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| Thread: The Age of Strife (IC) |  This thread is pages long: 1 2 3 4 5 · NEXT» |
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted July 04, 2017 09:27 PM |
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The Age of Strife (IC)
((This is going to be the classic "group all meets in a tavern" scenario, I'm going with that, no matter how cliche it is))
Cragow. It was once a wealthy port town of Westerlands, nearly as prosperous as Kingstadd. Now it's but a shadow of it's former glory. buildings were either barred up, or have already fallen into disrepair. Very little of this once large city remains, and the majority of survivors dwell around the city square and the ports as well. Cragow was the place where the plague come to the mainland of Niveria from the Isles of Aleria.
Morn was walking the city, along with some of his Grovekeeper companions, along with a cart with three moose in them. Although the harvests have been better with each passing season, the king of Westerlands still wanted to ration it. Supposedly it was for the better. By the edict of the king, only those belonging to the Grovekeepers can hunt within the forests of Westerlands. The rulers of Nornheim and the Clanlands, soon followed with similar edicts, establishing their own Grovekeeper analogues. There was little to no word coming from Aleria.
Never the less, there were people who would ignore this edict, and many, many people driven by hunger, went into the woods to set up snares, pitfalls and other traps to catch wild game. A lot of work that Morn and the other Grovekeepers did, was to dismantle these traps and put the poachers who placed them. A lot of those people were nothing more but smallfolk, who couldn't endure this time of tightening one's belt. many pleads and cries for mercy were heard by Morn's ears, but they all fell on deaf ears, as Morn Occasionally though, the Grovekeepers escorted people to gather fungi and other wild edibles, making sure that they don't stray away. A lot of measures had to be taken, even the nobility wasn't safe to hunt for pleasure. Few that did, were mercilessly struck down, along with their retinues, with the arrows loosed by the Grovekeepers and their corpses paraded in Kingstadd as a way to serve as a warning before being burned, as the plagues of undeath were real and despite the efforts of the Lightsworn had swept into the western kingdoms, but not with such fury as it did in Araraq.
Times looked gloom overall.
- Aight, Morn, we'll take these beasts to the granary - one of Morn's Grovekeeper companions said.
- Aye, you do that.- He replied.
- Shame we'll have to lose you Morn, you're a good lad - Another Grovekeeper said. He looked as the oldest in the group.
- I will return. I have a feeling that this expedition will sort things out. - Morn said, as he walked towards the one remaining inn in Cragow, called the "Leviathan's Jaw". In there, he heard, resided the man who wish to gather people for the expedition into the fable and myth ridden Blackstone Fortress.
As the door of the inn opened, Aellis noticed a tall man with a bow, and furs enter the establishment. On his armor, he bore a badge of the Grovekeepers, as well as some old crest as well, of which Aellis had no recall of. It seemed that the grovekeeper came in for a drink and a meal, but it might as well be for the reason that a lot of others had came too. This stranger had ammassed a lot of people of interesting backgrounds. The stranger itself was curious as well. He sat by the table in the center of the inn, with a uncorked bottle of wine, and several pouches filled with local coinage nearby. He wore all black garb, and never took off his hood, but for a short glimpse, Aellis noticed that this stranger has gray, cracked skin and red eyes. He didn't carry any sort of weapon on him, but was somewhat armored from what she could make out. And the weirdest thing about him, is the way he spoke. For most of the time, he referred to himself as 'we', and his voice sounded like two people speaking in unison, nothing that Aellis had seen before, even as an Inquisitor. But an assignment, was an asignment. So Aellis was one of the first to join the stranger's expedition.
As Morn had entered the inn he noticed the man immediatly.
"he must be the one" - he thought to himself. while looking at him. He was definitely something. Morn had approached the man.
- Ah, another one approaches - He said, in the most eerie voice that Morn has ever heard. - We presume you're here to delve into the Fortress?
- Aye. - Morn said.
