-last edited on Aug 12, 2018 22:55:27 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Aug 12, 2018 22:55:08 GMT
On the edge of the land lies a great and expansive sea. None have completely explored it or colonized it. It is now known that the continent of Kahltrain lies to the east, but the west and south remain largely a mystery.
In addition to exploring the ocean here, you may choose to visit the nearby islands. Any travelling to the North may also take place in this topic.
The aftermath of the Xain Invasion has cause many to wonder what else lies across this sea.
-last edited on Dec 25, 2019 20:32:55 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Dec 25, 2019 20:32:12 GMT
One year ago . . .
The sounds of creaking planks and crashing waves awoke Lord Demiu of the Lion Knights. He opened his eyes to a dark room of wooden planks, the smell of salt in the air and the gently pitching floor beneath his feet telling him he was on a ship of some kind. Trying to move to the door, Demiu discovered that his left arm was chained to the small cot where he lay. An attempt at magic yielded nothing. Sighing, he lay back down and waited.
Only a few minutes passed before the door squeaked open and a older human man entered, dressed in a blue robe. "Welcome, Lord Demiu. It is good to see you awake; you were taking your time."
Demiu sat up quickly, noting that the man wisely stood just out of his reach. "So, another scheme by Dror? I'll escape soon, and then--."
He stopped abruptly as the stranger chuckled. "I'm afraid you've mistaken me for someone else my lord. Rest assured, we have nothing to do with the Xains. In fact, the last of their ships sailed away just this morning. You've won the war." Demiu stared in silence as the man continued. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Myst Erwiz. I served the Lion Knights for a time under your predecessor, Duke Arthurian."
The lord of the Lion Knights scoffed. "Why, then, have you chained me and stripped me of my magic."
Myst smiled, bending down to unlock the chain. "We anticipated a negative reaction to your changed circumstances and wanted to ease the transition. Please, follow me, and we'll go to the others."
Still on the lookout for a trick or a trap, Demiu obliged Myst as the robed man led him out of the room and up onto the deck, where he saw a familiar figure looking out over the ocean. Passing by Myst, Demiu hurried over. "Valithor! What's happening here?" Gesturing to Myst, "This man claims to be a Lion Knight, but he hasn't told me why he's brought us here."
The Black Knight nodded in understanding. "I was awakened by a man who I know to be a former Shadow Warrior. Do you remember Amijos, from our quest at the Tower of Time?"
"Yes. Do you mean to tell me you trust these people?"
The sounds of creaking planks and crashing waves awoke Lord Demiu of the Lion Knights. He opened his eyes to a dark room of wooden planks, the smell of salt in the air and the gently pitching floor beneath his feet telling him he was on a ship of some kind. Trying to move to the door, Demiu discovered that his left arm was chained to the small cot where he lay. An attempt at magic yielded nothing. Sighing, he lay back down and waited.
Only a few minutes passed before the door squeaked open and a older human man entered, dressed in a blue robe. "Welcome, Lord Demiu. It is good to see you awake; you were taking your time."
Demiu sat up quickly, noting that the man wisely stood just out of his reach. "So, another scheme by Dror? I'll escape soon, and then--."
He stopped abruptly as the stranger chuckled. "I'm afraid you've mistaken me for someone else my lord. Rest assured, we have nothing to do with the Xains. In fact, the last of their ships sailed away just this morning. You've won the war." Demiu stared in silence as the man continued. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Myst Erwiz. I served the Lion Knights for a time under your predecessor, Duke Arthurian."
The lord of the Lion Knights scoffed. "Why, then, have you chained me and stripped me of my magic."
Myst smiled, bending down to unlock the chain. "We anticipated a negative reaction to your changed circumstances and wanted to ease the transition. Please, follow me, and we'll go to the others."
Still on the lookout for a trick or a trap, Demiu obliged Myst as the robed man led him out of the room and up onto the deck, where he saw a familiar figure looking out over the ocean. Passing by Myst, Demiu hurried over. "Valithor! What's happening here?" Gesturing to Myst, "This man claims to be a Lion Knight, but he hasn't told me why he's brought us here."
