Menu
News
All News
Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
Pathfinder
Starfinder
Warhammer
2d20 System
Year Zero Engine
Industry News
Reviews
Dragon Reflections
Columns
Weekly Digests
Weekly News Digest
Freebies, Sales & Bundles
RPG Print News
RPG Crowdfunding News
Game Content
ENterplanetary DimENsions
Mythological Figures
Opinion
Worlds of Design
Peregrine's Next
RPG Evolution
Other Columns
From the Freelancing Frontline
Monster ENcyclopedia
WotC/TSR Alumni Look Back
4 Hours w/RSD (Ryan Dancey)
The Road to 3E (Jonathan Tweet)
Greenwood's Realms (Ed Greenwood)
Drawmij's TSR (Jim Ward)
Community
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Resources
Wiki
Pages
Latest activity
Media
New media
New comments
Search media
Downloads
Latest reviews
Search resources
EN Publishing
Store
EN5ider
Adventures in ZEITGEIST
Awfully Cheerful Engine
What's OLD is NEW
Judge Dredd & The Worlds Of 2000AD
War of the Burning Sky
Level Up: Advanced 5E
Events & Releases
Upcoming Events
Private Events
Featured Events
Socials!
Twitch
YouTube
Facebook (EN Publishing)
Facebook (EN World)
Twitter
Instagram
TikTok
Podcast
Features
Top 5 RPGs Compiled Charts 2004-Present
Adventure Game Industry Market Research Summary (RPGs) V1.0
Ryan Dancey: Acquiring TSR
Q&A With Gary Gygax
D&D Rules FAQs
TSR, WotC, & Paizo: A Comparative History
D&D Pronunciation Guide
Million Dollar TTRPG Kickstarters
Tabletop RPG Podcast Hall of Fame
Eric Noah's Unofficial D&D 3rd Edition News
D&D in the Mainstream
D&D & RPG History
About Morrus
Log in
Register
What's new
Search
Search
Search titles only
By:
Forums & Topics
Forum List
Latest Posts
Forum list
*Dungeons & Dragons
Level Up: Advanced 5th Edition
D&D Older Editions
*TTRPGs General
*Pathfinder & Starfinder
EN Publishing
*Geek Talk & Media
Search forums
Chat/Discord
Menu
Log in
Register
Install the app
Install
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)
JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding.
You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an
alternative browser
.
Reply to thread
Message
<blockquote data-quote="Nonlethal Force" data-source="post: 3581679" data-attributes="member: 35788"><p>Ischarus knew that his fight would not be easy. Ophee had already clued him in to that much. He looked deeply into the crystal ball one more time to look at his mark. Darr was not a large man, but his body movements suggested a highly toned muscular system underneath his clothing.</p><p></p><p>He recalled to his mind the conversation in which Ophee had told the party of her counterparts. He distinctly remembered Ophee proclaiming confidence in each match-up she suggested except his own. Of course, by this point in time he could no longer be sure if that was actually the way it happened or if that was merely his perception of Ophee’s words. Either way, the next few minutes would likely end in bloodshed and pain, but hopefully it would not end in death for either person.</p><p></p><p>He turned to look around the room and could see into the crystal balls that Master Searthu was using to keep track on the others. Each of them had just begun their mission, and it was time for him to go. He caught Master Searthu’s eyes as the fingers on his gloved right hand reached the gold ring on his left ring finger. Master Searthu did not speak, but he did smile and nod encouragingly. Ischarus smiled and swallowed hard before giving the ring a simple twist. Soon Ischarus could see the room waver in front of him, only to change to the room that held Darr.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus spoke before Darr had a chance to realize that he had been joined by another person. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Darr or Juniper, who is working under the wizard of Eberdeen, I have come to inquire of your motions and inform you of the capacity of evil that your master has installed within you. You have the right to listen to what I have to say without the use of force.”</span></p><p></p><p>Darr’s shoulder’s jumped instinctively at the surprise of Ischarus’ voice. Much to Ischarus’ surprise, however, Darr did not turn around in his surprise. The man managed to quickly regain his composure and in a bold act of confidence keep his back to Ischarus. <span style="color: Red">“You come unannounced and unwelcome into my house and it is I who have to listen to your pronouncements of justice? Tell me how that makes any sense.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled. He could see Darr’s hand slowly moving to the hilt of the large sword that hung at his side. He knew that Darr was trying to use a period of parley to trick him. There was little doubt that Darr was hoping to continue the discussion long enough for Ischarus to believe that Darr would not come against him and therefore let his guard down. Once Darr recognized Ischarus relaxing through his speech, he would no doubt strike.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus would take no such chance. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Ehoim nuan Egro.”</span> The arcane words slipped out of his mouth easily and the effect of the spell was immediate. A magical vapor crept out from between the floorboards and quickly filled the small room. Within a matter of seconds it was impossible to see a raised hand more than a single foot in front of one’s face. Ischarus continued to speak as the magical effect took hold in the room. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Don’t take me to be a fool, Darr. I could see your hand reaching for your sword. I offer up the spell to force a conversation. You need to hear what I have to say before this comes to armed conflict.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus could hear Darr chuckling across the room. <span style="color: Red">“Oh, and I suppose that makes you noble? You have broken into my home and invaded my privacy. And now you force me to endure your presences even more because I can’t see enough to defend myself as is my right? That makes you anything but noble in my book, wizard. For all I know, that could make you nothing but a thief. You are likely robbing me blind without my being able to notice you doing so!”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus had managed to pick up on the faint sound of steel grating against steel. He could also hear in Darr’s tone the way that he emphasized certain words in a well disguised ploy to cover the sound of his delicate footsteps across the room. Thus when Darr’s blade quite accurately sliced through the precise location of where Ischarus’ head had been when he had last spoken, Ischarus was glad that he had made note of these things and moved towards the wall to his right. Darr’s blade caught nothing but air and vapor.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled at Darr’s ability, although he knew that Darr would have no chance at seeing the acknowledgment. <span style="color: LightBlue">“You are not as helpless as you would have me believe, Darr. You seem to have quite the ability to defend yourself with steel against a humble wizard thief. So tell me, are you this cunning when the wizard in Eberdeen uses the Arum Dracunculus root upon you so that his bidding is flawlessly done?”