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Kingdoms of Kalamar; Rancor of the Unholy - Act 1: Scene 1
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<blockquote data-quote="narayan" data-source="post: 7557898" data-attributes="member: 6677509"><p><strong>The Tavern of Lost Souls</strong></p><p></p><p><em>As King Welren entered the 'Tavern of Lost Souls' he rather awkwardly pulled up his hood. After all his translucent astral body resembled his mortal form in almost every way, including his garments. He may not be easily killed in such a state but he was still recognizable. The last thing he wanted was anyone here to start taking note of his visits or asking questions. Astral plane or not, nowhere was absolutely safe from the Network of the Blue Salamander.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em>As King Welren moved along the wall towards the private booths, he recognized the tavern-keeper, a handsome middle-aged man named Dondarion stepping before him with his usual easy grin, bowing slightly with a hand to his chest.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> (Speaking Common) <span style="color: #ffa500">"Your majesty, welcome back to my humble establishment!"</span> He said in a respectful low voice.</em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em>Welren frowned in surprise and nodded curtly with irritation. It took considerable self control not to raise his voice and shout his displeasure the same way he would with his common servants. Welren had not revealed who he was to Dondarion, but it was equally clear by the way the tavern-keeper held his stance, that he would insist to have a word with him. Angry as he was, Welren had to remind himself this was not Cosdol. Here he did not rule. He had to remain calm, polite, and cautious of the dangers.</em></p><p><em> </em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> Appeared non-plussed. <span style="color: #008080">"Thank you Dondarion. I trust my usual booth is still available?"</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> Nodded. <span style="color: #ffa500">"Of course your majesty, three of your associates are already waiting for you. Will you be ordering any drinks?"</span></em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em>Welren realized the reason for his request was rather obvious. Taverns made their business selling food and drink. However in astral form he could not imbibe anything. If he was going to use this tavern as a meeting place, the very least he could do was spend some coin as if he could. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"Yes of course."</span></em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> Smiled. <span style="color: #ffa500">"Much appreciated your majesty. The lasses will be grateful."</span> He said gesturing to the serving maids.</em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"Forgive me sir if I can't give you an honest opinion of your brews in my current state."</span></em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> <span style="color: #ffa500">"Perhaps not your majesty, most-a-pity, but next time you visit rest assured it is safe to come as your usual self. Only the ziggurat is floating on the Astral Plane. The air we breath and the interior of the tavern itself is part of the material plane of my homeworld."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> Nodded <span style="color: #008080">"Ah, and which world would that be?"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> <span style="color: #ffa500">"With all due respect your majesty it's unlikely you've ever heard of it. It is known as Ayodya."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"Ayodya..."</span> He repeated. <span style="color: #008080">"You're correct I have not heard of it. If I had a mind to see it could I travel there from here?"</span></em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> Nodded <span style="color: #ffa500">"Yes you could quite easily your majesty..."</span> Dondarion answered gesturing to a door beside the bar. <span style="color: #ffa500">"Beyond that door lies my homeworld. However, it will only open IF you know the magic word!"</span> He said with a wink. <span style="color: #ffa500">"A necessary precaution I'm afraid. Some of these patrons and the other dangers of the Astral Plane might wreck havoc there otherwise."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> Smiled despite himself. <span style="color: #008080">"Very wise! I would do the same."</span> He liked Dondarion and he was curious about the world of Ayodya, but now was not the time for stories. <span style="color: #008080">"Please forgive me Dondarion, I would love to hear about Ayodya and the story behind this tavern, but right now I must meet my associates."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> Smiled warmly<span style="color: #ffa500"> "Of course your majesty, I did not mean to interrupt your business." </span>he said, bowing again with a hand to his chest. <span style="color: #ffa500">"I only wished to be of service."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"There is but one favor I would ask, please don't refer to me as 'your majesty' anymore. How is it that you know who I am? I have tried to keep my identity here a secret."