The Black Knight nodded in understanding. "I was awakened by a man who I know to be a former Shadow Warrior. Do you remember Amijos, from our quest at the Tower of Time?"
"Yes. Do you mean to tell me you trust these people?"
"Not yet, but I'm listening."
Several minutes passed and a bearded stranger in a Dragon Knights uniform led King Darthraxx up to the deck, followed by a young woman with Drake Kane and Amijos with Kestrel Creerden. Demiu greeted his friends gladly, finding that none of them had any idea what was going on either. While they conversed, Myst left again and returned trailed by three familiar faces who Demiu had not seen in a long time.
"Hello, friends!" said the first. "You am remember Ugh?"
While Valithor clasped the troll's hand and Drake greeted Kain Griffin, Demiu hurried over to the young human woman accompanying them. "Alice? I thought you left for good after we beat Enguerrand."
"I did. But about a month ago, Myst found me and asked for my help."
"You know him?"
Alice nodded. "He was with the Lion Knights in my early days."
With everyone assmbled, Darthraxx stepped forward to confront their captors. "Where are you taking us? What have you done with our weapons and how have you blocked magic? Where is Rojinn?"
His stomach suddenly sinking, Demiu realized that Leonus, too, was missing.
Myst raised his hands in an appeasing gesture. "Your weapons will be returned, and I will deactivate the magic-dampening spell once you agree to help us. Your dragon sleeps below decks and can be awakened as well once you agree." Looking to Demiu, he added, "Your lion was sent back to your castle. He will be safe. And as for your other question, Darthraxx, please allow our benefactor to answer."
As he stepped away, another stranger arose from below the deck. She was an old orcish woman dressed in furs decorated with various charms. "Hello, heroes. My name is Grazda. I come from the Maruz Pilaunicja, north of Stennev'avfjellan. I am our seer and I have recently received a terrible vision. The Frost Giants are returning to this continent and with them they will bring destruction to many lands. Your ally, Kristen Vogelhaus of the Forest Band, has assured me that the people of the Southern Kingdoms are uniquely equipped to face this threat. And though I apologize for my methods I do believe this was the only way to get you all here. The fate of the world depends on you. Please, join me."
-last edited on Dec 27, 2019 17:55:07 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Dec 26, 2019 22:04:15 GMT
Ten months ago . . .
Kestrel clung tight to the dragon’s spines, his knuckles whitening even as his hands shook with the cold. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried not to imagine what would happen if this creature should falter.
In front of him sat Lord Valithor and Hithrol Jiwovz, the former Dragon Knight who commanded this creature. Below, Rojinn carried King Darthraxx, Drake, Amijos, and Alice, and a short distance back the sorcerer Myst Erwiz brought Lord Demiu, Ugh, Kristen, and Grazda through some strange spellcraft.
Gritting his teeth, Kestrel thought back to their considerably more pleasant time aboard the ship and wondered how much more comfortable he’d be in this moment if they hadn’t accepted Grazda’s offer. Over two months, while they had slowly made their way north, she had educated them on the first challenge they would face – convincing the Maruz Pilaunicja to accept their help. Though they had sent Grazda in search of aid for the coming threat, they were proud warriors who the see expected to have difficulty accepting it.
To Kestrel’s great relief, he soon felt the dragon begin to dip toward the ground, and before long they landed. Kestrel scrambled off the dragon’s back, fists still clenched tight. “Remind me, my lord,” he said to Valithor through clenched teeth, “Never to do that again.”
The Black Knight chuckled, clapping him on the back. “Once you slay a few of the things, I suppose, you start to lose your fear of them.”
While the other landed around them, Hithrol pulled forth a small black stone and the dragon dematerialized, flowing into it. Valithor grimaced. “That, though, I don’t think I’d ever get used to.”
With the whole group assembled, they began their march into the encampment. Grazda took the lead and Demiu, Darthraxx, and Valithor came close behind. They were ushered through the camp and towards its center, where they found a group of fur-clad warriors awaiting them.