- Excellent. - The stranger replied. - We shall begin our little adventure tomorrow, in the afternoon. I shall await you by the western gate of the city. - He said while pushing a pouch of gold towards Morn. - A little advance payment my friend, for any supplies you may require. - The stranger said.
Morn took the pouch, which was very heavy, and pretty much full. He weighted the gold in his hand, then went towards the bar, for a little drink.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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EnergyZ
Legendary Hero
President of MM Wiki
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posted July 04, 2017 10:29 PM |
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Edited by EnergyZ at 22:32, 04 Jul 2017.
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"Gah!" Cassador wakes up from a nightmare. He dreamed how his entire family was slaughtered by dark shadows, and that he could do nothing but watch until a big shadow consumes him.
It's been three days since Cassador arrived to Cragow, and rent a room in the inn named "Leviathan's Jaw". He gets out of bed, and prays to his dead wife and parents, as well as his son, who is back in Aleria. He also sets a fire to a rose he bought yesterday (an ancient tradition that gives respects to the dead). After kissing his necklace and crying a tear out, Cassador mutters "Alyssa". Without further ado, he places on his armor, gathers his equipment and ventures out of the room.
Cassador sits by the bar and asks for a drink. "Wish I could forget to remember", Cassador mutters, and gulps down the drink. Yet nothing seems to work, not even the faith of the Church he visited for the past days; he only feels an emptiness, a void, inside, and wishes that his uncle and son do not share the same fate as he does, and neither do his friends at Lordsport. He gives the bartender some gold, and notices that he doesn't have much money left and should get some sort of a job soon, something that'll inspire his life back.
Just as Cassador goes to leave, he notices a man trying to get his attention, who gave a bag to a grey-bearded man a moment ago.
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted July 05, 2017 12:13 AM |
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Wheels of the caravan cart rolled down the cracked road to Cragow. The caravan master, an old bearded man, randomly cussed at the small rocks that the cart would stumble upon. In the cart, Hassic counted the last of the coins he had on him - twenty two in total, barely enough to cover a bed and a single light meal in an inn. Other passengers, mainly fortune seekers from various places, conversed amogst themselves about their plans. It was from one of these adventurers that Hassic had heard about an expedition into the Blackstone Fortresses. They were a center of much speculation and legends for as long as he can remember, and definitely not a place where anyone would willingly go as they were also supposedly cursed. Yet what does that mean to a man who has no one and nothing waiting for him to return?
The sun was gone. All that was left of it was a reddish glow from the horizon.
"... Best find a place to stay before the lowlife fills the streets", Hassic heard someone mutter. Indeed, staying out on the streets could prove fatal, with crazy starved folk looking for a quick way to get some coin through mugging, sometimes followed by murder.
Suddenly the cart stopped.
"A'right", said the caravan master, "time to get off, we've reached Cragow"
The passengers disembarked, and quickly went their way. Hassic found himself alone near the cart, with the exception of the old man who took a pair of carrots to feed the horses. Almost no sunlight was left in the sky, and the street in frontof Hassic wasn't lit. However, there was light emanated from a building which looked like an inn, so Hassic quickly made his way towards it, while looking around him for any possible ambush. As he approached it, he noticed a sign clumsily hanging above the doorway reading "Leviathan's Jaw". Hassic entered the building and was greeted by a sight of many people, some friendly looking, some shady. He went over to the innkeep and put his coin purse on the bar.
"I'm looking for a bed and a meal", he said as he grabbed a seat.
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Ghost said:
Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted July 05, 2017 08:16 PM |
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- We don't have much for meals but we can find some, pickings have been slim in the past few weeks.- The barkeep replied.- There's drink a plenty though, mead for the most part. - He said while filing up a tankard for Morn. - We'll find a bed for you as well, there are some vacant rooms. - The barkeep shouted into the kitchen about bringing what's left of the very very, thin stew to a weary traveler. He then, after counting the money that Hassic gave him, turned his attention back to Morn.
- Was your hunt successful ser?- The barkeep asked Morn.
- Aye, my associates will distribute the meats on the morrow. - He replied before drinking some of the mead.
