Tales By The Fire

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  In service - Yolanda
  • Wannabe_Irish

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  //Muahahahahah. The PERFECT emotions for any poor confused little girl to feel :twisted: GJ irish. Thumbs up //
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  Gildor: The game
  • Yith

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  An old Roleplay Log, it isn't actually edited much I didn't add or change any of the descriptions, it was a very fleshed out session, between me and two guys. I am adding this little "note" because I am cleaning my posts to add them on to my Citizen Hall list.
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  Betrayed
  • Flom

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  edited
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  Elor Smith - Highway to 'Fell
  • Archon_Prime

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  A past unfurled: The Journal of Andu'mien Muner
  • Elendiel

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  ((No, none of these are dont yet… lol.. easily distracted? maaaaaybe))
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  Letters
  • FragileVessel

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  //maybe you should PM this to hitodama, mate. EDIT: Nevermind, i failed to see the big picture. //
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  Paranoia Poem.
  • Flom

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  Rayne.....The Begining
  • Guest

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  Acquaintance of Lilly. (Silver clouds and Lit Candles)
  • Flom

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  **"Two Hundred dollars." " 'allo there lil' lady. That was a pretty nice song, if you don't mind my saying" I complimented her music when she was done playing. She giggled, then nodded with a smile. "Thank you." I then proceeded to dig my coin pouch, take out two hundred gold pieces, and hand them over. "Here ya go, playin' like'at deserves a little reward." I promptly stated. Wait. I had just given away two hundred gold. For a song. And I didn't care. Strange. Her eyes widened, she took the bag of gold and looked inside. “This much? I think you took the wrong bag, sir.” She held the bag up towards me, insisting I take some back. The thoughts began to race through my head. “Should I take it back? No. She deserves it. Wait, itâ€s my gold. I worked hard for it. Itâ€s just two hundred gold. Really, you should be nice and help the bard community. The hells with the bard community. Shut up and leave it.” I cleared my throat and managed to croak out “Oh, I insist you keep it.” She smiled and tucked the gold purse next to her own on her belt, then patted the ground beside her. “You must really like music, whatâ€s your name?” She asked with a smile. Thoughts once again begun to sweep my head. “Your name you idiot. Tell her your name. Give her a fake name, sleep with her, and then beat it back to Peltarch. But sheâ€s nice. Like thatâ€s ever stopped you before, Darkrune, just do it…” “Ikurus Darkrune” I cleared my throat once more and blinked. “Whatâ€s yours” “Lilly” She said, plain and simple. Lilly… Lilly… Lilly… Lilly… I could have said that name all day long and never get bored. Lilly. Lilly. Lilly. Lilly. Lilly. Lilly. Lilly. Lilly. “So, Mister Darkrune, what do you do?” She broke my trail of thought. I cleared my throat. “Public spokesman for a Mister Deacon Sterr, at the moment, miss Lilly” “Ooooh, finally someone who doesnâ€t just hunt down goblins all day!” She said in a teasing but playfull tone. “Well, yes… I donâ€t hunt goblins but I still make money.” I bluntly stated, like a moron. An idiot. Of course I still made money, now sheâ€d think I was poor. Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. Idiot. “Now of course you do” She giggled and flipped her hair back. Okay, I was in the clear. She was ignoring my stupid comment. “I gotta go now mister Ikurus, maybe Iâ€ll see you around some more, huh?” I nodded and waved. Wait. Wasnâ€t I going to say some slimy comment and lure her to an inn room drunk? It's easy, just get her to buy a drink, then ask her if she wants to go upstairs! It had not even crossed my mind until just then. She had already left. I got up and walked back over to Cray. “You know, mate, you just spent a lotâ€v sterrâ€s money” Cray said bluntly, always leaning on the wall and had lit a cigar, he was still holding his cigar case. “Gimme oneâ€a those” I snatched the cigar case, lit one using his, then tossed him back the case. “Donâ€t you think I know that? Iâ€ll pay sterr back outta my own pocket” Cray just chuckled softly. “Mate youâ€ll never get rich that way” He was right. What was I doing. I just gave two hundred dollars to this girl I just met, for playing a song! _It was a nice song, though. But two hundred dollars? It was worth it, she was pretty and talented. But two hundred dollars? She smiled a lot, laughed a lot. But two hundred dollars? Two hundred dollars. At that moment I didnâ€t care anymore. Two hundred dollars didnâ€t seem like anything to me. It was nothing, just pieces of metal._ I hoped to see her again, And I did…**
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  BrianJ - Quiet Nameless Hin - small footstepson a long path
  • BrianJ

