Death of the Dragons

hellrazor111 · 28th September 2008, 08:41 AM

You all have managed to end up in the western part of the world, past McNeil's Village. As you attempt to travel east you are stopped before Mt, Zublo. The road has been closed because there have been many Were-Tiger attacks recently, until the culprit is found, no one is allowed to travel past this area to prevent access to Wyndia.

You are told you can go to McNeil's Village to wait for the Were-Tiger to be caught. Before you reach the city you go through acres of farmland, people are busy working in the fields or with the animals.

The village itself is fairly small, only 8 houses, 2 shops and an Inn.

(ooc: sorry for a weak backstory, but due to diversity of the characters its a little hard to create reasons for everyone to be in the same place at the same time)

(ooc: you all can put yourself anywhere between the road block and inside the Village)

Halford · 28th September 2008, 06:36 PM

Adjusting his guise the ancient Elf appears to be nothing but another traveling merchant of modest means. Of course given certain facts about himself it should be obvious that he is not a Weretiger; and being in possession of the Phantom Steed spell as well as dweomers that allow him to fly - not to mention the powers of his fromidable intellect - he has little worry that such a beast could catch him. Nevertheless, he has never been accused of acting rashly, and a group of companions would reduce his risks substantially.

Perhaps there is a reward for the beasts capture, and he is always in need of funds to continue his research.

Turning to his fellows the merchant announces,

"Well I am headed for the Inn, if anyone is interested in trying to catch this beast please speak with me - I may be of some assistance. Who knows perhaps there is a reward?"

Vertexx69 · 28th September 2008, 09:55 PM

Grabhar kareens maniaclly through the gloomy Cedar woods, the strong smell of blood spurning him after the wounded buck he has been tracking for miles. His wings beating furiously, the trees begin to thin as as he approaches a clearing and sails upward above the canopy to prepare for the final diving strike and dinner. The buck is breathlessly charging headlong toward the opening at the edge of the opening when Grabhar sees a flash of yellow and a spray of blood shower the edge of the clearing. Grabhar's left eye twitches. The echo of the deer's scream is still echoing through the suddenly silent woods as he glides down to see if the beast left him anything at all.

The enraged spearsage doesn't even change into his disguise from his forest greens barely folding up his wings, he is so disgusted at the situation, as he pushes open the doors to the inn and stalks in with his crysm tipped spear in one hand and a bloody broken antler in the other. "How is a man supposed to feed himself with all these pesky were-beasts galavanting around the woods? Just look at this!" He slams the antler down on the bar, actually sticking it into the wood. "All thats left of the 12 pointer I had been tracking all day, and now what is it? A toothpick for a man with an empty stomach. Give me an ale and a haunch of whatevers turning on the spit back there barkeep." He tosses a couple grimey sivler coins on the bar and broods until his drink arrives. Fuming as he looks at the freshly broken horn...

Voidrazor · 29th September 2008, 01:14 AM

Haereka lies in wait, merged into the inn's bar. Soon the others would arrive and the dance woudl begin. The dance of powers, the dance of intrigue her lord had shown her in a vision of glory and death. There would be no mistaking the others when they arrived. She did not know who they were, or what exactly they would look like. But they would be distinctive, and possess powers that could be wielded to brign about the great lord's goals to fruition.

With silent thought-speach, uunoticed by anyone else in the room, Haereka replies to Grabhar. No reason to fret. Earlier was the strangest of flukes. With your hunting skills, it is a certainty that there will be no lack of fresh kill in the days to come. Ah, and I believe our new friends are about to arrive ...

Halford · 29th September 2008, 05:48 AM

A nondescript merchant enters the Inn, he scans the clientele before moving over to the bar where he orders the house red. Taking a seat at the bar he turns towards the room taking small measured sips.

As Grabhar slams the stump of antler down at the bar he listens with interest continueing to sup.

"Interested in ending these were-beasts master hunter?" He asks enquiringly. "I have some minor magical talent and would be interested in joining forces with someone who can provide the brawn. We might also consider seeking out some other skilled personages to augment our abilities."

Vertexx69 · 29th September 2008, 06:56 AM

The large hunter drains his stein without acknowledging the tiny merchant. He clatters down the empty tankard a bit hard, and after a moment looks down directly into the trader's eyes. "You think you're ready to race through the trees hunting those hulking beasts then do you? Lets speak a little over at the bench there." Grabhar wrenches the antler free of the bar, and taking his longspear from its perch against the bar turns toward the table.