</span></p><p></p><p>Darr offered up more laughter. Ischarus was prepared for a sudden strike should Darr want to use the laughter to disguise the sound of a sudden charge, but the attack never came. Instead, Darr spoke once more and carefully tried to disguise his cautious approach. <span style="color: Red">“The wizard does not need to use the root upon me, spell caster. I do his bidding willingly. He works with vast strokes to manipulate the pawns of this nation to establish the proper environment for his bidding. I long to see him empowered and serve at his side as the commander of his army. There is no need for him to use the Arum Dracunculus upon me. There is little that he could ask me to do that I would not do voluntarily.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus nodded as he quickly ducked and dove again to the right. He had not picked up on Darr’s movements as well as the time before. This time, Darr had anticipated Ischarus’ movement to the right and used a sweeping strike lower to the ground. When Ischarus rose again to his feet, he noticed that his right ankle had been cut to the bone. When he placed pressure upon the foot, there was a moment of intense pain. Fortunately, the ankle bone had done its job. Only the skin on the outside of the bone had been cut. The muscles and tendons on the opposite side of the bone remained intact. The pain from the cut skin would fade into a dull throb quickly enough; and at that point he would no longer be affected by the wound. His ankle would bear weight well enough.</p><p></p><p>Darr had given Ischarus the information that he needed. Ischarus now knew that Darr was aware of the wizard’s use of the Arum Dracunculus and gave his approval for its use. He knew that this alone was enough to give him permission to use force to capture Darr. He would not kill the man, but using force against him was completely justified by Darr’s earlier words and actions.</p><p></p><p>Of course, Ischarus chuckled to himself as he also realized that just because Darr was so willing did not mean that the wizard hadn’t used the Arum Dracunculus on him anyway. From what they had seen with Ophee, the Arum Dracunculus would be a great tool to use in order to ensure foolproof loyalty and a victim who has no recollection with regard to the manner in which they had been used. If the drug did not avail itself to the side of evil so easily, it would be a great tool.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus decided to play a little more cat and mouse while he set up his attack. <span style="color: LightBlue">“You’ve no doubt noticed by the blood on your blade that you’ve wounded me, Darr. Congratulations. You should feel proud of yourself. You’ve used your superior strength and steel to wound an already frail body.”</span> Ischarus allowed a bit of a mocking tone to find its way into his speech.</p><p></p><p>Darr didn’t take well to the mocking. <span style="color: Red">“It isn’t my fault that your first spell was a poor choice! If you cast a spell that hinders you more than it hinders me, I am not to blame.”</span></p><p></p><p>There was no strike from Darr that came with the last expression. Darr had remained motionless, as if he began to expect Ischarus to magically attack him. Ischarus knew that his ploy had worked. His tone had given away that he was planning something, but his words had deceived Darr in guessing what form the attack would take. Now was the time to convince Darr of the method of attack. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Lishtal Sooth Egro.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus looked down to his own sword, which still rested within its scabbard. The blade glowed deep red for an instant, but the glow was largely obscured by the scabbard. He could see that the spell had taken effect, but he was sure that Darr would not be able to see the blade through the misty vapor that still clung around the room.</p><p></p><p>Darr ducked and rolled to the left at the sound of Ischarus’ magical command. He couldn’t be sure what the magical command would attempt to do, but he had been certain that Ischarus was going to try and use magic to attack him. He rose to his feet when he realized that Ischarus’ magical command had taken no effect upon him. <span style="color: Red">“So, wizard, your spell could not touch me.”</span></p><p></p><p>Ischarus was waiting for Darr’s ego to show itself. He knew himself well enough to realize that no good swordsman was free from an ego and they were also prone to reacting in overconfidence. He also knew this was quite true of wizards. When Darr’s ego reared its expected head, Ischarus drew his sword in a flash of movement and dismissed the arcane fog that held the room in waiting. As the fog dropped out of the air and magically seeped back between the floorboards, Ischarus leapt at where he knew Darr would be standing. His blade continued to glow faintly red as it was drawn, and the steel seemed possessed in its desire to wound Darr. Ischarus had completely caught Darr off guard and landed a solid strike. The thick and almost viscous magic contained in the blade slid off of the sword and collected in Darr’s wound, increasing the pain and blood loss.</p><p></p><p>Darr moved with the pain and used his own blade to swipe Ischarus’ steel to the side after it had done its damage. Ischarus knew that there would be no more surprises. He paused for a moment as both he and Darr drew their blades into a ready position. <span style="color: LightBlue">“You’re wrong, Darr. It would seem that my spell did in fact touch you – and touch you well.”</span></p><p></p><p>Darr curled his upper lip in a snarl. <span style="color: Red">“It appears that I have been wrong twice then. You are no wizard and you are no thief. You are some sort of ugly hybrid. You have polluted steel with an inner dependence upon magic. But I will not underestimate you again.”</span></p><p></p><p>Darr’s blade swung through the air and connected with Ischarus’ shoulder. The blade bit hard, but without the magic supplement that had given Ischarus an edge the attack was no worse than what mundane strike Ischarus had given to him. The look on Darr’s face indicated that he was pleased with the strike.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus stepped back and just out of Darr’s range with his long sword. He had prepared magic for this battle, and there was no sense in not using it. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Zysh Umaam Egro.”</span></p><p></p><p>Darr wasn’t fooled twice, however. He didn’t expect Ischarus’ spell to affect him. As soon as Ischarus moved back and spoke the words, Darr stepped up and swung hard towards Ischarus. It was clear that he had thrown everything he had into the mighty swing in an attempt to disrupt the magic flowing through Ischarus. Ischarus managed to barely hoist the blade of his sword high enough in time to deflect the angle of Darr’s attack. </p><p></p><p>The blow knocked Ischarus’ blade awkwardly backwards over his left shoulder, but Ischarus didn’t seem concerned. He took his eyes off of Darr for just a moment as he spun around in order to maintain the grip on his blade. As he completed the spin, the magic from the previous spell guided his hands and put the swing right on a path for Darr’s thigh. The steel bit deep and hard, and Ischarus rose up to a defensive position. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Might doesn’t always make right as you suggest, Darr. But magic and steel do make good bedfellows.”</span></p><p></p><p>Darr growled again and caught Ischarus with a sturdy angular slash. Ischarus could tell that Darr was frustrated by the fact that the ceiling prevented Darr from performing an overhead smash. The slice, however, managed to find a way through parts of Ischarus’ leather and leave several trails of blood. It would only mean more mending work for Ischarus when this fight was concluded.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus had accepted the blow because he knew that Darr was set up for his pièce de résistance. Darr was trying to overcompensate for Ischarus’ ability to do magical damage with his own strength. Rather than fighting smart as before, now Darr was simply fighting hard. Up until Darr’s last strike, Ischarus was not sure of his ability to win. Darr’s impulsive strike demonstrated to Ischarus that his opponent was convinced of Ischarus’ superiority. That could only mean that Darr was close to losing.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus twisted the blade around his shoulder as he cast one final spell. <span style="color: LightBlue">“Thin Zecka Egro.”</span> His face instinctively broke into a smile as the very familiar words passed across his lips.</p><p></p><p>A static charge bounced out from the leather glove that covered his right hand. The charge arced as if it were several small lightning bolts bouncing up and down the blade. When Ischarus brought the blade forward and cut into Darr, the receiver of the impressive blow convulsed with the delivery of the static charge. The long sword dropped out of Darr’s hands and clanged noisily to the floor. Darr fell to the ground and was unconscious before he even made contact.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus knelt beside him and shook his head. <span style="color: LightBlue">“You could have been formidable, but in the end you just weren’t worth the worry.”</span> Ischarus’ gloved fingers reached for the gold ring as the hand with the ring gripped Darr’s left arm. With a single twist of the ring, both he and Darr returned to Master Searthu’s office.</p><p></p><p>[Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section]</p><p>Ischarus knew that his fight would not be easy. Ophee had already clued him in to that much. He looked deeply into the crystal ball one more time to look at his mark. Darr was not a large man, but his body movements suggested a highly toned muscular system underneath his clothing.</p><p></p><p>He recalled to his mind the conversation in which Ophee had told the party of her counterparts. He distinctly remembered Ophee proclaiming confidence in each match-up she suggested except his own. Of course, by this point in time he could no longer be sure if that was actually the way it happened or if that was merely his perception of Ophee’s words. Either way, the next few minutes would likely end in bloodshed and pain, but hopefully it would not end in death for either person.</p><p></p><p>He turned to look around the room and could see into the crystal balls that Master Searthu was using to keep track on the others. Each of them had just begun their mission, and it was time for him to go. He caught Master Searthu’s eyes as the fingers on his gloved right hand reached the gold ring on his left ring finger. Master Searthu did not speak, but he did smile and nod encouragingly. Ischarus smiled and swallowed hard before giving the ring a simple twist. Soon Ischarus could see the room waver in front of him, only to change to the room that held Darr.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus spoke before Darr had a chance to realize that he had been joined by another person. “Darr or Juniper, who is working under the wizard of Eberdeen, I have come to inquire of your motions and inform you of the capacity of evil that your master has installed within you. You have the right to listen to what I have to say without the use of force.”</p><p></p><p>Darr’s shoulder’s jumped instinctively at the surprise of Ischarus’ voice. Much to Ischarus’ surprise, however, Darr did not turn around in his surprise. The man managed to quickly regain his composure and in a bold act of confidence keep his back to Ischarus. “You come unannounced and unwelcome into my house and it is I who have to listen to your pronouncements of justice? Tell me how that makes any sense.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled. He could see Darr’s hand slowly moving to the hilt of the large sword that hung at his side. He knew that Darr was trying to use a period of parley to trick him. There was little doubt that Darr was hoping to continue the discussion long enough for Ischarus to believe that Darr would not come against him and therefore let his guard down. Once Darr recognized Ischarus relaxing through his speech, he would no doubt strike.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus would take no such chance. “Ehoim nuan Egro.” The arcane words slipped out of his mouth easily and the effect of the spell was immediate. A magical vapor crept out from between the floorboards and quickly filled the small room. Within a matter of seconds it was impossible to see a raised hand more than a single foot in front of one’s face. Ischarus continued to speak as the magical effect took hold in the room. “Don’t take me to be a fool, Darr. I could see your hand reaching for your sword. I offer up the spell to force a conversation. You need to hear what I have to say before this comes to armed conflict.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus could hear Darr chuckling across the room. “Oh, and I suppose that makes you noble? You have broken into my home and invaded my privacy. And now you force me to endure your presences even more because I can’t see enough to defend myself as is my right? That makes you anything but noble in my book, wizard. For all I know, that could make you nothing but a thief. You are likely robbing me blind without my being able to notice you doing so!”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus had managed to pick up on the faint sound of steel grating against steel. He could also hear in Darr’s tone the way that he emphasized certain words in a well disguised ploy to cover the sound of his delicate footsteps across the room. Thus when Darr’s blade quite accurately sliced through the precise location of where Ischarus’ head had been when he had last spoken, Ischarus was glad that he had made note of these things and moved towards the wall to his right. Darr’s blade caught nothing but air and vapor.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus smiled at Darr’s ability, although he knew that Darr would have no chance at seeing the acknowledgment. “You are not as helpless as you would have me believe, Darr. You seem to have quite the ability to defend yourself with steel against a humble wizard thief. So tell me, are you this cunning when the wizard in Eberdeen uses the Arum Dracunculus root upon you so that his bidding is flawlessly done?”