“Greetings, seer Grazda,” said one, “You sent word that you brought people to fight the coming destruction.”
Kestrel clung tight to the dragon’s spines, his knuckles whitening even as his hands shook with the cold. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried not to imagine what would happen if this creature should falter.
In front of him sat Lord Valithor and Hithrol Jiwovz, the former Dragon Knight who commanded this creature. Below, Rojinn carried King Darthraxx, Drake, Amijos, and Alice, and a short distance back the sorcerer Myst Erwiz brought Lord Demiu, Ugh, Kristen, and Grazda through some strange spellcraft.
Gritting his teeth, Kestrel thought back to their considerably more pleasant time aboard the ship and wondered how much more comfortable he’d be in this moment if they hadn’t accepted Grazda’s offer. Over two months, while they had slowly made their way north, she had educated them on the first challenge they would face – convincing the Maruz Pilaunicja to accept their help. Though they had sent Grazda in search of aid for the coming threat, they were proud warriors who the see expected to have difficulty accepting it.
To Kestrel’s great relief, he soon felt the dragon begin to dip toward the ground, and before long they landed. Kestrel scrambled off the dragon’s back, fists still clenched tight. “Remind me, my lord,” he said to Valithor through clenched teeth, “Never to do that again.”
The Black Knight chuckled, clapping him on the back. “Once you slay a few of the things, I suppose, you start to lose your fear of them.”
While the other landed around them, Hithrol pulled forth a small black stone and the dragon dematerialized, flowing into it. Valithor grimaced. “That, though, I don’t think I’d ever get used to.”
With the whole group assembled, they began their march into the encampment. Grazda took the lead and Demiu, Darthraxx, and Valithor came close behind. They were ushered through the camp and towards its center, where they found a group of fur-clad warriors awaiting them.
“Greetings, seer Grazda,” said one, “You sent word that you brought people to fight the coming destruction.”
“Yes, warrior Zdravk. I present to you, King Darthraxx Dragonslayer of the Dragon Kingdom, Lord Demiu of the Lion Kingdom, and Lord Valithor Icebeard of the Shadow Kingdom, the Black Knight. They are accompanied by their followers, numbering six mighty warriors, two powerful sorcerers, and a slayer of dragons.”
Another of the warriors spat. “We have many mighty warriors. What more could these strangers possibly offer.”
Grazda scowled. “Do you not remember my visions? Against what we are to face, even the might of the Maruz Pilaunicja will not be enough.”
“This we know,” replied Zdravk, “But how are we to know what you bring us is sufficient? I think a test is in order.”
Kestrel stared out at the expanse of ice before him, glad for the furs the Maruz Pilaunicja had provided before sending them off. Even with them, all but Amijos were shivering. “You’re not cold?” he asked his fellow Shadow Warrior.
Amijos shrugged. “Cold hasn’t bothered me since I found the Crystal of Ice.”
From up ahead, Valithor called out. “Hurry up! I want to be back with this frost drake’s head in Zdravk’s lap before suppertime!”
“You’ve done this before, right?” Kestrel asked the Black Knight.
“Well, I’ve fought sea serpents and fire drakes, and slayed a stone wyrm once, but never a frost drake.”
“We slew a dragon once,” added Darthraxx, “But then we could use magic.”
Demiu sighed. “No use complaining. Let’s just find the cave and get this done.”
The inside of the Frost Drake’s cave, Kestrel was surprised to find, was rather warm. He felt a bead of sweat drip down his forehead, though that could have been from nerves. Slowly, the group crept forward, led by Ugh and Valithor. Kestrel guarded the rear with Kristen, both of them with bows in hand and arrows nocked.
Soon, they began to smell a rotting stench from ahead. “Looks like we’re getting close,” muttered Drake. And sure enough, it wasn’t long before they emerged into a wide-open chamber where not one, but three frost drakes lay sleeping.
Even as Valithor motioned for silence, Ugh slipped on a bone and went tumbling towards the beasts. Eyes flickered open. The battle began.