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  Today I was meditating next to one of the fountains in the Temple of Hope, and a vision came bebore my eyes. I saw in my vision a pond in a forest, surounded by trees on all sides. A deer diped its head to take a drink, and I felt myself pulled down to the water where the deer touched it. Beneath the tranquil surface I found myself, not so much as a ripple to mark my passing. There was life here, fish and other assirted water creatures… None seemed to take any notice of me. I could not say how long I was there, but the life of the pond went on regardless. After a time, I noticed that I was moving again. Down I went, and down some more... Untill all traces of the sun above were gone. Still further down I felt myself moving, time and distance undeterminable. At last I felt myself at the bottom, although I could not feel the mud beneath my feet. Still here there was life too, and still none marked my passing. After a time, I found myself moved again, this time far above the trees. I looked down upon the forest and saw the birds, and the trees, and the creatures that walked on the ground. For one moment, I felt I understood it all, although I confess to having lost that one sublime moment. I closed my eyes, and upon opening them again it all had departed from me. The forest, the creatures and the clarity of understanding. I think I will perhaps spend the rest of my life trying to recover that one perfect moment, and I fear it will be in vain. I was however left with one thing to remind me of that Perfect Moment. My name has found me, and I will spend the rest of my days seeking that One Moment known to all as Still Water.
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  Robyn Jahnsdotter - Memories
  • Robyn

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  Robyn regards Donovan critically for a moment, before allowing herself a smile. "Alright", she nods, "Take me to him"
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  Meram *smiles*
  • pcpaf

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  looks at this old thing and smiles
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  Of gangs and Cults. (Thay)
  • Flom