The wide crytsm spear head seems to fold in on itself until it is nothing more than a slender shard no wider than the haft of the weapon, then changes to a dull silver sheen while the haft colapses in on itself down to standard spear length and then again to short spear, which he spins around and sheaths in a wide leather loop protruding from between his shoulder blades. He sets down heavily on the benched table and shoots the serving girl a knowing smirk. He draws a large kukri and starts to wittle the oozing antler as he waits for his food to be brought to the table, leaning back lightly against the wall.

Neurotic · 29th September 2008, 08:54 AM

Marius wondered around without immediate purpose after his last visit to the temple. Eventualy, he ended drifting to the south seeking new knowledge, new techniques or enlightement. He praticed diligently and every he would seek an Inn with visiting bards so he can hear more stories.

Working his way further south he was confronted with patrol shunting him to McNeil's Village. He went there without argument, news about exotic were-beast sparking his interest. Meditating for short while, drawing runes on the ground he went in the village with spring in his step.

Entering the Inn he scanned the crowd and sat at some quiet table ordering scrambled eggs and good wine.

He noted interest of several patrons and waited to see how things progress judging the characters for their combat prowess, physical or otherwise.

Halford · 29th September 2008, 09:52 AM

The merchant sits down and downs the last of his wine, smiling his eyes glow green and as he touches the rim of his glass it refills.

"So gentlemen, I propose we begin by giving each other a small accounting of our abilities, is this acceptable? I shall begin, I am a divine spell caster, skilled with unleashing energies to sear foes and in the healing arts, though I find them somewaht tedious."

Free Refills

Neurotic · 1st October 2008, 08:36 AM

Good day, gentleman. May I join you? I'm also interested in finding this menace. I apologize I couldn't but overhear your conversation, so as introduction, I'll offer my abilities.

Before you stands lean man with strange golden yellow eyes. He stands perfectly still, only his eyes and mouth moving. Most of his body is hidden by voluminous cloak of some kind of silk. Cloak is seemless just one big sheet of gray fabric. The cloak is held in place by golden clasp made in likeness of dragon. Long blond hair is pulled from his face and made into top-knot. Above the cloak part of elaborate tatoo can be seen reaching up the side of his neck.

My name is Marius Goldleaf. I am student of The Way of the Dragon from Dragon Temple north of here. I'm interested in finding as much as I can about this were-creature and removal or capture as neccessary.

Halford · 1st October 2008, 10:01 AM

"Ah, splendid, well do pull up a seat dear fellow." The merchant says politely nodding a greeting to the newcomer.

hellrazor111 · 3rd October 2008, 01:38 AM

The inn is unusually busy due to the roadblock. Apparently not wanting to upset any of you, most of the people tend to stare for too long and look away when you meet their gaze. After a while a boy, looking no older than 12, enters the Inn. He is dressed strangely for his age, in a suite of scale mail fitted for him, with a short sword at his waist.

His hair is a deep violet color and his eyes dart around the inn. The innkeeper walks over and scolds him for something as he takes a seat at an empty table close to you.

Ryfte · 3rd October 2008, 03:32 PM

Sitting at a nearby table a pale skinned elf chuckles quietly as she tosses small bits of stale bread into the air while a small owl snatches them. The two of them seem to be conversing with one another while playing and the elf frequently glances over at your table studying each individual in turn. Without rising she directs her voice to those seated at the table next to her, "You'll be needing a guide then I should think. Issef and I can show you the forest paths or the city paths... whichever you've need of. It would be a simple enough thing to have passed by the roadblock... but tis always wise to travel with others when lycanthropes be about. I'd join you there but Issef does like to play on the table." Wonder if one of these is one of the beasts... they can be sneaky when they need to be... but none have that look about them... that I can see at least. Standing and pulling an arrow from the quiver on her back she makes a quick series of gestures, "Leandra Blackbow, Nighthuntress of the Roofguard, Twilight Guardian of Io'Lokar at your service.", nods her head curtly and then replaces the arrow and sits again.