Kestrel clung tight to the dragon’s spines, his knuckles whitening even as his hands shook with the cold. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried not to imagine what would happen if this creature should falter.
In front of him sat Lord Valithor and Hithrol Jiwovz, the former Dragon Knight who commanded this creature. Below, Rojinn carried King Darthraxx, Drake, Amijos, and Alice, and a short distance back the sorcerer Myst Erwiz brought Lord Demiu, Ugh, Kristen, and Grazda through some strange spellcraft.
Gritting his teeth, Kestrel thought back to their considerably more pleasant time aboard the ship and wondered how much more comfortable he’d be in this moment if they hadn’t accepted Grazda’s offer. Over two months, while they had slowly made their way north, she had educated them on the first challenge they would face – convincing the Maruz Pilaunicja to accept their help. Though they had sent Grazda in search of aid for the coming threat, they were proud warriors who the see expected to have difficulty accepting it.
To Kestrel’s great relief, he soon felt the dragon begin to dip toward the ground, and before long they landed. Kestrel scrambled off the dragon’s back, fists still clenched tight. “Remind me, my lord,” he said to Valithor through clenched teeth, “Never to do that again.”
The Black Knight chuckled, clapping him on the back. “Once you slay a few of the things, I suppose, you start to lose your fear of them.”
While the other landed around them, Hithrol pulled forth a small black stone and the dragon dematerialized, flowing into it. Valithor grimaced. “That, though, I don’t think I’d ever get used to.”
With the whole group assembled, they began their march into the encampment. Grazda took the lead and Demiu, Darthraxx, and Valithor came close behind. They were ushered through the camp and towards its center, where they found a group of fur-clad warriors awaiting them.
“Greetings, seer Grazda,” said one, “You sent word that you brought people to fight the coming destruction.”
“Yes, warrior Zdravk. I present to you, King Darthraxx Dragonslayer of the Dragon Kingdom, Lord Demiu of the Lion Kingdom, and Lord Valithor Icebeard of the Shadow Kingdom, the Black Knight. They are accompanied by their followers, numbering six mighty warriors, two powerful sorcerers, and a slayer of dragons.”
Another of the warriors spat. “We have many mighty warriors. What more could these strangers possibly offer.”
Grazda scowled. “Do you not remember my visions? Against what we are to face, even the might of the Maruz Pilaunicja will not be enough.”
“This we know,” replied Zdravk, “But how are we to know what you bring us is sufficient? I think a test is in order.”
Kestrel stared out at the expanse of ice before him, glad for the furs the Maruz Pilaunicja had provided before sending them off. Even with them, all but Amijos were shivering. “You’re not cold?” he asked his fellow Shadow Warrior.
Amijos shrugged. “Cold hasn’t bothered me since I found the Crystal of Ice.”
From up ahead, Valithor called out. “Hurry up! I want to be back with this frost drake’s head in Zdravk’s lap before suppertime!”
“You’ve done this before, right?” Kestrel asked the Black Knight.
“Well, I’ve fought sea serpents and fire drakes, and slayed a stone wyrm once, but never a frost drake.”
“We slew a dragon once,” added Darthraxx, “But then we could use magic.”
Demiu sighed. “No use complaining. Let’s just find the cave and get this done.”
The inside of the Frost Drake’s cave, Kestrel was surprised to find, was rather warm. He felt a bead of sweat drip down his forehead, though that could have been from nerves. Slowly, the group crept forward, led by Ugh and Valithor. Kestrel guarded the rear with Kristen, both of them with bows in hand and arrows nocked.
Soon, they began to smell a rotting stench from ahead. “Looks like we’re getting close,” muttered Drake. And sure enough, it wasn’t long before they emerged into a wide-open chamber where not one, but three frost drakes lay sleeping.
Even as Valithor motioned for silence, Ugh slipped on a bone and went tumbling towards the beasts. Eyes flickered open. The battle began.