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  Sins of Sons, continued Double-Ganger _Told from the View Of Ikurus Darkrune Ahhh. Thay! It's been way too long. Now, usually, you'de think "Thay? Why would i want to go there? There's nothing but Rampaging Wizards and slaves" Well, mate, that's where your wrong, you simply just don't know where to look….. It was raining that night, a drink would do me good. I took a quick glance around then opened the door to my favorite bar. It was quiet. It creaked open. I saw the ten or eleven pathetic slobs slouching over there ale. I grinned, and made my way to the back rooms. The polished heels of my boots clicked against the hard floor. My coat swung back and forth slightly as i slowly and casually made my way past them. "Pathetic swine" I said softly to myself through a small snicker. Which, later, i would live to regret. One must have heard me, but stayed quiet nonetheless. It was my gold studded red robes, he must have figured i was a Red Wizard. Anyway, i made my way past the corner and walked down the poorly lit hall. It got less and less messy, ugly, dark, and damp the farther i went. When i finally got to the end and knocked against the wooden part of the stone door. The slit at my head's height opened up... "I'll be damned, Ikurus Darkrune!" The voice splurted out through the faint sounds of music from behind the door. "Come in, come in!" The door swung open, revealing the huge crowd inside. The music was booming into my ears, the lights glazing my eyes to the point where they were pacticly burning. It was beautifull. "Good to see you, mate." I politely stated to the rather large bouncer who guarded the door. With a nod he took my coat and hat, i cracked my knuckles, adjusted my hair and walked right in with a grin. Underneath my Red Coat, which was now in the hands of the bouncer, i wore my tight black pants, silver chains and studs hanging from them in several places. My shirt was silver and black, real stylish. I adjusts the collar and proceeded to the bar to get a drink. I grinned as the women sized me up, i walked right through the dance floor towards the bar. For that one moment i was the center of attention, but of course, i would soon be again thanks to my younger brother... "Ikurus! Ikurus, my man!" It was Jazz. Jazz Darkrune, youngest of three sons. He looked just like me. I suppose that's why i like him so much. " 'ey jazzy" I said idly as i waved the bar tender for a drink. One thing you will realise about jazz, is that he gets himself, and me, into lot's… and i mean Lot's of trouble sometimes. He had two women to his right, one to his left, his arms wrapped around the two nearest, one holding a cigar, the other holding a half empty bottle of wine. He was grinning like a cocky bastard. A real grade-A player. "Things goin' well fer you, mate?" He asked while one of the women stroked his chest through his shirt. I just chuckled and shrugged. Bang! The entrance door swung open and clashed against the wall with a loud 'thud'. I saw the bouncer take a rather large coat, then i saw him. This massive, hairy, smelly, toothy, green half orc. When i saw massive, i mean gigantic. Twice my size. He stomped through the dance floor, sat his rather large rear end on the seat beside Jazz, oposite of my side of course. Jazz looked at me with a devious grin. Then he got that look in his eye. That damnable look. Everytime i see it i know somethings gonna go wrong. He grinned and winked, then proceeded to turn to the brute beside him. "You look like you could lose a pound or two, mate…" He said cooly and calmly through that wretched grin of his. The brute grunted, sized Jazz up, then grinned a disturbingly wide, toothy, not to mention yellowish-green grin. "Yahs want tu insults Me!?" This monster of a half orc lashed out to Jazz. The women around Jazz quickly and hastily got up, and walked away looking rather scared. Jazz must have been drunk, because even i'm not stupid enough to press an angry massive half orc's buttons. "You heard me you smelly, pompous, rotting, ugly, decomposing piece of Necromancer bait!" Jazz leaned back on his chair, closed his eyes halfway, then discreetly lifted a finger at me, pointing it to my left hand. The half orc must not have noticed, because he didn't go to snap Jazz's head off. I knew what he wanted me to do. I knew that the orc was in for a fight. I sighed and shoved my drink to the orc's face. Jazz quickly kicked his stool to the orc's feet and begun casting. A lept on the table, got my balance and begun casting a spell of my own. Jazz, you see, is a master of illusion and enchantments. While i, Ikurus, am a master at simply obliterating things. The orc was blinded by the hard liquor, and stumbled down with a loud "boom" to the floor. Jazz ended his spell and the orc turned to his back, drooling with a glazed look in his eye. I ended mine and sent an acid arrow right to his throat. "Time to go, mate!" Jazz yelled to me with a more then amused tone. I frowned, the idget was going to get us kicked out or killed. I took a small leap from the table and quickly made my way through the dance floor. "Out'v my way, please, were in a bit of a rush, hmm!?" I barked, the people moved and kept gawking at me and my brother, who was grinning the whole time we made our way out. The bouncer gave me my coat, which i threw over my shoulders but kept unbuttoned. It's back end swaying back and forth as Me and Jazz made or way accross the long hallway. We made it to the corner to turn into the low-life bar. We were un-pleasantly surprised..._
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  The Nightingale
  • BetaPhi