Meanwhile the stranger gestured to Cassador to come closer to him.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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EnergyZ
Legendary Hero
President of MM Wiki
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posted July 05, 2017 10:17 PM |
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Cassador approaches the stranger. Wary of what might happen, Cassador is ready to take out the sword for any sign of trouble. "You have called me, sir?" he says, and tries to examine the stranger.
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Come and visit the Might and Magic Wikia!
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted July 05, 2017 11:31 PM |
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"Just serve me the cheapest drink you have", Hassic replied, "These tough times don't let a man choose anything better. By the way, what's the word around the town about this expedition to one of the fortresses?"
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Ghost said:
Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Gryphs
Supreme Hero
The Clever Title
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posted July 06, 2017 08:44 AM |
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Edited by Gryphs at 08:52, 06 Jul 2017.
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Florentina trod down the now empty road. The sun had been setting on her approach to Cragow and had set completely by the time she had arrived there. The town was less destitute then she had thought though her standards were not high after spending so much time in Ararq. Supposedly, a crazy grey man was here recruiting for an expedition into a Blackstone Fortress, at least that is what the crazy, toothless crier had told her. He had been ranting a few villages out lying against a post howling for all passersby. He was evidently mad form starvation though even when brought to lucidity with food he asserted that his claims were entirely correct. While doubtful she would still pursue his claims if only out of curiosity. After all it had not been the first time crazy people had been right, that is what they called those who first saw the dead walk.
The streets were black and light shone from scant few buildings. The whispers and chuckles of crooks could be heard emerging from the shroud. The safety provided by the sight of her sword would not last long against their numbers. She navigated the streets ready to draw her blade until she reached one of the buildings emanating with light. A sad sign hung from the establishment. She tilted up her mask slightly to see it in the dim light.
"The Leviathan's Jaw", she mumbled.
She pressed the mask back against her face and opened the door to the tavern. She glanced about the room before landing it on the large crowd surrounding the stranger. Her gazed remained affixed on the crowd as she walked to bar bumping a few patrons on her way.
"A room please", she said absently still trying to see the stranger.
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"Don't resist the force. Redirect it. Water over rock."-blizzardboy
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted July 06, 2017 05:15 PM |
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- You talk to that fellow clad in black, he'll tell you everything. - The barkeep said and pointed to the Stranger sitting in the middle. He then turned his attention to Florentina.
- Sure thing, ten crowns and it's your's for the night - He said. Crowns is what the Westeri people called the gold coins. While in essence all countries used the same type of coinage, identical in size and weight, each nation had their own unique designs and names for them.
The stranger looked at Cassador.
- You look capable. We could use someone like you in our expedition - He said, as he pushed a pouch full of gold coins towards you. - We assure you, there's more where that came from.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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EnergyZ
Legendary Hero
President of MM Wiki
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posted July 06, 2017 10:15 PM |
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Cassador is hesitant to accept the job. "How do I know this isn't some sort of a trick?" Though he was looking for money, Cassador isn't fully comfortable to work with strangers. "At least tell me more about this job."
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted July 06, 2017 11:23 PM |
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Upon hearing the innkeep's words, Hassic shifted his attention towards the peculiar patron who was talking with a soldier.
If there was anyone in the world who looked like a person that would enter a Blackstone Fortress, that would be him, he thought to himself, I'd best let them finish their talk and then inquire about the expedition.
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Ghost said:
Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Gryphs
Supreme Hero
The Clever Title
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posted July 07, 2017 07:38 AM |
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Edited by Gryphs at 16:03, 07 Jul 2017.
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Without acknowledgement and still watching the stranger, Florentina removed a sack from her belt and inattentively removed 10 crowns sliding them on to the bar. Without a word she approached the group around the recruiting man. She pushed her way past a person in front her and began to eye the stranger curiously.
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"Don't resist the force. Redirect it. Water over rock."-blizzardboy
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted July 07, 2017 05:22 PM |
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The stranger was amused by Cassador, and he alugh heartily, although due to his voice, the laughter sounded very, very eerie.