</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> Stood up straighter. <span style="color: #ffa500">"As you wish. In truth it is not I who recognized you, but rather, the owner of this tavern. He told me he knew your great-grandfather, Veseln-the-conjurer. He is most pleased to see you here and would like to make your acquaintance."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> Raised a brow and glanced around. <span style="color: #008080">"Is he here now?"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> Smiled. <span style="color: #ffa500">"No. Like myself he dwells on Ayodya."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"What is his name?"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Dondarion:</strong> Leaned forward and lowered his voice to a whisper. <span style="color: #ffa500">"I'm afraid I am not allowed to use his name. He takes his anonymity very seriously."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> Frowned but nodded. <span style="color: #008080">"I see. Well perhaps we shall speak again after my meeting."</span> He said moving past Dondarion towards the private booths, each separated from the others by stone walls and hidden from view from the rest of the tavern by ornately carved hinged wooden gates.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Welren opened the gate for the booth he had reserved and recognized the other three members of his alliance seated within, also in astral form. One was Archmage Anaechin Tovalathlanco, a famed high elven wizard from the great elven city of Lathlanian within the Lendelwood. The other was Farstad the Steadfast, a stern Dwarven wizard from the Kingdom of Draska in the Byth Mountains. The last was Archmage Zenith, proud Dean of the famous college of Magic in Bet Rogala, capital of Pekal.</em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Farstad:</strong> Glared towards Welren. (speaking common) <span style="color: #696969">"What kept you?!"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> Slipped inside the gate and stood before the table. <span style="color: #008080">"Mr. Dondarion, the tavern-keeper, seemes to know I wear I crown."</span></em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Zenith:</strong> Raised a brow <span style="color: #800000">"Curious, did he explain how?"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"Not exactly. He said the owner of the tavern recognized me. He said he used to know my great-grandfather, Veseln-the-conjurer."</span></em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Anaechin:</strong> (Speaking Elvish) <span style="color: #000080">"As did I. Your great-grandfather was a great man."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Farstad:</strong> Glared towards Archmage Anaechin. (Speaking Common) <span style="color: #696969">"We agreed! No Elvish to be spoken at these meetings!"</span></em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Anaechin:</strong> Sighed. (Speaking Elvish) <span style="color: #000080">"Why not? You clearly understand it?"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Farstad:</strong> Growled. (speaking common) <span style="color: #696969">"Aye I understand it, and I can even read the damned flowery script as well, but I'll be cursed thrice-over if I speak it out loud! Elves aren't welcome where I come from!"</span></em></p><p> <em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Anaechin:</strong> Rolled his eyes. (Speaking Elvish) <span style="color: #000080">"We aren't in Draska are we?"</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Zenith:</strong> Chuckles (Speaking common) <span style="color: #800000">"He's got you there Farstad!"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> (Speaking Common) <span style="color: #008080">"ENOUGH! We'll speak the common-tongue at these meetings, as agreed. I'll hear no more bickering!"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em>Farstad leaned back crossing his arms with satisfaction as King Welren sat down beside Archmage Anaechin. </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> Sighed, suddenly very tired. <span style="color: #008080">"Has anyone learned anything new about the Annulus?"</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Anaechin:</strong> (Speaking Common) <span style="color: #000080">"According to the ancient elven tradition, the spellsingers were the first arcane spellcasters on Tellene. Their songs are powerful magic yes, but also knowledge. Glimpses of the past and accounts of history can be gleaned from some of the verses."</span></em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>King Welren:</strong> <span style="color: #008080">"And which knowledge have you learned from these songs?"</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Anaechin:</strong> Pulls a scroll from his sleeve and clears his throat. <span style="color: #000080">"I would prefer to read it out loud in elvish, it looses some of its rhyme when translated to the common tongue."</span> </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Farstad:</strong> Growls. <span style="color: #696969">"By my beard you will try!</span>" </em></p><p><em></em></p><p><em><strong>Archmage Anaechin:</strong> Frowns. (Speaking Common) </em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080"></span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">"We heard of the horns in the hills ringing,</span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">the swords shining in the South-kingdom.