me Strange. She was the one who never got over Elektra's, mom's, and dad's death. That's not my fault." I said, defiance starting to boil inside me.
"Yes, but you could've been more understanding." he said.
"I was understanding. I let her deal with her pain as she saw fit." I said.
"Waiting for six weeks and then telling her to 'suck it up' isn't being understanding Wolver." he said. "Geez man, who the hell were you to say that? She needed support. She needed help. You were the one she looked up to the most. You were the one she needed the most. You were the one who replaced dad. And then you slapped her when you told her that. You hurt her in a way you've never even seen. And you still don't see it!"
"That's a matter of your opinion, which these days doesn't hold a lot of water with me." I shot back.
"I'm not the only one who feels it. Why do you think Gam hasn't kept in contact with you much over the years? Hmm? It never occurred to you that he was equally angry with you as I was?" he said.
"No, and why are you telling me this right now." I said.
"You were the one who asked the question, brother." he said. "Besides, I just wanted to clear the air on something that's been eating away at me for a long time."
"Fine. You said it. Anything else?" I asked tersely.
"You're not going to acknowledge it, are you. Even when you're wrong, you are stubborn as a mule." he said sadly. "There is one more thing I have to ask you." He sucked in his breath and hesitated.
"And that is..." I pressed.
"How far are we going to go with this?" He said finally.
"That's not the real question." I said. "The real question is, do YOU have the constitution, the depth of faith, to take this as far as it needs to go?"
Our eyes locked and after a few tense seconds, his gaze fell away.
"No." he whispered.
He moved past me and walked away, the early morning fog swallowing him up.
"Strange." I called out. But I was met with no answer.
I knew right there and then that I had lost him; and that I would never see him again.
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violent_flower
Promising
Supreme Hero
Almost there.
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posted November 30, 2006 07:21 AM |
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As my tired fingers type this I say to you, NO MORE!!!!!!
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Learn how to duck and weave because I will throw truth at you all day!
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:22 AM |
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The War of the Roaches--Part IX
Strange's departure further darkened my mood. He had a sense of humor about him that made the most miserable of situations palatable. He was the only person I knew who could make me laugh in the face of crushing defeat. I did not want to break the bad news to the others, but there was little choice. They would know soon enough and then, questions would be asked as to why I had masked his leaving. So, I told them.
My words were met with a few curses, some laments, and some fond rememberances. Eventually they gave way to half-hearted pats on the back. I didn't feel reassured. And I was positive that Thor and Colossus felt the same.
I didn't feel up to travelling with them. Truth be told, I felt that together we were considered war mongers. I was getting weary of hushed words and accusing looks. So I broke from the norm and told them I'd be travelling solo today. Perhaps a bit of socializing was all that was needed to raise my spirits. And what a strange day it turned out to be.
I strode out into the woods, careful to not disturb the bears that happened to be foraging for food. They had a taste for young adventurers but were no longer a match for me. As I was weary of death that day, I let them be.
As I turned west towards Iuz, I came across a most peculiar adventurer. He was clad in purple armor, had purple hair, and vacant eyes. He had slung over his shoulder a greatsword and seemed to be kneeling on the ground, looking for something.
"Hmmmm, aha." he said. "There we go, perfect."
I noticed that he had broken off a twig and was skillfully whittling away at it with his sword. When he had fashioned a point, he reached into his pocket and pulled out of all things a mirror. Gingerly, he started picking his teeth with the twig, all the while still balancing his sword on his shoulder.
"Ah, yes you are so fair." he told himself. "Such perfect features. Is there any in this land who could compete with you? I think not!! You are the finest warrior, the finest lover, and the most attractive man in the land."
After he was finished picking his teeth, he curled his lips back to make sure they were impeccable. When that too was finished, he knelt on the ground and picked up a flower. Almost absent-mindedly he started picking off the petals.
"She loves me, I love me. She loves me, I love me. She loves me, I love me. She loves me, Oh! Hello there." he said, directing his attention at me.
My initial suspicion had already melted away to bemusement at this clown. I approached him with my sword sheathed.
"Hail adventurer." I called out.
"Wha?" he responded. "I am no mere adventurer. I am the finest adventurer in the land. Don't you recognize me?"