- We do not need to lure you into a monument left behind by an ancient civilisation to kill you, if that's what you're implying.- The Stranger said. - The job is fairly simple. You will delve into the ancient structure in search for artifacts. That is all. We will tell you more when we'll reach the first Fortress.
Morn was meanwhile enjoying his drink, a nice mug of mead, from the times before the famines. What survived the disasters were the old wines and mead, as well as spirits, drinks with a long shelf life in general. He turned away from the bar, to observe the inn. He had noticed, that the table besides which the stranger sat, as well as the floor nearby it, had a sizeable, fresh bloodstain on them. And Morn didn't spot any weapon that the Stranger had carried, which means that his employer was more dangerous than any of the patrons of the Inn. He was talking to a mercenary now, trying to convince him that this wasn't an elaborate death trap and was just a treasure hunt, as people were generally quite superstitiuos when it came to Blackstone Fortresses, yet at the same time spun tales about the vast, miraculous treasures hidden within.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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EnergyZ
Legendary Hero
President of MM Wiki
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posted July 07, 2017 10:00 PM |
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Edited by EnergyZ at 22:01, 07 Jul 2017.
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Cassador scowls; he has little choice left. He takes the money, promising to be at the fortress.
"I'll be there tomorrow, then." Cassador leaves off to buy some food. He does wonder what was so funny about his question, though.
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Come and visit the Might and Magic Wikia!
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted July 08, 2017 05:21 PM |
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- So, are there any more courageuos souls here to embark on an adventure of their lifetime? - The stranger asked the Inn.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted July 08, 2017 08:00 PM |
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Hassic got up from his seat and approached the stranger.
"What exactly would that adventure include", he asked.
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Ghost said:
Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted July 08, 2017 09:12 PM |
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- One can never trully know. - The stanger replied. - We shall not honeycoat it. It is a dangerous endeavour. The Fortresses are well guarded, but nothing that skilled people cannot overcame. And let s tell you one thing - The stranger leaned forward. - All those tales you've heard growing up about the Fortresses... The tales of treasure ealed within them... All of them... Are true.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted July 08, 2017 09:58 PM |
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"Hard to believe that if nobody has ever returned from one of them, but you've piqued my interest. In the event that the expedition turns out successful, how much money are talking about as a reward?"
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Ghost said:
Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted July 08, 2017 10:36 PM |
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- you will be handed ten times the amount we're handing out here - The stranger gestured at the few remaining pouches of gold. - In these coinpurses are about 400 of your 'crowns' each. We presume you can count. Moreover, we will allow you to keep any loot you may grab within the fortress, and make out alive with it. We shall tell you more when we'll reach the fortress.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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NoobX
Undefeatable Hero
Now, this is a paradox...
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posted July 10, 2017 12:20 PM |
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"Then you've gotten yourself another blade", Hassic responded, "When do you depart?"
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Ghost said:
Door knob resembles anus tap.
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Kipshasz
Undefeatable Hero
Elvin's Darkside
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posted July 10, 2017 01:16 PM |
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- Tomorrow afternoon, through the west gate of this city - The stranger replied. We'll wait you there.
Aellis went up to the bar with her mug.
- I want a refill - She said to the barkeep. After she got a fresh mug of mead, she turned her attention to Morn.
- Please do tell me, why a grovekeeper would want to embark with this man to the Blackstone Fortress?
- I have my reasons lass - Morn replied. - Being a grovekeeper began to take it's toll.
- Why?- Aellis asked, then she might have realised why.- Is it because of that edict of his grace?
- Aye. I've already lost count of how many I've sent to the noose. You wouldn't know. They're simple folk, the most of 'em at least - Morn said. After a sip of his drink, he resumed speaking - Fathers just trying to scrounge some more meat for their little ones, because their cattle starved to death. And many more like that. I have a feeling, that this expedition, will give us a means to end this strife.
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"Kip is the Gavin McInnes of HC" - Salamandre
"Ashan to the Trashcan", "I got PTSD from H7. " - LizardWarrior
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