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  "Rope Tricks" ((Firstly, I again have to thank Flumoxed for his contributions to what was some of the most fun RP I've ever had on Narfell. Hugs If you like the story, please give all your compliments to Flumoxed for doing what alot of us have a hard time doing- OOCly knowingly causing embaressment for your PC in the name of good, fun RP. )) Taira walked through the village square, trying her best not to seem terribly uncomfortable in the torturous devices that the local seamstress had assured her many times qualified as clothing. How western women lived their entire lives in thin chemises and tight bony bodices was beyond something Taira could imagine. Yet everyone told her that she looked very pretty in the dress, and how flattering the color was. Still deep in thought about the pains of western dress over her normal dress, a voice pierced through her internal debate. “Your Mirk's mistress, if'n I'm not mistaken.” Spinning around, she faced the voice, seeing that it was Ikurus Darkrune. A mage of apparently some talent and in need of a good tan. Taira furrowed her brow, not liking the sound of that word and the meanings it conveyed. “Mistress?” she asked of Ikurus, her voice raspy sounding at the effort of the strain to speak above a whisper. “Well…” began the pale mage, a lecherous grin spreading across his face, “Yae were draggin' him off tae be shaved an' cleaned the other day” Ikurus pushed a strand of wet hair behind his ear, his eyes grazing liberally over Tairaâ€s body, taking special time to linger over the cleavage created by the bodice. “He smelled foul,” said Taira, “and for your information, I am not Murkalai's mistress, I think I would prefer to be called his companion.” Ikurus chuckled, amused at the bite in her voice. “I meant no offense. And hey… Do you remember my name?” Ikurus came closer, positioning himself blatantly to get a prime view of her chest. Being in a less than wonderful mood that day, partially contributed to by the dress, but now perpetuated by a rude, pale and irritating mage who couldnâ€t keep his eyes where they should be, Taira began to formulate a plan. Pasting on one of her most charming smiles, Taira took a step closer to Ikurus, changing her body language dramatically. “No offense taken. And yes I do remember. Itâ€s Ikurus ….the Monkey,” said Taira, winking at the pale mage saying the last part under her breath. Looking down she noticed the bodice of her dress was sliding south again. Trying her best to discretely push it back up to where it was supposed to be, she glanced up briefly, noticing Ikurus grinning and leering at her chest, then quickly clearing his throat and looking away when he noticed that she had seen him. “These things are so odd…” said Taira, thickening her eastern accent more than usual, “ I feel like my top half is nearly about to spill out of the dress...” “Oh? Really?” Ikurus asked, fidgeting about, eyes flicking back and forth from the cleavage to Tairaâ€s face, laughing nervously and clearing his throat. “I never wore one so heheh.. ,” pausing, looking at Tairaâ€s chest again, “i wouldn't uhm.. i wouldn't know. When was it that we met again?” “At the Inn… you were sitting with Murkalai, tasting wine.” Taira gently reminded him. “Oh, right. Well…I wouldâ€ve admired yer chest if I wasn't a bit busy drownin' my emotions that night,” Ikurus blurted out, then blinked. Taira was going to enjoy teaching this lecher a lesson or two. Ikurus cleared his throat, straitening his face innocently. “I mean talked about yer dress.” Taira cued a blush of her checks, posing in a maidenly and shy manner, “You... like my chest?” Ikurus perked up, glancing down at Tairaâ€s chest again, grinning, “Well now, a'course I do.” Taira and Ikurus talked for some time in the square, Ikurus coming closer and closer to her, Taira playing more and more the coy woman. She would hang him on his own actions, and finally, he gave her the rope to do it with. “And what is yer fancy in men, just out of plain curiosity…” Ikurus tried to ask suavely. Taira took a step closer to Ikurus, looking at him up from her eyelashes. “Well.. I like intelligent men...” Ikurus postured, trying to dramatically push and pat his hair to the side of his head in what she could only guess was an attempt to seem the dapper gentlemen. “Well Iâ€m not exactly well-read but Iâ€m not a dummy either. Is ‘at all?” “Oh my… what are you trying to say Ikurus?” Taira batted her eyes innocently. “You mean... you... wish to have a liaison with me?” She cued her cheeks to blush maidenly once again. Ikurus blinked and cleared his throat at being exposed. She was sure he was a bit startled for being called on his intent. Touching her shoulder, and tilting her head to the side, she gave the mage a shy smile. “Well.. You are.. rather ... exciting looking,” the shy smile turned to coy. “And to be honest... I have had a little crush on you...” “At's what they say,” said Ikurus, puffing out his chest with bravado and pride. “Wait… what was it ye said? Oh, really? Me? Ye got a little crush on me?” his smile broadening, the wheels in his head spinning faster and faster. Taira nodded, her eyes down cast in an embarrassed pose, “Mmm Hmm...” “That's so cute,” said Ikurus, leaning forward to push a strand