Reply to thread

Message: <blockquote data-quote="abri" data-source="post: 1305166" data-attributes="member: 1080">An intense red sun in the sky, shining on a desert mountain, desert as far as the eye could see to the south, a chain of mountain to the west and a verdant primal forest to the north. Caern was surprised: he had used the book of Soleimnon to plane shift here and he expected to arrive in the MIDDLE of a desert, in a demon-infested ruin or any other imaginable hellhole or deathtrap. This made no sense: what kind of evil traitorous artifact was that? At most he was looking at a two days mountain hike to the forest, and there were many place to rest on the way. As a matter of fact there was a grotto in the mountainside just 20 yards from his location. Good: he could easily see a thunderstorm coming from the north. Suddenly alarms rang in his mind: desert, mountain, thunderstorm, and grotto? He swore loudly “Dragon!”He knew there was no point in running away, all legends agreed on one point: dragon were highly territorial and would resent a human coming so close to their lair. His only chance was to face the dragon and either negotiate or slay it. He did not like the chance of either succeeding. Entering the grotto he prepared himself: he changed his vision and reached for his soul. Around he could see the complex patterns orbiting around the representation of his being. He picked three, his arms started moving animated by the pattern, and he uttered the word of power converting the stored ethereal energy into tangible forces. First translucent plate appeared and took form on his body, quickly forming an ornate blue armor of pure force, eldritch energy started running along his body in a semi-random pattern going across black runes of protection which covered his skin while his clothe were glowing a soft blue light. He was ready…He rushed in the cavern; there was no point for subtlety, as the dragon already knew he was there. They met in the main room of the cavernous complex. Several tapestries dotted the walls, as well as many trinkets on the floor: all indicated that the dragon preyed on merchant caravans. The dragon itself was a lot less impressive that Caern expected, a lot smaller too. As the dragon rushed toward him, Caern again grasped a magical pattern from his spirit and hurled a black sphere that hit the dragon square in the chest. The dragon’s first attack was easily deflected by the eldritch energy protecting Caern. For a minute that seemed a century for both combatants, they circled around each other, lashing almost blindly with as many strikes as they could, but the sphere had drained the dragon strength and he was loosing. The dragon left eye was covered with blood dripping from a wound on his skull, his left shoulder moved awkwardly from repeated strikes to this exact joint. Caern left arm was red with blood, moving by pure willpower, his ribcage hurt from several deep gashes…The dragon suddenly took of and hovering over Caern breathed lightning on him. The bolt struck next to his feet projecting him to the ground. “Great! Now my ribs are definitely broken!” One more time Caern vision changed, ancient words were uttered and an almost invisible sphere composed of waves in the air struck the dragon. The blow was weak and both knew it: “Do you think you can convince me to fight on the ground with such a weak spell?” “No, but I don’t have to convince you. You WILL fight on the ground.” Caern ran toward the hovering dragon, suddenly projecting his left leg in the air behind him, as he jumped from his right leg he started moving both leg in a circular motion, projecting him toward the dragon. He kicked the dragon on his shoulder joint, stunning him.On the ground Caern struck at the dragon with all his remaining strength, finally breaking his skull. The fight was over and he needed rest.He had time to observe the cavern now and he found a leather bag under a cheap copper statue. Even though the bag looked empty from the outside, it contained almost a thousand coins: the coins, all made of silver, were very similar to the Slivar of his country, maybe a little bigger. In a sense that brought him comfort, at least this world had something in common with his. He might survive here after all…After a night of rest and an hour of meditation spend weaving back eldritch patterns to his soul he left the cavern. For two days he climbed down the mountain, taking refuge from thunderstorms several times. Finally he reached the forest and his advance slowed: he spent a lot of time examining the trees, the flowers, the small animals and insects around him. Some seemed to have come directly from his world, other bore small differences, but nothing was really alien to him. After a day in the forest he heard shouts in commons, the voice was deep, too deep and too powerful. He walked slowly toward the voice, started hearing several and decided to prepare for the worst. Covered with his armor of force he resumed his course, soon he saw five giants exhorting a group of young men of women to advance faster. The humans’ clothes definitely qualified as rags and they looked exhausted and famished: prisoners, slaves maybe? The giants stood nine feet tall, with military armor (not really well maintained…) and big axes. One of them stood out as the leader, wearing a banded mail. None of the giants looked smart. It took a while for Caern to put a name on the creatures, but bedtime stories from his childhood helped him: Ogres. A while latter a crossbow-bolt surprised the ogres, striking one of them, followed by a lone human jumping out of the bushes. The leader did not have the time to speak before the ogres charged the fool. None of their blow struck.