</p><p></p><p>Darr offered up more laughter. Ischarus was prepared for a sudden strike should Darr want to use the laughter to disguise the sound of a sudden charge, but the attack never came. Instead, Darr spoke once more and carefully tried to disguise his cautious approach. “The wizard does not need to use the root upon me, spell caster. I do his bidding willingly. He works with vast strokes to manipulate the pawns of this nation to establish the proper environment for his bidding. I long to see him empowered and serve at his side as the commander of his army. There is no need for him to use the Arum Dracunculus upon me. There is little that he could ask me to do that I would not do voluntarily.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus nodded as he quickly ducked and dove again to the right. He had not picked up on Darr’s movements as well as the time before. This time, Darr had anticipated Ischarus’ movement to the right and used a sweeping strike lower to the ground. When Ischarus rose again to his feet, he noticed that his right ankle had been cut to the bone. When he placed pressure upon the foot, there was a moment of intense pain. Fortunately, the ankle bone had done its job. Only the skin on the outside of the bone had been cut. The muscles and tendons on the opposite side of the bone remained intact. The pain from the cut skin would fade into a dull throb quickly enough; and at that point he would no longer be affected by the wound. His ankle would bear weight well enough.</p><p></p><p>Darr had given Ischarus the information that he needed. Ischarus now knew that Darr was aware of the wizard’s use of the Arum Dracunculus and gave his approval for its use. He knew that this alone was enough to give him permission to use force to capture Darr. He would not kill the man, but using force against him was completely justified by Darr’s earlier words and actions.</p><p></p><p>Of course, Ischarus chuckled to himself as he also realized that just because Darr was so willing did not mean that the wizard hadn’t used the Arum Dracunculus on him anyway. From what they had seen with Ophee, the Arum Dracunculus would be a great tool to use in order to ensure foolproof loyalty and a victim who has no recollection with regard to the manner in which they had been used. If the drug did not avail itself to the side of evil so easily, it would be a great tool.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus decided to play a little more cat and mouse while he set up his attack. “You’ve no doubt noticed by the blood on your blade that you’ve wounded me, Darr. Congratulations. You should feel proud of yourself. You’ve used your superior strength and steel to wound an already frail body.” Ischarus allowed a bit of a mocking tone to find its way into his speech.</p><p></p><p>Darr didn’t take well to the mocking. “It isn’t my fault that your first spell was a poor choice! If you cast a spell that hinders you more than it hinders me, I am not to blame.”</p><p></p><p>There was no strike from Darr that came with the last expression. Darr had remained motionless, as if he began to expect Ischarus to magically attack him. Ischarus knew that his ploy had worked. His tone had given away that he was planning something, but his words had deceived Darr in guessing what form the attack would take. Now was the time to convince Darr of the method of attack. “Lishtal Sooth Egro.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus looked down to his own sword, which still rested within its scabbard. The blade glowed deep red for an instant, but the glow was largely obscured by the scabbard. He could see that the spell had taken effect, but he was sure that Darr would not be able to see the blade through the misty vapor that still clung around the room.</p><p></p><p>Darr ducked and rolled to the left at the sound of Ischarus’ magical command. He couldn’t be sure what the magical command would attempt to do, but he had been certain that Ischarus was going to try and use magic to attack him. He rose to his feet when he realized that Ischarus’ magical command had taken no effect upon him. “So, wizard, your spell could not touch me.”</p><p></p><p>Ischarus was waiting for Darr’s ego to show itself. He knew himself well enough to realize that no good swordsman was free from an ego and they were also prone to reacting in overconfidence. He also knew this was quite true of wizards. When Darr’s ego reared its expected head, Ischarus drew his sword in a flash of movement and dismissed the arcane fog that held the room in waiting. As the fog dropped out of the air and magically seeped back between the floorboards, Ischarus leapt at where he knew Darr would be standing. His blade continued to glow faintly red as it was drawn, and the steel seemed possessed in its desire to wound Darr. Ischarus had completely caught Darr off guard and landed a solid strike. The thick and almost viscous magic contained in the blade slid off of the sword and collected in Darr’s wound, increasing the pain and blood loss.</p><p></p><p>Darr moved with the pain and used his own blade to swipe Ischarus’ steel to the side after it had done its damage. Ischarus knew that there would be no more surprises. He paused for a moment as both he and Darr drew their blades into a ready position. “You’re wrong, Darr. It would seem that my spell did in fact touch you – and touch you well.”</p><p></p><p>Darr curled his upper lip in a snarl. “It appears that I have been wrong twice then. You are no wizard and you are no thief. You are some sort of ugly hybrid. You have polluted steel with an inner dependence upon magic. But I will not underestimate you again.”</p><p></p><p>Darr’s blade swung through the air and connected with Ischarus’ shoulder. The blade bit hard, but without the magic supplement that had given Ischarus an edge the attack was no worse than what mundane strike Ischarus had given to him. The look on Darr’s face indicated that he was pleased with the strike.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus stepped back and just out of Darr’s range with his long sword. He had prepared magic for this battle, and there was no sense in not using it. “Zysh Umaam Egro.”</p><p></p><p>Darr wasn’t fooled twice, however. He didn’t expect Ischarus’ spell to affect him. As soon as Ischarus moved back and spoke the words, Darr stepped up and swung hard towards Ischarus. It was clear that he had thrown everything he had into the mighty swing in an attempt to disrupt the magic flowing through Ischarus. Ischarus managed to barely hoist the blade of his sword high enough in time to deflect the angle of Darr’s attack. </p><p></p><p>The blow knocked Ischarus’ blade awkwardly backwards over his left shoulder, but Ischarus didn’t seem concerned. He took his eyes off of Darr for just a moment as he spun around in order to maintain the grip on his blade. As he completed the spin, the magic from the previous spell guided his hands and put the swing right on a path for Darr’s thigh. The steel bit deep and hard, and Ischarus rose up to a defensive position. “Might doesn’t always make right as you suggest, Darr. But magic and steel do make good bedfellows.”