Afterwards, Kestrel would remember very little about what happened in the cave, only the rush of battle as he released arrow after arrow. He and Kristen tried to keep the frost drakes busy long enough for the others to get in close and deliver their attacks. Behind them, Drake and Darthraxx guarded Alice and Myst from the danger while the others got in close. Once, he released an arrow just in time to stop a frost drake from biting down on Valithor. Another time, he and Kristen peppered one with arrows while Hithrol leapt in for a finishing blow. Kestrel saw Ugh roaring as he shoved the second frost drake into the path of Valithor’s axe, only to be later swept away into the cave wall by the tail of the third. Despite their efforts, Kestrel could only watch as first Amijos, then Demiu, then Kain and Hithrol were forced back. Valithor could do little more than stand over Ugh’s huddled form, trying to protect his friend. Two frost dragons were smashed, but their warriors were barely standing as the third reared up. Reaching back for an arrow, Kestrel found that his hand closed on empty space. He glanced over at Kristen, only to see that she, too, was out of arrows and had drawn her sword to continue fighting. The drake opened its mouth wide, preparing a blast of frost breath. On the ground, Kestrel saw a dagger dropped by Kain as he escaped the wrath of the beast. He dove forward, snatched it from the ground, and threw. It spun through the air, lodging itself deep in the frost dragon’s throat. A puzzled look on its face, it coughed, made a last feeble attempt at a roar, and fell to the ground, smashed.
It was a worn and battered group that stumbled into the Maruz Pilaunicja camp that night, long after the evening meal. But it was a happy group as well, for with them they carried the heads of three frost drakes. Demiu, Darthraxx, and Valithor each carried one over to Zdravk, who still sat around the fire. “Welcome back,” said the orcish warrior with a grin, “I was beginning to worry I wouldn’t see you again.”
Darthraxx scowled at him. “Would have been a lot easier if I could use magic. I hope you don’t expect me to hold back again.”
Zdravk only laughed. “Welcome to the Maruz Pilaunicja, heroes of the south.”
The sounds of creaking planks and crashing waves awoke Lord Demiu of the Lion Knights. He opened his eyes to a dark room of wooden planks, the smell of salt in the air and the gently pitching floor beneath his feet telling him he was on a ship of some kind. Trying to move to the door, Demiu discovered that his left arm was chained to the small cot where he lay. An attempt at magic yielded nothing. Sighing, he lay back down and waited.
Only a few minutes passed before the door squeaked open and a older human man entered, dressed in a blue robe. "Welcome, Lord Demiu. It is good to see you awake; you were taking your time."
Demiu sat up quickly, noting that the man wisely stood just out of his reach. "So, another scheme by Dror? I'll escape soon, and then--."
He stopped abruptly as the stranger chuckled. "I'm afraid you've mistaken me for someone else my lord. Rest assured, we have nothing to do with the Xains. In fact, the last of their ships sailed away just this morning. You've won the war." Demiu stared in silence as the man continued. "Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Myst Erwiz. I served the Lion Knights for a time under your predecessor, Duke Arthurian."
The lord of the Lion Knights scoffed. "Why, then, have you chained me and stripped me of my magic."
Myst smiled, bending down to unlock the chain. "We anticipated a negative reaction to your changed circumstances and wanted to ease the transition. Please, follow me, and we'll go to the others."
Still on the lookout for a trick or a trap, Demiu obliged Myst as the robed man led him out of the room and up onto the deck, where he saw a familiar figure looking out over the ocean. Passing by Myst, Demiu hurried over. "Valithor! What's happening here?" Gesturing to Myst, "This man claims to be a Lion Knight, but he hasn't told me why he's brought us here."
The Black Knight nodded in understanding. "I was awakened by a man who I know to be a former Shadow Warrior. Do you remember Amijos, from our quest at the Tower of Time?"
"Yes. Do you mean to tell me you trust these people?"
"Not yet, but I'm listening."
OOC: Those are some names I haven't heard in a while.
Kestrel clung tight to the dragon’s spines, his knuckles whitening even as his hands shook with the cold. Squeezing his eyes shut, he tried not to imagine what would happen if this creature should falter.