“Think you fool, look at him. Can’t you see he is covered in magical protection!” Caern dodged from ogre to ogre, each time striking with accuracy and the help of the energy flowing through his fist. From four ogres around him, there was soon only three standing, then two, one. And then none…The humans still hadn’t moved, terrified by what was happening. The leader hadn’t moved either.“Good! Now they are dead, more money for me. Just one wizard to kill. One wizard out of spells.” The leader was smiling; at least Caern thought that was a smile. And then he charged. Caern barely had the time to summon a black sphere and throw it at the ogre before he had to dodge his massive axe. The sphere had ravaged the ogre sapping his strength, making his strike slow and easy to avoid. It was easy for Caern to finish the ogre, stunning him then striking repeatedly at his chest until the ribs gave in. But not before the ogre had landed a lucky blow on him.Finally one of the women came to Caern.“You are wounded. Can we help you.” “Thanks, but it is you that still need help. All of you! Go through the ogres’ bags and share among you the food and money that you’ll find! You’ll need to be rested and strong to make it to safety!” While they searched, two of the women banded Caern’s wound.“We are most thankful. We lived in the village of Yhnenbar to the north. These monsters attacked us in the night and destroyed the village. They killed everyone but us the young men and women that could be easily sold as slave.” “Do you know where they were bringing you?” “Not really. The dark mountains maybe? Who knows? There are many lands covered by darkness in the south.” “Do you know of any safe place to go?” “There is the city of Vandyl to the north east. It is the castle of the king.” “How far?” “About two weeks worth of walking.” “Ok, I’ll escort you there. We’ll leave in two hours.” A young man, barely fourteen came near Caern.“My lord we have found this cloak in their bags, it is ornate and should belong to you.” Caern was surprised at the title, looked at his clothes, saw the elaborate silk and understood. Even after these two battles he still looked like royalty. Well at least that what he would look like after a bath and a little repair on his clothes…The cloak was ornate with tiny runes on its edge and leaf motif covered the outside. Changing his sight he could see the calm magical pattern of the cloak, in harmony with nature. Something he would have difficulties activating, but magical nonetheless.“Thanks…” “No. It is us who are most thankful. You save us from slavery. Give us the money that belongs to you by right of combat and even offer escort. In our misfortune we are lucky that you found us.” Caern was thankful for the calm travel. His ribs still hurt and he could go without a fight for a few more days. He took the time to gain information about this world, most of the information coming from Henry, who used to work with his father as a merchant. They were in the kingdom of Vandyl, the mountains he came from were called Thundermountains and were avoided by humans due to the dragons that lived there. Orcs, ogres or other dark creature often attacked the kingdom and the king’s army was insufficient to patrol all the land. From all theses discussions Caern gathered that there was only two noble titles: king and lord. The latter described anyone with a castle, while a king controlled a city…Finally after two weeks they reached the city of Vandyl. It reminded Caern of the city-fortress so common in the south of his world: tall white walls surrounded the city, with about twenty tall towers dotting the wall. The city was huge and Caern estimated the population at several tens of thousands. This explained the many ships loaded with grains that came in the city by the river going through it.The group came to one of the gate: normally many caravans went through, but they had all stepped aside letting the group through. After all two dozens refugee escorted by a noble was a rare sight (a little cantrip helping Caern’s appearance). The guards did stop the group for just a moment and after a few explanations brought Caern to the king.The palace was a lot less impressive than the imperial palace, but still showed a total lack of practicality: the king trusted his army to keep peace, not his walls. The throne room was of blue marble, with tapestries showing the king on the wall. The king himself was wearing ceremonial plate armor, around forty years old, with long black hairs and a short pointed beard. To his right was the court wizard. That Caern was sure: about his age, wearing long red robes adorned with mystic symbols and holding an ebony staff. He couldn’t have looked more “wizardish” if he had tried. Of course several chain mail wearing guards were present and Caern could easily see their captain standing behind one of the marble pillar.