of Taira's hair back behind her ear. “'ere we go, perfect.” “I bet you're probably nearly as good of a lover as Murkalai is...” “What? me? Nearly? Hmph, Iâ€ll bet Iâ€m ten times the lover he is!” Ikurus exclaimed proudly. “Ten times?!?! Really?!” asked Taira, her voiced filled with awe. Ikurus nodded. “Ten times. I'll prove it if i have to.” A cocky, arrogant grin spread across his face Taira smirked, going in for the kill. “Do you want to?” “'course i want to. You do know who yer talkin' to here right?” Ikurus took Tairaâ€s arm, directing her towards the inn. Practically running through the common room to fetch a room key, Ikurus had Taira in a room in a matter of minutes. Running a finger down his chest, Taira pouted, then licked her lips, looking up at Ikurus. “Would you... do me a favor Ikky?” “Oh, anythin' fer you,” Ikurus sighed, his hands wandering up to try to begin removing Tairaâ€s dress. “I want to see you …. In my dress.” Ikurus blinked at Taira, looking a bit confused, Taira looking back at him from beneath her eyelashes, trying her best to hide her grin. “I find it very exciting to play little games like these… before… you know. Some people don't like to play the games I play.... do you want to play Ikky?” Tiara cocked her head to the side, looking at Ikurus wide eyed and innocent. “Oh, trust me. I want to play,” Ikurus assured her, grinning his arrogant, crooked grin. “So you will you put my dress on?” Taira asked. “Hrmm... Iâ€m not sure…” Taira pouted. “A womanâ€s dress?” Ikurus asked, sounding nervous. Taira nodded. Ikurus sighed deeply. “If you want.” “Oh please... it would be so exciting!” Taira said, smiling brightly, running behind the changing screen. “Alright alright, need some help takin' it off?” “No! Thatâ€s alright… you just sit and relax…” Taira did her best to yell over the screen in her weak voice, tossing the dress overtop across the room in the direction of the pale mage. Coming out from behind the screen in her usual clothing, Taira saw Ikurus trying his best to pull on the chemise and bodice. Ikurus looked up at Taira in confusion at seeing her still dressed. “You always lay with men wearing clothes?” Shaking her head, Taira grinned at Ikurus. “Anticipation heightens everything.... they teach us that in the east…” “Ooooo…” Ikurus†eyes widened and voiced filled with excitement as he awkwardly struggled to pull on the rest of the dress. “Okay.” Taira stepped slowly across the room, dipping to pick up Ikurus†robe on her way over to the bed. “We believe in using all sorts of sensations to heighten the experience...” “Oh, really?” Ikurus asked, his interest peaking. Ikurus finished putting on the dress, looking down at himself indignantly. “I don't know wearin' a dress…” “Donâ€t worry Ikky, it will be great.” Taira bent over, her bottom in the air as she dug a rope out of her pack, grinning back at Ikurus. “Let's do it with you tied up...That makes me so wild.” The cocky lopsided grin returned to Ikurus†face. “Well... oh, alright. Where do you want me?” “Turn around,” Taira directed. Ikurus turned to face the bed. “Like this?” Separating the smaller pieces of rope from each other, she tossed the extra over her shoulder, grabbing Ikurus†wrists, binding them firmly, tugging extra hard to ensure he wouldnâ€t break out of them. Ikurus laughed with the prospect of what he thought was to happen, “Easy on the goods, love.” Rolling her eyes, Taira moaned dramatically, “Yes... Oh yes.. just like that darling.. you're turning me on so much..” Trying to look over his shoulder, Ikurus looked at Taira quizzically. “Won't i be needin' my hands?” Taira grinned to herself knowingly. “Not with what I've got planned for you darling..” “..alright 'en.” Pushing hard on his back, Taira bent him over the edge of the bed, getting on her knees, binding Ikurus†ankles with the same firm knot she used on his wrists. Ikurus looked over his shoulder, shuddering in excitement. “Gods i 'ope this is worth it.” “Oh.. it will be...” Taira grinned to herself again, purring, “Have you been a BAD boy Ikky?” Ikurus nodded vigorously. “I've been the worst boy in town, love.” Taira stood up, leaning close to Ikurus†back, breathing heavily into his ear. “Should I …..punish you…?” Ikurus†eyes closed partially, shuddering in excitement. “think it would be for the best.” “I agree…I think you've been a very... very bad boy....” Taira stood up, slowly backing away from Ikurus towards the door. Ikurus twitched in excitement, looking around the room, but not seeing Taira. “What happens to bad boys around here?” “Do you.... really want to know?” Asked Taira. Ikurus nodded hastily, fidgeting and trying to undo his bindings. “Oh yes… yes.... God these are on tight.” Her hand on the door, Tairaâ€s weak voice carried across the room, “Ikurus.... darling…” Ikurus paused in his fidgeting, looking over his shoulder, finally spotting Taira. “Hmmm?” Taira burst out into giggles, no longer able to contain herself. “Just hold that pose.. while I go run downstairs and get some witnesses...” Quickly turning the knob, she ran out of the room down the hall way. There was a pause, then angry shouts erupted from the room behind her. “'ey! What do ye mean? GET BACK HERE!”
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  Stories from the Right Side of Luck
  • v_black