"Um, no." I said. "Who are you?"
"I am none other than the great and immortal Dustin Blackrose!! At your service of course." he quipped. He then proceeded to give me what was probably the most smarmy and grandiose bow I had ever seen in my life. "And you are?"
"My name is Wolver Roach. I am a Paladin of Heironeous and servant to the illustrious and beautiful Duchess of Astoria." I responded tersely. "Whom do you serve?"
"I serve noone of course, save myself." he said. "I am friend to many, and a lover and purveyor of all things woman. Since you serve so many people and causes, would you mind oiling my sword for me? I mean, it's dreadfully below me to do such a thing. I would pay you good money for it, squire."
My eyes narrowed dangerously. "I would most certainly mind! I am not your lackey. I am not your lapdog. Go oil it yourself." I snapped.
He reacted as if I'd just slapped him across the face. Obviously, this conceited little bastard was not used to being refused.
"I see." he said. "There are none who say no to the mighty Dustin Blackrose and do not regret it later on. It is your loss of course. To oil my sword is a great honor. I would have regalled you with incredible tales of my legendary exploits had you accepted. But, you deny yourself an opportunity to bask in my greatness. Go away squire. Leave now, while you still have a chance."
I resisted the great temptation to wrap his sword around his neck. I did not like him and I was sure, unfortunately, I would be running into him again in the future. Walking into Iuz, I decided to go have a look at Bloodstone's ever changing inventory.
Through Lockyer and past Sargon's Tower I went. Through the North East Fields and around the keep I strode. Through the Western Gulthmere Forest and the Galena Mountains I tread. Soon, I was standing in the shops of Bloodstone. A warrior could spend two weeks straight looking at these shops and never see the same thing twice. This truly was an adventurer's dream.
Of course, there was another shopper already there. She was a mousy woman, with short black hair and an air of menace around her. Instinctively, my hand brushed against the pommel of my sword, making sure it was still there.
"Hello to you." she called out to me.
"Well met, hello." was my short response.
She turned her attention back towards the merchant and started to buy more items. Thinking it was the end of the conversation, I got his attention and started haggling with him myself. A few minutes later she turned back towards me and said, "Would you happen to know any paladins?"
"Psssh, you're staring at one right now." I said. "Why do you ask?"
"Becuase I am recruiting paladins to lay waste to a horrible gang of ne'er-do-wells. I am recruiting paladins to destroy the drunken bards."
I stepped back, reeling from her statement. "My family too is at war with the bards." I said, shocked. "However, I don't know you. Who are you? And what is your business with the bards?"
"I am the Heretic of Guuuuuuuulga." she said majestically. "Gulga is the god of Law and Discipline. These bards obviously have none and therefore must be expunged from the land. With an army of paladins at my side, we will defeat these rabblerousers."
I was liking her already. But, the word 'heretic' should have clued me in about the type of woman she was. Unfortunately, good sense didn't prevail this day.
"I need your help paladin." she said.
"What do you ask of me?" I asked.
"Well first, I am a crafter. I'm very good at making weapons. I can make a sword for you, if you so wish." she said.
"On what condition?" I asked, getting straight to the point.
"There is a dragon guarding the rarest and most precious ores. I cannot defeat him singlehandedly. I need your help to do that. If you help me bring down the dragon, I will make you a fine sword."
"Agreed." I said. "What is the name of this dragon? And where is its lair?"
"He is known as old blue." she said. The name rang a bell inside my head. I remembered Ders Steel and Derry Mard talking about this dragon. Neither of them ever wanted to take it down solo. It was too tough, they said.
"He is located in TST." she said.
"TST?" I asked.
"Yes, TST. It stands for Tradeskill Town. It's just off of Wittershins Road."
"Okay, where is Wittershins Road?" I asked.
She gave me a perplexed look. "Have you ever been to Penultima?" she asked.
"No."
Her eyes showed exasperation at this point. "Have you ever been anywhere?"
"What kind of question is that? Of course I've been 'anywhere'. I'm here, aren't I?"
"Oh, just be still and follow me." she said.
Clearly this relationship was gettting off to the wrong foot. But, she did offer me a sword for my troubles. I wanted to see if she could make something as fine as the bloodletter that was stowed away in my pack. And for that, I was willing to take a certain degree of abuse from her.