“We thank you for the rescue of our subjects. Lord…?” “Massud. Lord Caern Massud, my king.” “I am unfamiliar with the name. From which kingdom do you come?” “Let’s just say I have traveled a long distance to reach your kingdom. I am sorry that I cannot give more details with so many ears around.” To say that everyone looked at Caern with an inquisitive look would be a clear understatement. It was the wizard that broke the silence:“Greeting Lord Massud! I heard from one of the refugee that you were a wizard. Would this be true?” “Indeed. I dwell in the magical arts, although I wish I mastered those with more experience.” The wizard was smiling. “It is most fortunate. Men that master the art are few. A new occult protector is always welcome.” “Keil speaks the truth. Since his master died, my kingdom has severely lacked magical support. I, king Raul welcome you.” Caern understood the meaning: they did not trust him, but a wizard was something they would rather not antagonize if it weren’t necessary. The visit of the city was most interesting: several temples (god of heroes, goddess of magic, goddess of the earth…), many shops and taverns… All in all, the city was bursting with life. And patrolled by soldiers too. The military presence was abnormal for a city. It confirmed what he had guessed by seeing the king: he held his crown by military might alone. He was failing as a protector and feared that someone might overthrow him. Somebody who appeared as a new protector… Just like Caern, hence the cold welcome.The dragon’s silver was most useful in obtaining a room at the most luxurious inn in the city. Caern used the time in the city to buy many arcane materials: mortars, flasks, bowls, spices, various metals and herbs. He commissioned an artisan to build leather chest to hold this entire portable laboratory. He spent the rest of his time testing his magical aptitude in his room and visiting taverns.He had reason for both: first, the seal of the Massud was so attuned to him that he had no difficulty enchanting it. Second he needed to hear legends from bards and storytellers. And lastly he needed to find someone with knowledge of the wilderness.A lot of legends ran around about a cursed elven town to the north: its inhabitants had been so obsessed with magic that they had learned forbidden rituals, damning the whole town in exchange for absolute power. For one hundred years no one had come back from the town and merchants traveling near had seen strange shadows in the woods, calling the town the ruins of shadow…With so many bards telling this tale, it smelled of political manipulation: a warning against those that dwelled in the arcane arts. A clear reaction to his presence, he wondered who was paying the bards. At least the info was too good to pass.Finally he found what he was looking for: in a inn he knew to have many military regular he found a lone woman sitting at a table, a grey wolf sitting right next to her. A quick change of sight, informed him that she owned magical weapons. He knew everyone was looking at him. He sat at her table throwing a dark look at the rest of the soldiers, who quickly stopped looking at him.“Do you often sit at a girl table without being invited!” She was slightly smaller than him but considerably more athletic, with long auburn hair. He back was to the wall, her eyes roaming the room: an experienced warrior.“Only when it is the skill of the girl I’m interested in. I need a guide.” “And why would I be interested?” “Because you know who I am. Hell, the whole city must have heard of me by now! Because you know WHAT I am and what I can do. And most importantly, because you understand what I am offering you.” “And what would that be?” “A chance for a better life. A chance to become whatever you desire. A chance to be richer than any king or to become a queen if you wish.” “I feel like a demon is tempting me. Are you an archmage or a fiend?” “Neither, neither. Let me explain my offer: I seek magical artifact to augment my mastery of magic. For reasons I’d rather not discuss, I have no real need for money. I do need a partner though. I plan to explore several ruins, most of which will be infested with fiends or other monsters, but the reward will be worth the risks.” “And why me? I am but a frail girl!” “Wearing a magical ring, and magical swords, followed by a wolf. Yeah, frail. I wish I was so frail!” Both exploded in laughter.</blockquote>

Verification