crazy_monkey1956
First Post
Clang
Clang
Clang
Clang
Clang
Clang
The toll of the execution bell. One ring for each offense. One ring, accompanied by a scream. One ring for each spell of pain inflicted on the prisoner, a torture spell designed to inflict little damage but cause excruciating pain. Then, death.
That is what awaits the prisoners below the execution yard. In two days time, it will be their turn. Some await it stoically, others fearfully. None yet know just how many times their bell will toll. The Red Wizards don't divulge that information until the prisoner is already in the execution yard, awaiting their sentence.
Today's execution was of a man accused of breaking in to a Red Wizard's home and stealing a magic item. Some of the prisoners now awaiting execution were accused of offenses far worse than that.
Bree Firewalker. Emiran, which puts her at odds with her Thayvian captors already. Accused of espionage. Usually ten tolls
Dremis Lightfoot. A halfling accused of theft from a Red Wizard. Usually six tolls.
Evan Butler. One of the paragons, an elite soldier created by the Red Wizards. Accused of murder...and treason. Usually 15 tolls.
The mysteriously named Seventeen. A human of indeterminate nationality. Accused of espionage. Usually ten tolls.
Grellus Red, an ogre. Accused of murder and banditry. Usually ten tolls.
A human girl who refuses any other name but Shard. Accused of sedition. Usually six tolls.
Steise, seemingly human, but perhaps something more. Accused of assault and intent to harm the interests of a Red Wizard. Usually four tolls.
A nameless Duergar. Crimes unknown.
Xoan, another human of indeterminate origin who may be something more. Accused of assault and sedition. Usually seven tolls.
Dace Bloodhoof, a minotaur. Accused of murder. Usually eight tolls.
Varon Meyer, a wizard from Azgund. Accused of espionage and sedition. Usually twelve tolls.
A gnome, gibbering with madness. None had yet learned his name or his crimes.
And, from the isolation chamber, the oubliette, the prisoners heard moans at night, as if the prisoner thrown down there weeks ago and forgotten by the guards still stirred. But no one could survive isolation that long...
The Mad Ravings of the Gnome
That night, as the prisoners partake of their evening meal in their cells, a thin broth and a piece of stale bread, the gnome's ramblings echo through the cell block, as they usually do. But there is a different tone to it now, something sane amidst the lunacy.
"Strong ogre, yes. Strong minotaur, yes. But not strong enough for enchanted cell doors, no. But, could be...the shadow below, yes. The shadow below can get the key. The key to suppress the magic, yes. Lots of guards, yes. But, One Mind is all we need, yes. Get past the guards says the One Mind. Stealth and thievery needed to get things, past belongings, yes. Then, then there is the long, dark path. The way above will surely be re-caught. No, go down, down, down into the dark, into the secret places, the lost places. That way lies freedom...and more. So much more."
Clang
Clang
Clang
Clang
Clang
The toll of the execution bell. One ring for each offense. One ring, accompanied by a scream. One ring for each spell of pain inflicted on the prisoner, a torture spell designed to inflict little damage but cause excruciating pain. Then, death.
That is what awaits the prisoners below the execution yard. In two days time, it will be their turn. Some await it stoically, others fearfully. None yet know just how many times their bell will toll. The Red Wizards don't divulge that information until the prisoner is already in the execution yard, awaiting their sentence.
Today's execution was of a man accused of breaking in to a Red Wizard's home and stealing a magic item. Some of the prisoners now awaiting execution were accused of offenses far worse than that.
Bree Firewalker. Emiran, which puts her at odds with her Thayvian captors already. Accused of espionage. Usually ten tolls
Dremis Lightfoot. A halfling accused of theft from a Red Wizard. Usually six tolls.
Evan Butler. One of the paragons, an elite soldier created by the Red Wizards. Accused of murder...and treason. Usually 15 tolls.
The mysteriously named Seventeen. A human of indeterminate nationality. Accused of espionage. Usually ten tolls.
Grellus Red, an ogre. Accused of murder and banditry. Usually ten tolls.
A human girl who refuses any other name but Shard. Accused of sedition. Usually six tolls.
Steise, seemingly human, but perhaps something more. Accused of assault and intent to harm the interests of a Red Wizard. Usually four tolls.
A nameless Duergar. Crimes unknown.
Xoan, another human of indeterminate origin who may be something more. Accused of assault and sedition. Usually seven tolls.
Dace Bloodhoof, a minotaur. Accused of murder. Usually eight tolls.
Varon Meyer, a wizard from Azgund. Accused of espionage and sedition. Usually twelve tolls.
A gnome, gibbering with madness. None had yet learned his name or his crimes.
And, from the isolation chamber, the oubliette, the prisoners heard moans at night, as if the prisoner thrown down there weeks ago and forgotten by the guards still stirred. But no one could survive isolation that long...
The Mad Ravings of the Gnome
That night, as the prisoners partake of their evening meal in their cells, a thin broth and a piece of stale bread, the gnome's ramblings echo through the cell block, as they usually do. But there is a different tone to it now, something sane amidst the lunacy.
"Strong ogre, yes. Strong minotaur, yes. But not strong enough for enchanted cell doors, no. But, could be...the shadow below, yes. The shadow below can get the key. The key to suppress the magic, yes. Lots of guards, yes. But, One Mind is all we need, yes. Get past the guards says the One Mind. Stealth and thievery needed to get things, past belongings, yes. Then, then there is the long, dark path. The way above will surely be re-caught. No, go down, down, down into the dark, into the secret places, the lost places. That way lies freedom...and more. So much more."