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  The Life of Yarin: The Debt Unfulfilled
  • Darkpowder

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  The boy must have been no more than sixteen seasons as he stood in the circle of pale wooded trees that gave the woodland the name "The Grey Forest". The boy looked up, for he was on his back his lip cracked a moment after the lightning fast elven swordsman drove the wooden shield up under his guard into his ribs. A deep elven voice sounded from above him, with a sound like a whispering song, the boy looked up and blinking in the glare of the sun at the centre of the circle he pushed himself up from the carpet of leaves and stood. "Yarin…" called the voice.. "Stand.. -BEGIN!-" Yarin gripped his twin short elven blades with a light grip, watching the statuesque figure of the elf swordsman resplendent in inscribed runed leather now holding the same weapons he did, a stark contrast to Yarin's simple tunic. As he had been trained he watched for the approaching thrust, twisting a blade lightly in his grip to draw the attacking blade down and to his left, before flicking the blade back out of danger. Yarins attack was parried with a blinding blow from the swordsman that threatened to knock his right hand blade from his grasp. The blades rang out for a few moments as each went on the offence, the swordsman clearly holding something back as he parried Yarins' thrusts and cuts. Yarin looked at the swordsmans eyes and there was no malice there, just simple concentration, then something told Yarin there was a moment. Yarin saw the swordsmans eyes flicker to the right a moment, in the classic feint. Yarin followed with his eyes allowing the swordsman the belief that he had succeeded in his trick. Then, seeing the swordsmans guard changing to the offence after the feint Yarin beat one of his opponents weapons away before striking at the tip and the base of the swordsmans weapon with both of his sending the blade stabbing toward the ground out of his grasp. Yarin stepped back as the swordsman dis-engaged, looking with not a glimmer of pride at the sword now standing up in the leaves between them. He looked up at his adopted fathers' eyes once more and in reply there was but a simple nod from the elf. The elf then spoke in a calm caring voice.. " Yarin, It is done, you may go-now. As agreed, and so must it be you have tasted of the long draught of our kin, now you will go to yours. You know where you must go.. as we spoke before. To the temple, do -what- you can -when- you can, for -all- you can."
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  Pain, fear, comfort and lust
  • Yith

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  I am moving this story to the underground chronicals because it is more fitting there.
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  The Great Berry Hunt
  • Archon_Prime

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  Ghost of the Wilds - Old Two Skins Ear Neck Vine
  • Kerby

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  It was loads of fun. Honestly, it's been a while since I had a nice big adventure like that. Thank you to all the DMs and all the players that made the night wonderful.
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  How the mighty get fallen
  • shadevar