We started travelling. But the terrain was all to familiar to me. When we had crossed Lockyer's threshold I called out, "Wait. What are you doing? We're going back towards Karunth."
"Tradeskill town is east of the forest of Karunth." she said, rolling her eyes.
"There's a road eastward? Really?" I said, completely surprised.
"Yes. Now will you quit bothering me with your questions until we at least get there? I'm in a bit of a hurry, you know."
"Fine." I said.
"The less time I spend in this woman's presence the better." I thought. Already she was making me feel like a child. And what do children do when they're reproached? Well, they sulk. And that's just what I did.
We travelled east of the Forest of Karunth, making sure to avoid the nasty goblin. Sure enough, there was a narrow road before us.
"We're here." she said. "There's a crossroads just up ahead. If you go west, you hit the town of Penultima. If you go east, you hit the town of Wittershins."
"Right." I said. "But where is this tradeskill town you were talking about?"
"To the north you idiot!!" she said, clearly frustrated.
"Look, let's get one thing straight Heretic." I said. "You're the one who asked for MY help. You remember that? My help. I don't have to give you this help. I don't answer to Gulga. I don't answer to you. So, if you want my help why don't you lay off and treat me with a little more respect?"
Now it was her turn to sulk. I guess that's what it was, becuase she didn't respond. Well at least not with words. She just grunted and started running again.
We crossed over into TradeSkill Town. What a strange place it was, bustling with all sorts of activity. There was a female half-orc beating away on an anvil. I saw a dwarf cruise into some building marked 'jewelry'. And some small gnome was running in and out of a building, working an oven and some sort of wash basin.
The Heretic didn't pay them any mind and instead ran straight into the forest. We passed howling wolves, rabid badgers, and even polar bears?!!?! What were they doing here in a temperate climate?
Finally we ran into the side of a mountain. Its spires loomed ominously above us. On either side of the entrance to this mound of rock were veins of ore, their raw metals and gemstones glinting in the sunlight. Without even the slightest hesitation, the Heretic jumped in.
We ran into Fire Giants and Duergar in this cavern. The Heretic obviously was a cleric. And the spells she called forth were indeed a powerful homage to her god.
Eventually, we found a pathway going down further into the mountain.
"Okay paladin, here's where you do your thing. Buff up." said the Heretic.
I looked at her blankly. "Buff?" I asked.
"Yes, buff. You know, cast your holy spells. Invoke your god's will and make yourself more powerful. That's what buffing up means."
"Ah, I'll have to remember that." I said. Still I made no move to 'buff' myself up. I had no interest in telling her I was dispossessed. Really, it was none of her business.
"I'm fine, thank you." I said, starting to quaff my potions.
"Fine, whatever works for you." she said.
We marched down into the belly of the mountain. I could see from my vantage point that our narrow passageway was opening up into a huge cavern. The Heretic motioned me to stop, all the while murmering incantations under her breath.
At that point, the popping sound of oh..about a dozen traps being disarmed echoed throughout the entire cavern. It was at that point that she yelled, "Charge!!"
We charged in and we met by the largest and fiercest dragon I'd ever seen in my life. Its azure scales interlocked perfectly with one another, creating what looked like an impossibly tough hide. And it wasted no time to show its displeasure in being disturbed.
Immediately, it dispelled both the Heretic and I. And then it started raking us with its electrical breath and acid fog. The fog was slowing me down, and I could barely take one shot from its breath before being forced to quaff a heal potion.
But we were hurting it. Yes, we were hurting it. It seemed confused as to which of us to concentrate on, thankfully. It would knock one of us down, slash us with its claws, and then turn to the other. Not a sound strategy in my opinion, but what did I know?
Soon enough, it lay dead at our feet...its body melting away to reveal some sort of enchanted axe. The Heretic professed no interest in the artifact so I put it away in my pack for safekeeping.
I stood watch over the Heretic as she started to mine. The incessent sound of her pickaxe chipping away at rock was driving me mad. The work was insufferably tedious to watch. I couldnt' imagine doing it myself. It took every ounce of self-discipline I possessed to stay awake while she worked.