Vertexx69 · 3rd October 2008, 05:00 PM

A bemused look crosses the face of the spearman, as he glances intently at the elven maiden's form for the briefest of moments. "Nonsense M'lady, please be our guest and come join us. Your little friend does not offend." He indicates up into the rafters where several doves coo quietly away, passing unnoticed over most of the tables. "This is no night to be alone, especially with these great furry beasts rampaging through the night..." The comely serving girl brings a platter of meat to the table. Grabhar wraps a large gloved hand around her waste, gently pulling her close. He whispers something into her ear in musical tones that make her cheeks flush and the barest hints of a smile touch the corners of her mouth. Then he takes her hand and with the lightest of kisses and a wink, dismisses the barmaid as if she were a princess.

Turning his attention back to the accumulated new companions at his table, he gives each his full focus as they bring news from areas otuside the forest. Seeing that several of them were still unclear as to who their seeming host was at all, he smiles his wry smile and clears his throat gently. "But if you'd forgive me, I am Grabhar a simple spearman, and I've hunted in the surrounding forests for some time. I possess some small skill in getting where I need to be to get the job at hand done." He then falls silent as the food now seems to warrant his considerable attention.

After every scrap is gone from the plate he picks back up the antler and starts carving away again. Then he sets a small but finely crafted owl figurine in front of the elf girl, and then pulls out a small scroll that even the wizened old scholar has never seen before, and studies it intently for a little while before rolling it back up and draining another tankard.

hellrazor111 · 16th October 2008, 12:31 AM

You sit around talking for a few hours, about an hour ago the vilot haired boy grabbed his forehead and ran upstairs. He now calmly walk down the stairs to the bar, puts some coins on the counter and wispers something to the innkeeper before walking out.

The innkeeper then calls over a barmaid and points in you direction while wispering something and handing her a sheet of paper. The barmaid quickly approaches and studders "T-That purple haired b-boy wants you all t-to meet him at a s-small shack d-down the road." She puts the paper on the table. It is a curde map of the area with a spot circled in ink. She stand their for a second before turning and shuffeling away.

Halford · 16th October 2008, 02:20 AM

The merchant stands and raises and enquiring eyebrow,

"Well shall we? One last thing before we do, I will for the sake of social nicetie er up an introduction, I am The Late Alariass Karamon, and I am shall we say lacking a pulse, not in the nasty unsanitary way you are perhaps accustomed to, but rather in a dry and presentable manner. I hope this will cause no undue alarm, I assure you I am a respectable gentleman and a most useful traveling companion."

He watches the group cautiously ready to beat a hasty retreat should any take issue with his undeath.

"Shall we?"

Vertexx69 · 16th October 2008, 05:03 PM

The spearman in forest greens stands as he drains the last of his tankard, and presses another coin into the hand of the barmaid before she scurries off. He scruggs at priest's claim to lacking a pulse as he picks up his pack from under the table. "As long as you don't try to bite me I don't see a problem. Shall we be off then?"

Halford · 16th October 2008, 08:52 PM

Alariass chuckles dryly,

"I don't see that being a problem Master Huntsman, you are not to my taste - a fact I am sure neither of us lament! In anycase I am no Vampire."

With that he turns and walks out of the door.

Voidrazor · 17th October 2008, 04:01 AM

Haereka separates from the bar and ghosts ethereally over to the table for a peek at the map. She then makes a beeline for the marked spot, going straight through the wall. But as she does, she calls back telepathically to Grabhar. I don't suppose you could buy me a minute or so dear? I'd like to make sure that violet tressed lad has useful things to say.

hellrazor111

Vertexx69 · 17th October 2008, 07:51 AM

Grabhar reaches out to take hold of the priest's shoulder before he can start out the door, while casting an eye to the others at the table. "Please take a few moments to make sure all of your materials are in order before we hike out into the night. The beasts have been attacking all throughout the area, and I would hate to see anyone in my company caught unawares after spending seveeral hours in a cozy tavern with many distractions..." as he glances over at the young barmaid again. "Make sure nothing is ...misplaced before we set off." After a couple minutes of checking his own rig, the spearsage seems satisfied and stands back up as he slings his small pack over his massive shoulders and his spear sheath.

Those who are watching may notice that his forest gloves are tipped with a prestine set of razor sharp animal claws that seem to be attached from the inside of the gloves.

Neurotic · 17th October 2008, 08:46 AM

Marius frowns at the proclamation of undeath. But he decides to wait out, he heard of non-evil undead. And some powerful casters had elemental or other bloodlines that required no pulse.

I don't need to check anything. Way of the Dragon teaches us that weapon is just an item. Wielder is actual weapon and I am trained to be as deadly as dragon claw with or without help of items.

Still he waits with same unnatural immovability while other check their gear.