In front of him sat Lord Valithor and Hithrol Jiwovz, the former Dragon Knight who commanded this creature. Below, Rojinn carried King Darthraxx, Drake, Amijos, and Alice, and a short distance back the sorcerer Myst Erwiz brought Lord Demiu, Ugh, Kristen, and Grazda through some strange spellcraft.
Gritting his teeth, Kestrel thought back to their considerably more pleasant time aboard the ship and wondered how much more comfortable he’d be in this moment if they hadn’t accepted Grazda’s offer. Over two months, while they had slowly made their way north, she had educated them on the first challenge they would face – convincing the Maruz Pilaunicja to accept their help. Though they had sent Grazda in search of aid for the coming threat, they were proud warriors who the see expected to have difficulty accepting it.
To Kestrel’s great relief, he soon felt the dragon begin to dip toward the ground, and before long they landed. Kestrel scrambled off the dragon’s back, fists still clenched tight. “Remind me, my lord,” he said to Valithor through clenched teeth, “Never to do that again.”
The Black Knight chuckled, clapping him on the back. “Once you slay a few of the things, I suppose, you start to lose your fear of them.”
While the other landed around them, Hithrol pulled forth a small black stone and the dragon dematerialized, flowing into it. Valithor grimaced. “That, though, I don’t think I’d ever get used to.”
With the whole group assembled, they began their march into the encampment. Grazda took the lead and Demiu, Darthraxx, and Valithor came close behind. They were ushered through the camp and towards its center, where they found a group of fur-clad warriors awaiting them.
“Greetings, seer Grazda,” said one, “You sent word that you brought people to fight the coming destruction.”
“Yes, warrior Zdravk. I present to you, King Darthraxx Dragonslayer of the Dragon Kingdom, Lord Demiu of the Lion Kingdom, and Lord Valithor Icebeard of the Shadow Kingdom, the Black Knight. They are accompanied by their followers, numbering six mighty warriors, two powerful sorcerers, and a slayer of dragons.”
Another of the warriors spat. “We have many mighty warriors. What more could these strangers possibly offer.”
Grazda scowled. “Do you not remember my visions? Against what we are to face, even the might of the Maruz Pilaunicja will not be enough.”
“This we know,” replied Zdravk, “But how are we to know what you bring us is sufficient? I think a test is in order.”
Kestrel stared out at the expanse of ice before him, glad for the furs the Maruz Pilaunicja had provided before sending them off. Even with them, all but Amijos were shivering. “You’re not cold?” he asked his fellow Shadow Warrior.
Amijos shrugged. “Cold hasn’t bothered me since I found the Crystal of Ice.”
From up ahead, Valithor called out. “Hurry up! I want to be back with this frost drake’s head in Zdravk’s lap before suppertime!”
“You’ve done this before, right?” Kestrel asked the Black Knight.
“Well, I’ve fought sea serpents and fire drakes, and slayed a stone wyrm once, but never a frost drake.”
“We slew a dragon once,” added Darthraxx, “But then we could use magic.”
Demiu sighed. “No use complaining. Let’s just find the cave and get this done.”
The inside of the Frost Drake’s cave, Kestrel was surprised to find, was rather warm. He felt a bead of sweat drip down his forehead, though that could have been from nerves. Slowly, the group crept forward, led by Ugh and Valithor. Kestrel guarded the rear with Kristen, both of them with bows in hand and arrows nocked.
Soon, they began to smell a rotting stench from ahead. “Looks like we’re getting close,” muttered Drake. And sure enough, it wasn’t long before they emerged into a wide-open chamber where not one, but three frost drakes lay sleeping.
Even as Valithor motioned for silence, Ugh slipped on a bone and went tumbling towards the beasts. Eyes flickered open. The battle began.
OOC: Oh boy, the crystals. That brings back memories.
-last edited on Jan 24, 2020 15:18:37 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Jan 24, 2020 15:18:14 GMT
6 months ago . . .