</span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">Steeds went striding north as wind in the morning. </span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">Above their banners, pikes and shields, the Annuli were carried tall,</span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">Staves bearing the eyes of their masters, the old gods, watching over them all.</span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">Before them the army of the giants assembled in the northern fields,</span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">as strong and as tall as the walls of Ayotha that spurned them.</span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">The high king of the giants fought and fell there, nevermore to hold </span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">over the hills and fields of man grown too bold. </span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">His heir returned to their islands, to their dark sea and waves,</span></p></em></p><p style="text-align: center"><em><span style="color: #000080">the only beings capable of standing against the south, nevermore so brave."</span></p><p></em></p><p><em>To be continued... </em></p><p><em></em></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="narayan, post: 7557898, member: 6677509"] [b]The Tavern of Lost Souls[/b] [I]As King Welren entered the 'Tavern of Lost Souls' he rather awkwardly pulled up his hood. After all his translucent astral body resembled his mortal form in almost every way, including his garments. He may not be easily killed in such a state but he was still recognizable. The last thing he wanted was anyone here to start taking note of his visits or asking questions. Astral plane or not, nowhere was absolutely safe from the Network of the Blue Salamander. As King Welren moved along the wall towards the private booths, he recognized the tavern-keeper, a handsome middle-aged man named Dondarion stepping before him with his usual easy grin, bowing slightly with a hand to his chest. [B]Dondarion:[/B] (Speaking Common) [COLOR=#ffa500]"Your majesty, welcome back to my humble establishment!"[/COLOR] He said in a respectful low voice. Welren frowned in surprise and nodded curtly with irritation. It took considerable self control not to raise his voice and shout his displeasure the same way he would with his common servants. Welren had not revealed who he was to Dondarion, but it was equally clear by the way the tavern-keeper held his stance, that he would insist to have a word with him. Angry as he was, Welren had to remind himself this was not Cosdol. Here he did not rule. He had to remain calm, polite, and cautious of the dangers. [B]King Welren:[/B] Appeared non-plussed. [COLOR=#008080]"Thank you Dondarion. I trust my usual booth is still available?"[/COLOR] [B]Dondarion:[/B] Nodded. [COLOR=#ffa500]"Of course your majesty, three of your associates are already waiting for you. Will you be ordering any drinks?"[/COLOR] Welren realized the reason for his request was rather obvious. Taverns made their business selling food and drink. However in astral form he could not imbibe anything. If he was going to use this tavern as a meeting place, the very least he could do was spend some coin as if he could. [B]King Welren:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"Yes of course."[/COLOR] [B]Dondarion:[/B] Smiled. [COLOR=#ffa500]"Much appreciated your majesty. The lasses will be grateful."[/COLOR] He said gesturing to the serving maids. [B]King Welren:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"Forgive me sir if I can't give you an honest opinion of your brews in my current state."[/COLOR] [B]Dondarion:[/B][COLOR=#FFD700] [/COLOR][COLOR=#ffa500]"Perhaps not your majesty, most-a-pity, but next time you visit rest assured it is safe to come as your usual self. Only the ziggurat is floating on the Astral Plane. The air we breath and the interior of the tavern itself is part of the material plane of my homeworld."[/COLOR][COLOR=#FFD700][/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] Nodded [COLOR=#008080]"Ah, and which world would that be?"[/COLOR] [B]Dondarion:[/B] [COLOR=#ffa500]"With all due respect your majesty it's unlikely you've ever heard of it. It is known as Ayodya."[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"Ayodya..."[/COLOR] He repeated. [COLOR=#008080]"You're correct I have not heard of it. If I had a mind to see it could I travel there from here?"[/COLOR] [B]Dondarion:[/B] Nodded [COLOR=#ffa500]"Yes you could quite easily your majesty..."[/COLOR] Dondarion answered gesturing to a door beside the bar.[COLOR=#FFD700] [/COLOR][COLOR=#ffa500]"Beyond that door lies my homeworld. However, it will only open IF you know the magic word!"[/COLOR][COLOR=#FFD700][/COLOR] He said with a wink. [COLOR=#ffa500]"A necessary precaution I'm afraid. Some of these patrons and the other dangers of the Astral Plane might wreck havoc there otherwise."[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] Smiled despite himself. [COLOR=#008080]"Very wise! I would do the same."[/COLOR] He liked Dondarion and he was curious about the world of Ayodya, but now was not the time for stories. [COLOR=#008080]"Please forgive me Dondarion, I would love to hear about Ayodya and the story behind this tavern, but right now I must meet my associates."[/COLOR] [B]Dondarion:[/B] Smiled warmly[COLOR=#ffa500] "Of course your majesty, I did not mean to interrupt your business." [/COLOR]he said, bowing again with a hand to his chest. [COLOR=#ffa500]"I only wished to be of service."