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  Bacelar Diion, proud servant of Tyr, Paragon to the Divine Shield Order, arose in his bed disturbed, his palms and face just like the sheets wet of cold sweat. Twice, he blinked his eyes to gain minor focus on his surroundings. It was still dark outside, as dark as any night had been since the fall of his brothers. From below, the faint smell of roast and warm ale still crept up. But those eyes… He could not shake the vision from before him. The eyes still watched him. “I must warn the others.” Quickly, he got up and took hold of what little he carried, donning the plate that stood as symbol towards both The True, and his position with the Legion, heading down towards the common areas of the Regal Whore. “Evenin†sir” Mary barely managed, tossing aside one of the drunk to clean up the final mess in the inn room. Drudo yawned widely as he counted the earnings for the day, making ready for bed as well. All seemed as normal, not at all as the vision had shown him. There was still time. With an irresistible shiver, the Tyrean grasped the doorhandle, and paused. All had seemed fine as the dream had come to him that night as well. The children had been playing in the field, and all had seemed just as peaceful. Then, the dark had fallen, covering the quaint town like a cold blanket of death. Heâ€d raised his eyes towards the sun to see, and to his horror it had been black. Heâ€d looked once more around the town, and what heâ€d seen had horrified him beyond all imagination. Jiyyd was dead... In his dreams, the whole town had fallen to the cursed darkness. Everyone, friends, allies, peasants and children alike, all were dead. Yet their shadows still stirred, still they lived and moved, fed by the dark rays of the sun. And then heâ€d seen them, the eyes that still haunted him, the sadness, and the looks of pain and guilt, the pleadings for aid as they peered into his soul. There was something familiar about them, somehow he could not shake the thought heâ€d seen that look before, that he knew whom those eyes belonged to. But whom then? It made no sense. Bacelar Diion took a deep breath, opened the door, and stepped out into the night. It was darker than ever, black as the darkest cloth, as clouds obscured the moon and stars from sight. It was a time of darkness, and shadows... “Please Lerian, continue about the little boy.” The few men gathered within the confines of the Helmite temple listened with all interest to the strangerâ€s tale. Theyâ€d met him on the road to Jiyyd, and after exchanging some words, drinks and other pleasantries had followed him towards the temple. There, heâ€d told them about the poor Barnd gone missing, driven mad by unknown sources as his information told him. “Well, I am here to look for him.” The man that had called himself Lerian took mental note of his audience as he spoke. Kalis Reign, Allannon Damon and Amana Colds, the two first still rather young in years, but all men of sound heart and nature it would seem. Amana had expressed his allegiance towards the Vigilant earlier in their conversations as well, another good point to mark. It had been reason enough to speak to these men about the matter, and seek their aid. All help from those known within the town would prove useful. Yet the Inquisitor kept to choosing his own words with care for now, providing only the little information he deemed necessary to complete his task. The warnings from his superiors at the Helmâ€s Hold had not been in vain, there was reason enough to suspect treachery within the small hostel of Jiyyd, maybe even amongst their own ranks. And he, Lerian Orryngaard, Knight Inquisitor of Helm, Keeper of Trust, would not have been commissioned for this “minor” task if there was no reason for caution. Heâ€d learned very few details already in speaking with the locals, and the only thing his talks with the High Watcher Garnendar had revealed besides the matter was once again the need for caution. Lerian could not put his finger to what it was, but there was something not quite right about the man. “Be ever watchful of your enemies... “ In time, he would learn the truth, of that he was certain. Lerian Orryngaard was not known to fail. “Apparently, he spoke nonsense, about death returning.” Lerian continued, his expression not at all betraying his inner musings, his posure calm, relaxed, methodical. “Like the undead?” Lerian nodded towards Kalis†remark, considering their weight. “Aye.. something about death not being death no more. It's why I must find him soon. They took him to his bed to rest, but he disappeared a few hours after. He's not been seen since...” Lerian trailed off as he noticed what the others seemed to notice as well. As they were speaking, the halls of the Temple grew colder, to the point where he could see his own breath in speaking. The calm features on his face vanished, making way for a dark expression as his hand reached for the sword at his side. A dark taint of evil had crept up almost unnoticed, and it grew stronger now with each breath. Something was near... “I sense trouble coming” Alannon spoke the words that the others