</p><p></p><p>Darr growled again and caught Ischarus with a sturdy angular slash. Ischarus could tell that Darr was frustrated by the fact that the ceiling prevented Darr from performing an overhead smash. The slice, however, managed to find a way through parts of Ischarus’ leather and leave several trails of blood. It would only mean more mending work for Ischarus when this fight was concluded.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus had accepted the blow because he knew that Darr was set up for his pièce de résistance. Darr was trying to overcompensate for Ischarus’ ability to do magical damage with his own strength. Rather than fighting smart as before, now Darr was simply fighting hard. Up until Darr’s last strike, Ischarus was not sure of his ability to win. Darr’s impulsive strike demonstrated to Ischarus that his opponent was convinced of Ischarus’ superiority. That could only mean that Darr was close to losing.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus twisted the blade around his shoulder as he cast one final spell. “Thin Zecka Egro.” His face instinctively broke into a smile as the very familiar words passed across his lips.</p><p></p><p>A static charge bounced out from the leather glove that covered his right hand. The charge arced as if it were several small lightning bolts bouncing up and down the blade. When Ischarus brought the blade forward and cut into Darr, the receiver of the impressive blow convulsed with the delivery of the static charge. The long sword dropped out of Darr’s hands and clanged noisily to the floor. Darr fell to the ground and was unconscious before he even made contact.</p><p></p><p>Ischarus knelt beside him and shook his head. “You could have been formidable, but in the end you just weren’t worth the worry.” Ischarus’ gloved fingers reached for the gold ring as the hand with the ring gripped Darr’s left arm. With a single twist of the ring, both he and Darr returned to Master Searthu’s office.</p><p>[/Sblock]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Nonlethal Force, post: 3581679, member: 35788"] Ischarus knew that his fight would not be easy. Ophee had already clued him in to that much. He looked deeply into the crystal ball one more time to look at his mark. Darr was not a large man, but his body movements suggested a highly toned muscular system underneath his clothing. He recalled to his mind the conversation in which Ophee had told the party of her counterparts. He distinctly remembered Ophee proclaiming confidence in each match-up she suggested except his own. Of course, by this point in time he could no longer be sure if that was actually the way it happened or if that was merely his perception of Ophee’s words. Either way, the next few minutes would likely end in bloodshed and pain, but hopefully it would not end in death for either person. He turned to look around the room and could see into the crystal balls that Master Searthu was using to keep track on the others. Each of them had just begun their mission, and it was time for him to go. He caught Master Searthu’s eyes as the fingers on his gloved right hand reached the gold ring on his left ring finger. Master Searthu did not speak, but he did smile and nod encouragingly. Ischarus smiled and swallowed hard before giving the ring a simple twist. Soon Ischarus could see the room waver in front of him, only to change to the room that held Darr. Ischarus spoke before Darr had a chance to realize that he had been joined by another person. [Color=LightBlue]“Darr or Juniper, who is working under the wizard of Eberdeen, I have come to inquire of your motions and inform you of the capacity of evil that your master has installed within you. You have the right to listen to what I have to say without the use of force.”[/Color] Darr’s shoulder’s jumped instinctively at the surprise of Ischarus’ voice. Much to Ischarus’ surprise, however, Darr did not turn around in his surprise. The man managed to quickly regain his composure and in a bold act of confidence keep his back to Ischarus. [Color=Red]“You come unannounced and unwelcome into my house and it is I who have to listen to your pronouncements of justice? Tell me how that makes any sense.”[/Color] Ischarus smiled. He could see Darr’s hand slowly moving to the hilt of the large sword that hung at his side. He knew that Darr was trying to use a period of parley to trick him. There was little doubt that Darr was hoping to continue the discussion long enough for Ischarus to believe that Darr would not come against him and therefore let his guard down. Once Darr recognized Ischarus relaxing through his speech, he would no doubt strike. Ischarus would take no such chance. [Color=LightBlue]“Ehoim nuan Egro.”[/Color] The arcane words slipped out of his mouth easily and the effect of the spell was immediate. A magical vapor crept out from between the floorboards and quickly filled the small room. Within a matter of seconds it was impossible to see a raised hand more than a single foot in front of one’s face. Ischarus continued to speak as the magical effect took hold in the room. [Color=LightBlue]“Don’t take me to be a fool, Darr. I could see your hand reaching for your sword. I offer up the spell to force a conversation. You need to hear what I have to say before this comes to armed conflict.”[/Color] Ischarus could hear Darr chuckling across the room. [Color=Red]“Oh, and I suppose that makes you noble? You have broken into my home and invaded my privacy. And now you force me to endure your presences even more because I can’t see enough to defend myself as is my right? That makes you anything but noble in my book, wizard. For all I know, that could make you nothing but a thief. You are likely robbing me blind without my being able to notice you doing so!”[/Color] Ischarus had managed to pick up on the faint sound of steel grating against steel. He could also hear in Darr’s tone the way that he emphasized certain words in a well disguised ploy to cover the sound of his delicate footsteps across the room. Thus when Darr’s blade quite accurately sliced through the precise location of where Ischarus’ head had been when he had last spoken, Ischarus was glad that he had made note of these things and moved towards the wall to his right. Darr’s blade caught nothing but air and vapor. Ischarus smiled at Darr’s ability, although he knew that Darr would have no chance at seeing the acknowledgment. [Color=LightBlue]“You are not as helpless as you would have me believe, Darr. You seem to have quite the ability to defend yourself with steel against a humble wizard thief. So tell me, are you this cunning when the wizard in Eberdeen uses the Arum Dracunculus root upon you so that his bidding is flawlessly done?”[/Color] Darr offered up more laughter. Ischarus was prepared for a sudden strike should Darr want to use the laughter to disguise the sound of a sudden charge, but the attack never came. Instead, Darr spoke once more and carefully tried to disguise his cautious approach. [Color=Red]“The wizard does not need to use the root upon me, spell caster. I do his bidding willingly. He works with vast strokes to manipulate the pawns of this nation to establish the proper environment for his bidding. I long to see him empowered and serve at his side as the commander of his army. There is no need for him to use the Arum Dracunculus upon me. There is little that he could ask me to do that I would not do voluntarily.”