[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"There is but one favor I would ask, please don't refer to me as 'your majesty' anymore. How is it that you know who I am? I have tried to keep my identity here a secret."[/COLOR] [B]Dondarion:[/B] Stood up straighter. [COLOR=#ffa500]"As you wish. In truth it is not I who recognized you, but rather, the owner of this tavern. He told me he knew your great-grandfather, Veseln-the-conjurer. He is most pleased to see you here and would like to make your acquaintance."[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] Raised a brow and glanced around. [COLOR=#008080]"Is he here now?"[/COLOR] [B]Dondarion:[/B] Smiled. [COLOR=#ffa500]"No. Like myself he dwells on Ayodya."[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"What is his name?"[/COLOR] [B]Dondarion:[/B] Leaned forward and lowered his voice to a whisper. [COLOR=#ffa500]"I'm afraid I am not allowed to use his name. He takes his anonymity very seriously."[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] Frowned but nodded. [COLOR=#008080]"I see. Well perhaps we shall speak again after my meeting."[/COLOR] He said moving past Dondarion towards the private booths, each separated from the others by stone walls and hidden from view from the rest of the tavern by ornately carved hinged wooden gates. Welren opened the gate for the booth he had reserved and recognized the other three members of his alliance seated within, also in astral form. One was Archmage Anaechin Tovalathlanco, a famed high elven wizard from the great elven city of Lathlanian within the Lendelwood. The other was Farstad the Steadfast, a stern Dwarven wizard from the Kingdom of Draska in the Byth Mountains. The last was Archmage Zenith, proud Dean of the famous college of Magic in Bet Rogala, capital of Pekal. [B]Archmage Farstad:[/B] Glared towards Welren. (speaking common) [COLOR=#696969]"What kept you?!"[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] Slipped inside the gate and stood before the table. [COLOR=#008080]"Mr. Dondarion, the tavern-keeper, seemes to know I wear I crown."[/COLOR] [B]Archmage Zenith:[/B] Raised a brow [COLOR=#800000]"Curious, did he explain how?"[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"Not exactly. He said the owner of the tavern recognized me. He said he used to know my great-grandfather, Veseln-the-conjurer."[/COLOR] [B]Archmage Anaechin:[/B] (Speaking Elvish) [COLOR=#000080]"As did I. Your great-grandfather was a great man."[/COLOR] [B]Archmage Farstad:[/B] Glared towards Archmage Anaechin. (Speaking Common) [COLOR=#696969]"We agreed! No Elvish to be spoken at these meetings!"[/COLOR] [B]Archmage Anaechin:[/B] Sighed. (Speaking Elvish) [COLOR=#000080]"Why not? You clearly understand it?"[/COLOR] [B]Archmage Farstad:[/B] Growled. (speaking common) [COLOR=#696969]"Aye I understand it, and I can even read the damned flowery script as well, but I'll be cursed thrice-over if I speak it out loud! Elves aren't welcome where I come from!"[/COLOR] [B]Archmage Anaechin:[/B] Rolled his eyes. (Speaking Elvish) [COLOR=#000080]"We aren't in Draska are we?"[/COLOR] [B]Archmage Zenith:[/B] Chuckles (Speaking common) [COLOR=#800000]"He's got you there Farstad!"[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] (Speaking Common) [COLOR=#008080]"ENOUGH! We'll speak the common-tongue at these meetings, as agreed. I'll hear no more bickering!"[/COLOR] Farstad leaned back crossing his arms with satisfaction as King Welren sat down beside Archmage Anaechin. [B]King Welren:[/B] Sighed, suddenly very tired. [COLOR=#008080]"Has anyone learned anything new about the Annulus?"[/COLOR] [B]Archmage Anaechin:[/B] (Speaking Common) [COLOR=#000080]"According to the ancient elven tradition, the spellsingers were the first arcane spellcasters on Tellene. Their songs are powerful magic yes, but also knowledge. Glimpses of the past and accounts of history can be gleaned from some of the verses."[/COLOR] [B]King Welren:[/B] [COLOR=#008080]"And which knowledge have you learned from these songs?"[/COLOR] [B]Archmage Anaechin:[/B] Pulls a scroll from his sleeve and clears his throat.[COLOR=#ADD8E6] [/COLOR][COLOR=#000080]"I would prefer to read it out loud in elvish, it looses some of its rhyme when translated to the common tongue."[/COLOR][COLOR=#ADD8E6][/COLOR] [B]Archmage Farstad:[/B] Growls. [COLOR=#696969]"By my beard you will try![/COLOR]" [B]Archmage Anaechin:[/B] Frowns. (Speaking Common) [CENTER][COLOR=#000080] "We heard of the horns in the hills ringing, the swords shining in the South-kingdom. Steeds went striding north as wind in the morning. Above their banners, pikes and shields, the Annuli were carried tall, Staves bearing the eyes of their masters, the old gods, watching over them all. Before them the army of the giants assembled in the northern fields, as strong and as tall as the walls of Ayotha that spurned them. The high king of the giants fought and fell there, nevermore to hold over the hills and fields of man grown too bold. His heir returned to their islands, to their dark sea and waves, the only beings capable of standing against the south, nevermore so brave."[/COLOR][/CENTER] To be continued... [/I] [/QUOTE]
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Kingdoms of Kalamar; Rancor of the Unholy - Act 1: Scene 1
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