Eventually, even she grew tired of mining. Either that, or she finally found what she was looking for. She bade me to come back to the town with her, and I did. There she went to a forge, explaining that she needed to melt the ore into useable ingots. After a few minutes, she drew out a hammer and started to get ready for work on the anvil.
She peered at me, and I swear she was trying to look into the very recesses of my soul. She looked at me that way, grabbed some ingots, and started pounding away. For a few minutes, the only sound I heard besides her hammer ringing off the anvil was the curses she was muttering under her breath. "If she's so good," I thought, "Then why hasn't she made something useable yet?"
"There we go! Finally." she yelled out triumphantly. "Here you are. I hope it serves you well." She handed me the sword.
It was a nice sword, but not great. Certainly, it didn't seem as wicked as my bloodletter did. But unlike the bloodletter, I could use this blade.
"See? It's made from Mithral. And of exceptional quality too!" she beamed.
"Uh, thanks." I said, hefting the blade and swinging at the air with it. "It, erm, feels nice. Good balance. Uh, nice sheen too."
"Now remember paladin, I will be calling upon you shortly. In fact, I desire you to meet another holy warrior recruit of mine. But not today. My work here is concluded. Good day to you, and good luck." she said, disappearing into thin air.
I sheathed the sword and headed back to Karunth. I met Thor there.
"Hail Wolver!" he cried out happily.
"Hail Thor!" I yelled with the same enthusiasm.
Our hands clasped and we patted the other's back.
"Had a good day so far?" Thor asked me.
"Aye Thor, strange, but good. I have a favor to ask of you though." I said.
"What?" he asked.
"I need for you to find out about a god here in Karunth. What this god embodies, how he or she treats her followers, and exactly what types of followers he or she attracts? The god's name is Gulga. Can you do that?"
"Aye, no problem at all Wolver. I'll look into it right now." he said, before turning and leaving the MarketSquare.
I looked around. It seemed that my chat with Thor attracted someone's attention.
She had long, blonde hair and was very attractive. She carried herself with much the same grace that my lady did. In fact, it was that grace that made me think of her right there and then. And it started to make my heart ache. The woman started moved to approach me, but I decided to beat her to the punch, so to speak. Soon, I was standing in front of her.
"You know, when you are in town, it is polite to remove your helm." she said coolly.
"Oh? A thousand apologies m'lady." I said, hastily removing my helm. My tail was scraggly from being cooped up inside all day. And the tip was drenched in sweat. I pulled off my gauntlets, removed the tie, and fixed my hair as best I could.
"Wolverine Roach at your service m'lady." I said, bowing formally.
"Yes, yes, I've heard of you." she said, smiling sweetly. "But I'd never had the occasion to meet you. I am Lady Sternlash."
"A pleasure, m'lady." I said. "Is there anything I can do for you? How might I be of service to you?"
"So quick to be of service are you?" she said wryly. "Perhaps I do have need of a warrior. I have here a portal stone to the 18th level of the dungeon of Ireran but noone to accompany me."
"I would gladly accompany you, m'lady." I said. "I would do everything in my power to see that you come to no harm."
"Oh my." she said. "There are dangerous creatures down there though. Are you sure you'd be up for such a task?"
"Aye m'lady, I am." I responded quickly.
"Well then, let's say then, tomorrow at noon?" she said.
"I will be here. Right where I'm standing at this moment m'lady."
She smiled again. But something else caught the attention of her eyes. I followed them and she was looking at a message board. Some weathered scrap of paper hung there, distinctly apart from the others. We both walked up to it and read it. After a few minutes, I was the first to say something.
"Right, who is Jambini Thatcher? And why would he ask for adventurers to come try and kill him? Does he have a death wish?" I asked.
"I know him." Lady Sternlash said. "I've travelled with him many a time. He is a good man. But I hope noone is fool enough to take him up on his challenge."
"Why is that?" I asked.
"Because he is the best there ever was." she said shortly. She paused for a few seconds. "Tomorrow. Noon. Right?"
"Aye, my lady. Wild horses could not prevent me from showing here to escort you. Heh, who knows? I might be the one who needs escorting! If these dungeons be as dangerous as you say they are!" I said, laughing.