[/Color] Ischarus nodded as he quickly ducked and dove again to the right. He had not picked up on Darr’s movements as well as the time before. This time, Darr had anticipated Ischarus’ movement to the right and used a sweeping strike lower to the ground. When Ischarus rose again to his feet, he noticed that his right ankle had been cut to the bone. When he placed pressure upon the foot, there was a moment of intense pain. Fortunately, the ankle bone had done its job. Only the skin on the outside of the bone had been cut. The muscles and tendons on the opposite side of the bone remained intact. The pain from the cut skin would fade into a dull throb quickly enough; and at that point he would no longer be affected by the wound. His ankle would bear weight well enough. Darr had given Ischarus the information that he needed. Ischarus now knew that Darr was aware of the wizard’s use of the Arum Dracunculus and gave his approval for its use. He knew that this alone was enough to give him permission to use force to capture Darr. He would not kill the man, but using force against him was completely justified by Darr’s earlier words and actions. Of course, Ischarus chuckled to himself as he also realized that just because Darr was so willing did not mean that the wizard hadn’t used the Arum Dracunculus on him anyway. From what they had seen with Ophee, the Arum Dracunculus would be a great tool to use in order to ensure foolproof loyalty and a victim who has no recollection with regard to the manner in which they had been used. If the drug did not avail itself to the side of evil so easily, it would be a great tool. Ischarus decided to play a little more cat and mouse while he set up his attack. [Color=LightBlue]“You’ve no doubt noticed by the blood on your blade that you’ve wounded me, Darr. Congratulations. You should feel proud of yourself. You’ve used your superior strength and steel to wound an already frail body.”[/Color] Ischarus allowed a bit of a mocking tone to find its way into his speech. Darr didn’t take well to the mocking. [Color=Red]“It isn’t my fault that your first spell was a poor choice! If you cast a spell that hinders you more than it hinders me, I am not to blame.”[/Color] There was no strike from Darr that came with the last expression. Darr had remained motionless, as if he began to expect Ischarus to magically attack him. Ischarus knew that his ploy had worked. His tone had given away that he was planning something, but his words had deceived Darr in guessing what form the attack would take. Now was the time to convince Darr of the method of attack. [Color=LightBlue]“Lishtal Sooth Egro.”[/Color] Ischarus looked down to his own sword, which still rested within its scabbard. The blade glowed deep red for an instant, but the glow was largely obscured by the scabbard. He could see that the spell had taken effect, but he was sure that Darr would not be able to see the blade through the misty vapor that still clung around the room. Darr ducked and rolled to the left at the sound of Ischarus’ magical command. He couldn’t be sure what the magical command would attempt to do, but he had been certain that Ischarus was going to try and use magic to attack him. He rose to his feet when he realized that Ischarus’ magical command had taken no effect upon him. [Color=Red]“So, wizard, your spell could not touch me.”[/Color] Ischarus was waiting for Darr’s ego to show itself. He knew himself well enough to realize that no good swordsman was free from an ego and they were also prone to reacting in overconfidence. He also knew this was quite true of wizards. When Darr’s ego reared its expected head, Ischarus drew his sword in a flash of movement and dismissed the arcane fog that held the room in waiting. As the fog dropped out of the air and magically seeped back between the floorboards, Ischarus leapt at where he knew Darr would be standing. His blade continued to glow faintly red as it was drawn, and the steel seemed possessed in its desire to wound Darr. Ischarus had completely caught Darr off guard and landed a solid strike. The thick and almost viscous magic contained in the blade slid off of the sword and collected in Darr’s wound, increasing the pain and blood loss. Darr moved with the pain and used his own blade to swipe Ischarus’ steel to the side after it had done its damage. Ischarus knew that there would be no more surprises. He paused for a moment as both he and Darr drew their blades into a ready position. [Color=LightBlue]“You’re wrong, Darr. It would seem that my spell did in fact touch you – and touch you well.”[/Color] Darr curled his upper lip in a snarl. [Color=Red]“It appears that I have been wrong twice then. You are no wizard and you are no thief. You are some sort of ugly hybrid. You have polluted steel with an inner dependence upon magic. But I will not underestimate you again.”[/Color] Darr’s blade swung through the air and connected with Ischarus’ shoulder. The blade bit hard, but without the magic supplement that had given Ischarus an edge the attack was no worse than what mundane strike Ischarus had given to him. The look on Darr’s face indicated that he was pleased with the strike. Ischarus stepped back and just out of Darr’s range with his long sword. He had prepared magic for this battle, and there was no sense in not using it. [Color=LightBlue]“Zysh Umaam Egro.”[/Color] Darr wasn’t fooled twice, however. He didn’t expect Ischarus’ spell to affect him. As soon as Ischarus moved back and spoke the words, Darr stepped up and swung hard towards Ischarus. It was clear that he had thrown everything he had into the mighty swing in an attempt to disrupt the magic flowing through Ischarus. Ischarus managed to barely hoist the blade of his sword high enough in time to deflect the angle of Darr’s attack. The blow knocked Ischarus’ blade awkwardly backwards over his left shoulder, but Ischarus didn’t seem concerned. He took his eyes off of Darr for just a moment as he spun around in order to maintain the grip on his blade. As he completed the spin, the magic from the previous spell guided his hands and put the swing right on a path for Darr’s thigh. The steel bit deep and hard, and Ischarus rose up to a defensive position. [Color=LightBlue]“Might doesn’t always make right as you suggest, Darr. But magic and steel do make good bedfellows.”[/Color] Darr growled again and caught Ischarus with a sturdy angular slash. Ischarus could tell that Darr was frustrated by the fact that the ceiling prevented Darr from performing an overhead smash. The slice, however, managed to find a way through parts of Ischarus’ leather and leave several trails of blood. It would only mean more mending work for Ischarus when this fight was concluded. Ischarus had accepted the blow because he knew that Darr was set up for his pièce de résistance. Darr was trying to overcompensate for Ischarus’ ability to do magical damage with his own strength. Rather than fighting smart as before, now Darr was simply fighting hard. Up until Darr’s last strike, Ischarus was not sure of his ability to win. Darr’s impulsive strike demonstrated to Ischarus that his opponent was convinced of Ischarus’ superiority. That could only mean that Darr was close to losing. Ischarus twisted the blade around his shoulder as he cast one final spell. [Color=LightBlue]“Thin Zecka Egro.”