thought, and with that, all drew weapons and went for the main hall. The Temple halls were dark, pitchblack, obscuring near to every detail. A light tremor shook the hall, coming from deep below, as a deep cold sigh seemed to eere through the empty halls below. “I have see this before... darkness” Amanaâ€s words had not even grown cold yet when the darkness gave life to the shadows. One by one they emerged from within it, dark talons lashing out at the 4 men, hungry for their life, craving to take their warmth away and succumb their souls to the darkness. The battle erupted harshly within the sacred halls as steel met shadow in an effort to save both the Templeâ€s sanctity, and their own lives... “Morrrtaaalssss...” A dark loathing voice hissed from deep within the dark, freezing the blood of the warriors to a halt. The last few shadows remaining halted their assault, immediately retreating to the blackness that birthed them. “What is the meaning of this!” Alannon cried out in itâ€s direction, startled and uncertain of their fate, as the others moved closer with arms at ready. “Lisssstennn...” Without a care for anything else, the fiend issued itâ€s warning to them, fulfilling itâ€s bound task to the letter. And with every word it spoke, it foretold of what was to be. And with every breath, the men uttered reprisals of disbelief and unknowing. Soon enough, it lost itâ€s patience. As if it wasnâ€t bad enough already that it had been in need to strike the bargain with that pesky Watchling human in order to gain what it desired so much. Now it had to deal with zealot incompetents. “Foolssss!!!!!” It hissed clearly in anger. “You do notssss undersssstandd!!!” The outburst startled the men for a small moment, enough to regain their attention and lower their weapons another inch again. Maybe they were not as stupid as the fiend figured after all. “What is it that you want here?” “Rah! Mortalsss.....downn fall will come.” “Mortals will fall? The gods would not let such an extremity happen.” It uttered a mild curse. “Deathh cannot be denied! All will learrrn.....rrremember it morrrtallssss... and ssspread thisss worrrd... It isss yourrr only hope” It did not tire itself anylonger on mortal fools. Soon, it thought, this demeaning little task would be over, and itâ€s own time would finally come. Soon, when Garnendar completed the last of his side of the bargain. When –she- was ready... As quickly as it came, the darkness vanished again, leaving not a single trace of what had just occured. Lerian remained silent, almost untouched. Alannon looked at him, still somewhat shaken, as the others relaxed as well. “That was a warning...that thing eludes to a greater evil that comes to this land.” Lerian nodded calmly to his words. “That such a creature could come and desicrate the santity of this temple... “ Amana could not believe it, let alone accept, that Helm would even think to allow such a vile being in His own temple without aid nor reprisal. “That He would allow it in His halls sets us to think. Darkness is coming in time, my friends. Prepare.” Lerianâ€s words remained as calm as methodical as before, as if this was mere common fact. “This what, Lerian? Have you seen such a thing before?” “I have, more than once, sir.”, he replied. “Such fiends would shred your flesh from your bones for mere pleasure.” He watched them intently, curious for their thoughts and actions. “He must want his message spread...else we would not be breathing still.” This Alannon is a wise man, Lerian thought, atleast he speaks with thought. “The towns folk should not hear of this. They would not have the strength to understand.” Amanaâ€s remark was curious, but not unexpected. And in a way Lerian deemed him right. The Helmites seemed to have grown in quite a disliking over the last few weeks as he himself had noticed, and even when none dared to speak it, heâ€d sensed his Lordâ€s everwatchful gaze turning away from Jiyyd the moment heâ€d set foot within the townâ€s limits. Something was seriously wrong... if only he could see what. “I Must have your words sirs. That none shall know of what has occured here this day, save others of the temple.” Even when the others agreed to Amanaâ€s request, lerian shook his head, placing a palm upon the altar. “There is only one that can ask such of me, sir Amana. One, besides Helm. And that is my liege. I cannot grant you my word, nor can you ask for it.” Amana nodded unquestioning, and continued. “The word must go out though to others. The Order of the Divine Shield must know and start to prepare. They must learn that a great evil is coming, though we know not its form or when it shall arrive?” He looked at his companions for support to his words, or challenges for that matter. Lerian let go of a deep sigh, his eyes fixed upon the stone tablet, shaped to Helmâ€s Hand. “I must find the boy and learn what he saw...” The others fell silent. “I have no dealings with the town's affairs. If the priests wish to inform they may. They should even if it is in danger.” The man named Lerian parted soon after, agreeing to meet again within short notice to set out and find what had happened to Barnd...