Valithor saw them first, a smattering of specks on the southern horizon. He watched from atop the wall as they grew closer, slowly materializing into forms recognizable as people. To his left, the soldiers manning the wall hurried to open the gates and let them in. It seemed their anticipation of the arrival matched Valithor’s own, though he hoped they did not share the pit of dread he held deep in his stomach. Sighing, Valithor turned back towards the city and began to make his descent. He did not want to miss anything the couriers had to say.
They met in the old throne room of Kalsteroskival, long since fallen into disuse under the Oirsenfiljakki. Assembled there were the leaders of all four nations of the Fridid North – the Maruz Pilaunicja, the Oirsenfiljakki, the Plith’mon, and the Adarcreote – along with Demiu, Darthraxx, and himself. Valithor still found it remarkable how these disparate groups had been able t come together to face a singular threat. Months ago, he and the others from the southern kingdoms had travelled with the Maruz Pilaunicja to petition the aid of each of their neighbors. First, the Plith’mon, white-haired humans and elves with strict laws and codes. Then, the Oirsenfiljakki, the last dwarves of lost Kalsteroskival remaining in the Frigid North. They had called their people together from the handful of scattered cities that made up their homes and brought them all into the capital alongside their new allies. Finally, they had gone forth to recruit the Adarcreote, the mysterious minotaurs of the north. Even they had answered the summons, massing just outside the city. Altogether, it was an impressive collection of peoples, but in number they remained small, and Valithor was not sure they’d be enough to stop whatever was coming.
Soon enough, the new arrivals entered: Two people from each of the nations of the Frigid North, and Hithrol Jiwovz. “Welcome back,” said Ragna, one of the Akki. “What do you have to report?”
A Plith’mon Valithor didn’t recognize stepped forward. “We were granted an audience with leaders from both Morñornia and Vasίlio. However,” he paused, sighing, “The Vasίlians would not admit the Maruz or Adarcreote contingents, citing a fear of . . . spies from their northeastern neighbors.”
Valithor saw them first, a smattering of specks on the southern horizon. He watched from atop the wall as they grew closer, slowly materializing into forms recognizable as people. To his left, the soldiers manning the wall hurried to open the gates and let them in. It seemed their anticipation of the arrival matched Valithor’s own, though he hoped they did not share the pit of dread he held deep in his stomach. Sighing, Valithor turned back towards the city and began to make his descent. He did not want to miss anything the couriers had to say.
They met in the old throne room of Kalsteroskival, long since fallen into disuse under the Oirsenfiljakki. Assembled there were the leaders of all four nations of the Fridid North – the Maruz Pilaunicja, the Oirsenfiljakki, the Plith’mon, and the Adarcreote – along with Demiu, Darthraxx, and himself. Valithor still found it remarkable how these disparate groups had been able t come together to face a singular threat. Months ago, he and the others from the southern kingdoms had travelled with the Maruz Pilaunicja to petition the aid of each of their neighbors. First, the Plith’mon, white-haired humans and elves with strict laws and codes. Then, the Oirsenfiljakki, the last dwarves of lost Kalsteroskival remaining in the Frigid North. They had called their people together from the handful of scattered cities that made up their homes and brought them all into the capital alongside their new allies. Finally, they had gone forth to recruit the Adarcreote, the mysterious minotaurs of the north. Even they had answered the summons, massing just outside the city. Altogether, it was an impressive collection of peoples, but in number they remained small, and Valithor was not sure they’d be enough to stop whatever was coming.
Soon enough, the new arrivals entered: Two people from each of the nations of the Frigid North, and Hithrol Jiwovz. “Welcome back,” said Ragna, one of the Akki. “What do you have to report?”
A Plith’mon Valithor didn’t recognize stepped forward. “We were granted an audience with leaders from both Morñornia and Vasίlio. However,” he paused, sighing, “The Vasίlians would not admit the Maruz or Adarcreote contingents, citing a fear of . . . spies from their northeastern neighbors.”
Angry whispers circulated around the room. The Adarcreote representatives seemed particularly furious at the situation. Before it could escalate, however, Zdravk silenced the room. “Enough. Enough! What was the outcome of your meetings?”