[/Color] His face instinctively broke into a smile as the very familiar words passed across his lips. A static charge bounced out from the leather glove that covered his right hand. The charge arced as if it were several small lightning bolts bouncing up and down the blade. When Ischarus brought the blade forward and cut into Darr, the receiver of the impressive blow convulsed with the delivery of the static charge. The long sword dropped out of Darr’s hands and clanged noisily to the floor. Darr fell to the ground and was unconscious before he even made contact. Ischarus knelt beside him and shook his head. [Color=LightBlue]“You could have been formidable, but in the end you just weren’t worth the worry.”[/Color] Ischarus’ gloved fingers reached for the gold ring as the hand with the ring gripped Darr’s left arm. With a single twist of the ring, both he and Darr returned to Master Searthu’s office. [Sblock=Color-Free Speech Section] Ischarus knew that his fight would not be easy. Ophee had already clued him in to that much. He looked deeply into the crystal ball one more time to look at his mark. Darr was not a large man, but his body movements suggested a highly toned muscular system underneath his clothing. He recalled to his mind the conversation in which Ophee had told the party of her counterparts. He distinctly remembered Ophee proclaiming confidence in each match-up she suggested except his own. Of course, by this point in time he could no longer be sure if that was actually the way it happened or if that was merely his perception of Ophee’s words. Either way, the next few minutes would likely end in bloodshed and pain, but hopefully it would not end in death for either person. He turned to look around the room and could see into the crystal balls that Master Searthu was using to keep track on the others. Each of them had just begun their mission, and it was time for him to go. He caught Master Searthu’s eyes as the fingers on his gloved right hand reached the gold ring on his left ring finger. Master Searthu did not speak, but he did smile and nod encouragingly. Ischarus smiled and swallowed hard before giving the ring a simple twist. Soon Ischarus could see the room waver in front of him, only to change to the room that held Darr. Ischarus spoke before Darr had a chance to realize that he had been joined by another person. “Darr or Juniper, who is working under the wizard of Eberdeen, I have come to inquire of your motions and inform you of the capacity of evil that your master has installed within you. You have the right to listen to what I have to say without the use of force.” Darr’s shoulder’s jumped instinctively at the surprise of Ischarus’ voice. Much to Ischarus’ surprise, however, Darr did not turn around in his surprise. The man managed to quickly regain his composure and in a bold act of confidence keep his back to Ischarus. “You come unannounced and unwelcome into my house and it is I who have to listen to your pronouncements of justice? Tell me how that makes any sense.” Ischarus smiled. He could see Darr’s hand slowly moving to the hilt of the large sword that hung at his side. He knew that Darr was trying to use a period of parley to trick him. There was little doubt that Darr was hoping to continue the discussion long enough for Ischarus to believe that Darr would not come against him and therefore let his guard down. Once Darr recognized Ischarus relaxing through his speech, he would no doubt strike. Ischarus would take no such chance. “Ehoim nuan Egro.” The arcane words slipped out of his mouth easily and the effect of the spell was immediate. A magical vapor crept out from between the floorboards and quickly filled the small room. Within a matter of seconds it was impossible to see a raised hand more than a single foot in front of one’s face. Ischarus continued to speak as the magical effect took hold in the room. “Don’t take me to be a fool, Darr. I could see your hand reaching for your sword. I offer up the spell to force a conversation. You need to hear what I have to say before this comes to armed conflict.” Ischarus could hear Darr chuckling across the room. “Oh, and I suppose that makes you noble? You have broken into my home and invaded my privacy. And now you force me to endure your presences even more because I can’t see enough to defend myself as is my right? That makes you anything but noble in my book, wizard. For all I know, that could make you nothing but a thief. You are likely robbing me blind without my being able to notice you doing so!” Ischarus had managed to pick up on the faint sound of steel grating against steel. He could also hear in Darr’s tone the way that he emphasized certain words in a well disguised ploy to cover the sound of his delicate footsteps across the room. Thus when Darr’s blade quite accurately sliced through the precise location of where Ischarus’ head had been when he had last spoken, Ischarus was glad that he had made note of these things and moved towards the wall to his right. Darr’s blade caught nothing but air and vapor. Ischarus smiled at Darr’s ability, although he knew that Darr would have no chance at seeing the acknowledgment. “You are not as helpless as you would have me believe, Darr. You seem to have quite the ability to defend yourself with steel against a humble wizard thief. So tell me, are you this cunning when the wizard in Eberdeen uses the Arum Dracunculus root upon you so that his bidding is flawlessly done?” Darr offered up more laughter. Ischarus was prepared for a sudden strike should Darr want to use the laughter to disguise the sound of a sudden charge, but the attack never came. Instead, Darr spoke once more and carefully tried to disguise his cautious approach. “The wizard does not need to use the root upon me, spell caster. I do his bidding willingly. He works with vast strokes to manipulate the pawns of this nation to establish the proper environment for his bidding. I long to see him empowered and serve at his side as the commander of his army. There is no need for him to use the Arum Dracunculus upon me. There is little that he could ask me to do that I would not do voluntarily.” Ischarus nodded as he quickly ducked and dove again to the right. He had not picked up on Darr’s movements as well as the time before. This time, Darr had anticipated Ischarus’ movement to the right and used a sweeping strike lower to the ground. When Ischarus rose again to his feet, he noticed that his right ankle had been cut to the bone. When he placed pressure upon the foot, there was a moment of intense pain. Fortunately, the ankle bone had done its job. Only the skin on the outside of the bone had been cut. The muscles and tendons on the opposite side of the bone remained intact. The pain from the cut skin would fade into a dull throb quickly enough; and at that point he would no longer be affected by the wound. His ankle would bear weight well enough. Darr had given Ischarus the information that he needed. Ischarus now knew that Darr was aware of the wizard’s use of the Arum