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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Khristos" data-source="post: 1571673" data-attributes="member: 19739">Twin Empires -  The Shadows of Arcadia PT 1Numas 14 Martius 1486 IR ( Oc Tzolkin 1242- ADR, 11 Riuros 1384- GCY) Armed and equipped the small band met in the town square. With a harsh and stiff manner did Gunthar son of Cedric greet the assembled men. Clad with black furs and adorned with a simple golden chain clasp. He surveryed the motley band before him. At that time a traveller happened into town. His eyes a solid blue and his hair tinged blue as well thus marking him as one of the Blooded. He noted the band of armed men in the town square and also noted the recent devestation suffered by the village in course he decided to render aid... his name was Jevis aka Jevis the Blue. Gunther offered coin to each of the assembled. Angus who was all for looking for his own sister who was also kidnapped returned the money and thus the group set out with Niall know called Niall the Mad as their guide.  Soon it became apparent that brother Francis would be hard pressed to meet the pace set by the deranged ranger. The ranger slowed the pace and always seemed to mutter in a strange language as if arguing with himself. He drew Angus and Jerash aside knowing that they knew of the deed of last night and said he would open the mortal when Diadi rose. Onward the group went as darkness set upon the wood.  Many thought it was just mild superstition or the natural dark forces of the wood at work that caused a strange shift (save the 3 who knew that they had entered the shadowed lands of Arcadia). When Grimshaw determined to strike flame Niall became agitated and said that light attracted the shadows.  Time drifted as the group rested and it soon became apparent that there would be no sun rising upon the land. Still in the occasional breaks Diadi's full light poured down providing at least moonlight in the shadow realm. Eventually Grimshaw heard low rumbling voices in the distance fading in and out of hearing. Everybody stopped and listened more carefully but couldnt hear anything and decided it was the wood playing tricks upon the young mage. Soon it became apparent that indeed there was a campfire in the distance and low rumbling voices were heard. The group decided to go around and evade the obstacle ahead. Doubt began to flood Grimshaw as to whether ignoring an action would be a good thing to do. So he pointed out several things it could be which would be of interest to the party. Angus opted to go take a look to ease the conscience of the young mage.  He drew close enough to see three large humanoids (8 ftish)hunched around a large fire. They were passing around a large jug and drinking from it. After the right one took a swig it spit on the fire and it flared up which caused the shadows to dance wildly in the clearing causing them to laugh uproariously. The left one was turning a large spit with a boar roasting on it and had an axe tucked into it's belt. A maul was propped up next to the middle one and the one on the right had a greatspear driven into the ground with a bag hanging from the second boar hooks. The bag looked like it had something trying to get out. After Angus drew back and made report an argument briefly broke out over what to do. Two main arguments were either for rescue of whats in the bag or waiting for the ogres to pass out and free the contents of the bag by stealth. Grimshaw stated he had magic available that would render the ogres unconcsious but need to be within 15 ft to use it. A general assault plan was made. Grimshaw's magic was weaker than he surmised against the large creatures and he merely blinded one of them. Angus waded into battle his cold iron and silver short swords cutting deeply into them. Jerash thrust about with his own spear. Francis invoked Zaphkiel to bless his allies. Jevis shot the blinded one with his crossbow. As the ogres grabbed for weapons Grimshaw again tried to unleash his arcane magic but bearing in mind the reach of the ogre with the spear failed to succesfully channel his power. Angus continued to cut deeply into the ogre who brought the maul to bear, killing it.   The ogre with the spear in a grisly display of power drove his spear into the body of Grimshaw and blood spattered and the mage dropped like a stone. Francis immediately moved to petition Zaphkiel to heal the mages wounds. Angus absorbed a mighty blow although his elfmail helped absorb most of it. Jevis shot the blind ogre and scored a remarkable hit. The ogre recovering and seeing the crossbow bolt sticking out of him hurled his axe at Jevis the axe buried deeply into his chest and blood sprayed everywhere pinning his dying body to a tree. Angus and Jerash working in tandem finished off the spear wielder. Once again did Francis invoke Zaphkiel and barely saved Jevis. Jerash and Angus  both fell upon the last remaining ogre as it pried the maul from the dead hands of it's friend.  It reaered back and tried to drive Angus into the ground as if he were a tent peg. The blow was telegraphed and easily evaded. The two men made short work of the last ogre.  The group then debated briefly whether it was wise to just open the bag. Angus never one to condone longwinded arguing just cut open the knot. Inside was what appeared to be a gnome. The gnome cautioned Francis and pointed at Grimshaw.  " The Lady doesnt care for those with the stink of the Archons on them... as you saved me I give you ring o' fat one so maybe she doesnt turn you into big fat toad" " who are you?" " I am Mixon... she is near you had best be going"  The group hurried back to where Ra'Seth watched over Niall... They found Niall stiff and unmoving and saw no trace of the Lizardman. Eventually the ranger could move again. " So beautiful.... she took Ra'Seth" " Who" " A lady so beautiful... so beautiful it was horrible" The group knew with a sinking feeling that they would need to find the very Lady they were told to avoid.</blockquote>

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