"Then I bid you adieu." she said with nod of her head.
I decided to retire to my quarters after that. The dim candlelight in my room was comforting. So comforting it was, that it inspired me to start a fire in the fireplace.
While I sat on the ground, struggling to remove my boots, I heard a knocking at the window. I ignored it and kept struggling with the boots. A few seconds later there was a distinctive clicking noise and the window slowly creaked open.
"Honestly, I don't know why you give me the courtesy of knocking, elf." I said, not even looking up. "What is it? What sort of mischief of yours do you have to report to me about this time?"
"Hello to you too Wolverine." she sang gaily. "Anyways, I knock just to make sure you um, are decent! Yeah, that's it!"
"As you can see, I'm fully armored still." I said. I didn't enjoy bandying words with the Duchess's pixie. She was a meddlesome little creature. Indeed, I was still cross at her for having the temerity to talk to Ghost without anyone's permission. "What news do you bring?"
"Oh, nothing...just this little scroll." she said, making a great effort to hide it behind her back. It was half again as tall as she was.
"Well, what's in it? Why don't you tell me elf. I know you have already taken a sneak peek at it." I said, starting to undo my straps to my breastplate. When it fell, I let out a silent sigh of relief.
"Um, actually. It was sealed. I couldn't open it without breaking the seal. Honest, Wolverine! It's from the Duchess though. I think it's pretty important too."
"You think it's important? Give me that you miserable little creature." I said, snatching it away from her. "Everything from the Duchess is important. Don't you ever forget that!"
I broke the wax seal of the parchment. Even the wax smelled of lilacs and honeysuckle. And that smell brought back memories of our childhood. Back to a time when position in this world didn't matter. Back to a time when status didn't matter. Back to a time when all there was was a little boy doe-eyed for a little girl and her pleasant reciprocations.
I started reading the letter.
My Dearest Wolver,
Due to your apparent lack of progress....
I finished the letter. Every admonishment, every chastising comment, every sarcastic remark was a dagger in my heart. I started clenching my jaw, balled up the letter, and tossed it into the fire. I had never been rebuked so before. Quite honestly, I felt like crying. I purposely moved closer to the fire so the heat could help dry the welting in my eyes.
"What is it Wolver?" the regency elf said excitedly, breaking the silence finally. Of course she would do that. She couldn't sit still for a minute, let alone keep quiet for that long.
I drew in a deep breath.
"It would seem that your lady, my liege, is coming here. She is already on her way as we speak." I said.
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the_gootch
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Kneel Before Me Sons of HC!!
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posted November 30, 2006 07:24 AM |
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And this is where I've left the story off. It is yet another incomplete project of mine.
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william
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
LummoxLewis
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posted November 30, 2006 08:35 AM |
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Whoa, these are awesome, somebody give this guy a qp lmmfao, excellent work there 
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~Ticking away the moments that
make up a dull day, Fritter and
waste the hours in an off-hand
way~
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Consis
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Of Ruby
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posted November 30, 2006 04:07 PM |
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Edited by Consis at 16:09, 30 Nov 2006.
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The_Gootch,
Would it surprise you to know that not sixteen inches from where I sit stands a loomingly tall, wide, and dusty antiquely stained old wooden entertainment center, atop which, sits a (great wall of China-esque) rampart of even dustier old picture frames whose images one can barely discern . . . and behind those . . . out of the sight and mind of my three rugrats lay stacks of pages of unfinished fictions which I had long ago began but never became thusly compelled to bring to fruition.
It is never too late to start your life over as a writer. I suspect one day, perhaps in the second coming of Christ, Hell freezes over, or pigs begin to fly, (whichever comes first) that those sedimentary story sheets might find a new day awaiting their return to the forefront of my thoughts and focus.
You're a talented writer The_Gootch. Of that, there can be no question. However! It's up to you to shine the light of pro-action upon your infant creations and not only breath new life into them but also teach them to walk on their own.
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Roses Are Red And So Am I
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violent_flower
Promising
Supreme Hero
Almost there.
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posted November 30, 2006 05:46 PM |
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He kills the dragon and for this he shall die...
Look honey a bright red star for a bright boy....
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Learn how to duck and weave because I will throw truth at you all day!
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