Dracunculus and gave his approval for its use. He knew that this alone was enough to give him permission to use force to capture Darr. He would not kill the man, but using force against him was completely justified by Darr’s earlier words and actions. Of course, Ischarus chuckled to himself as he also realized that just because Darr was so willing did not mean that the wizard hadn’t used the Arum Dracunculus on him anyway. From what they had seen with Ophee, the Arum Dracunculus would be a great tool to use in order to ensure foolproof loyalty and a victim who has no recollection with regard to the manner in which they had been used. If the drug did not avail itself to the side of evil so easily, it would be a great tool. Ischarus decided to play a little more cat and mouse while he set up his attack. “You’ve no doubt noticed by the blood on your blade that you’ve wounded me, Darr. Congratulations. You should feel proud of yourself. You’ve used your superior strength and steel to wound an already frail body.” Ischarus allowed a bit of a mocking tone to find its way into his speech. Darr didn’t take well to the mocking. “It isn’t my fault that your first spell was a poor choice! If you cast a spell that hinders you more than it hinders me, I am not to blame.” There was no strike from Darr that came with the last expression. Darr had remained motionless, as if he began to expect Ischarus to magically attack him. Ischarus knew that his ploy had worked. His tone had given away that he was planning something, but his words had deceived Darr in guessing what form the attack would take. Now was the time to convince Darr of the method of attack. “Lishtal Sooth Egro.” Ischarus looked down to his own sword, which still rested within its scabbard. The blade glowed deep red for an instant, but the glow was largely obscured by the scabbard. He could see that the spell had taken effect, but he was sure that Darr would not be able to see the blade through the misty vapor that still clung around the room. Darr ducked and rolled to the left at the sound of Ischarus’ magical command. He couldn’t be sure what the magical command would attempt to do, but he had been certain that Ischarus was going to try and use magic to attack him. He rose to his feet when he realized that Ischarus’ magical command had taken no effect upon him. “So, wizard, your spell could not touch me.” Ischarus was waiting for Darr’s ego to show itself. He knew himself well enough to realize that no good swordsman was free from an ego and they were also prone to reacting in overconfidence. He also knew this was quite true of wizards. When Darr’s ego reared its expected head, Ischarus drew his sword in a flash of movement and dismissed the arcane fog that held the room in waiting. As the fog dropped out of the air and magically seeped back between the floorboards, Ischarus leapt at where he knew Darr would be standing. His blade continued to glow faintly red as it was drawn, and the steel seemed possessed in its desire to wound Darr. Ischarus had completely caught Darr off guard and landed a solid strike. The thick and almost viscous magic contained in the blade slid off of the sword and collected in Darr’s wound, increasing the pain and blood loss. Darr moved with the pain and used his own blade to swipe Ischarus’ steel to the side after it had done its damage. Ischarus knew that there would be no more surprises. He paused for a moment as both he and Darr drew their blades into a ready position. “You’re wrong, Darr. It would seem that my spell did in fact touch you – and touch you well.” Darr curled his upper lip in a snarl. “It appears that I have been wrong twice then. You are no wizard and you are no thief. You are some sort of ugly hybrid. You have polluted steel with an inner dependence upon magic. But I will not underestimate you again.” Darr’s blade swung through the air and connected with Ischarus’ shoulder. The blade bit hard, but without the magic supplement that had given Ischarus an edge the attack was no worse than what mundane strike Ischarus had given to him. The look on Darr’s face indicated that he was pleased with the strike. Ischarus stepped back and just out of Darr’s range with his long sword. He had prepared magic for this battle, and there was no sense in not using it. “Zysh Umaam Egro.” Darr wasn’t fooled twice, however. He didn’t expect Ischarus’ spell to affect him. As soon as Ischarus moved back and spoke the words, Darr stepped up and swung hard towards Ischarus. It was clear that he had thrown everything he had into the mighty swing in an attempt to disrupt the magic flowing through Ischarus. Ischarus managed to barely hoist the blade of his sword high enough in time to deflect the angle of Darr’s attack. The blow knocked Ischarus’ blade awkwardly backwards over his left shoulder, but Ischarus didn’t seem concerned. He took his eyes off of Darr for just a moment as he spun around in order to maintain the grip on his blade. As he completed the spin, the magic from the previous spell guided his hands and put the swing right on a path for Darr’s thigh. The steel bit deep and hard, and Ischarus rose up to a defensive position. “Might doesn’t always make right as you suggest, Darr. But magic and steel do make good bedfellows.” Darr growled again and caught Ischarus with a sturdy angular slash. Ischarus could tell that Darr was frustrated by the fact that the ceiling prevented Darr from performing an overhead smash. The slice, however, managed to find a way through parts of Ischarus’ leather and leave several trails of blood. It would only mean more mending work for Ischarus when this fight was concluded. Ischarus had accepted the blow because he knew that Darr was set up for his pièce de résistance. Darr was trying to overcompensate for Ischarus’ ability to do magical damage with his own strength. Rather than fighting smart as before, now Darr was simply fighting hard. Up until Darr’s last strike, Ischarus was not sure of his ability to win. Darr’s impulsive strike demonstrated to Ischarus that his opponent was convinced of Ischarus’ superiority. That could only mean that Darr was close to losing. Ischarus twisted the blade around his shoulder as he cast one final spell. “Thin Zecka Egro.” His face instinctively broke into a smile as the very familiar words passed across his lips. A static charge bounced out from the leather glove that covered his right hand. The charge arced as if it were several small lightning bolts bouncing up and down the blade. When Ischarus brought the blade forward and cut into Darr, the receiver of the impressive blow convulsed with the delivery of the static charge. The long sword dropped out of Darr’s hands and clanged noisily to the floor. Darr fell to the ground and was unconscious before he even made contact. Ischarus knelt beside him and shook his head. “You could have been formidable, but in the end you just weren’t worth the worry.” Ischarus’ gloved fingers reached for the gold ring as the hand with the ring gripped Darr’s left arm. With a single twist of the ring, both he and Darr returned to Master Searthu’s office. [/Sblock] [/QUOTE]
Insert quotes…
Verification
Post reply
Community
Playing the Game
Story Hour
Into the Moral Darkness: (Now a Completed Story!)
Top