The Plith’mon sighed again. “Nothing. They didn’t take us seriously, told us they were busy cleaning up the mess left by the Xain Invasion.”
“So be it,” said Magali of the Plith’mon. “We will stand and fight this threat alone.”
In short order, the council was dismissed and Valithor filed out with the others. This was the seventh envoy, the last to return. There would be no outside help. They had sent couriers to Stennev’avfjellan, to Sylvania, to Harmonia and Auraboria, to Aardhemir, to Anvang Tuni and the Goblin Nation, to Oruthal, and now to Morñornia and Vasίlio. All had returned bearing the same news – there would be no assistance for the Frigid North.
Valithor soon found himself back on the wall, staring out over the empty ice. He heard footsteps approaching and turned to see Hithrol Jiwovz. “I’m too old for this. How about you? Age getting to you yet?”
The Black Knight shook his head. “I’m forty.”
Hithrol stared at him in shock. “No kidding. Well, maybe I’m aging more gracefully than I thought. Almost seventy.”
“That is rather old for a mission like this,” chuckled Valithor. “What brings you here?”
The dragon rider sighed. “After King Grawetus was smashed, I went back home, tried to live that life. It didn’t stick. Soon enough, I was back out in the world, acting like a young man again. For the last couple years, until Kristen and Grazda found me, I was trying to find my sister.”
“Reckon you’ll ever find her?”
“Not at this rate. To be honest, if I ever did, she’d probably try to smash me again. You got any family?”
“Only the Shadow Warriors. Someday, I’d like to get back to them, but what we’re doing here, it’s too important to leave unfinished.”
Hithrol nodded. “I hear you there. But one piece of advice, from an old man whose family probably hates him, if you’ve got people you care about enough to call family, don’t ever let them go.”
-last edited on Feb 7, 2020 18:36:58 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Feb 7, 2020 18:36:45 GMT
3 months ago . . .
Reaching for the grip of his short sword, Kain ducked back behind an old, collapsing tent. A few long, slow breaths calmed his nerves.
“What’s wrong?” hissed Evgein, a Maruz and a goblin man, from his own cover behind a snow drift.
Kain shook his head. “Something’s out there. I didn’t get a great look, but I don’t like it.”
“Should we take a look?” asked Ilayura, the third and final member of their group and a elven Plith’mon woman.
“Fine,” Kain replied with a grimace. “Just be careful.” With a nod, his two companions set out. As much as it pained Kain to admit it, he was of little use as a scout if there was, in fact, someone out there. Evgein, draped in his cloak of white fur, would hardly be visible at all against the snow, and Ilayura’s white hair and Plith’mon dress offered similar advantages. Raven-haired Kain Griffin in dark furs and leathers would be spotted the moment he moved from behind his cover. Not for the first time, he cursed his unpreparedness for this mission. But then again, they hadn’t been expecting to find anyone save a handful of scavengers at this remote Maruz outpost. Like the rest, it had been abandoned following the revelation of the prophecy and during the move to the Akki city. Kain’s group had been tasked with searching it and similar camps for supplies they could use against the coming threat.
Long heartbeats passed as Kain crouched behind the tent, until, at last, he could no longer take the interminable waiting, the pressing uncertainty. Drawing his short sword, he sliced a slit in the back of the tent and crawled through. The inside, though half-collapsed and already marked by a few holes through which wind whistled, was surprisingly warm. Moving forward and positioning his blade carefully so that it would not be seen, and no light would reflect from it to mark his location, Kain made a thin cut in the front wall of the tent, just enough for him to peer through.
Reaching for the grip of his short sword, Kain ducked back behind an old, collapsing tent. A few long, slow breaths calmed his nerves.
“What’s wrong?” hissed Evgein, a Maruz and a goblin man, from his own cover behind a snow drift.
Kain shook his head. “Something’s out there. I didn’t get a great look, but I don’t like it.”
“Should we take a look?” asked Ilayura, the third and final member of their group and a elven Plith’mon woman.
“Fine,” Kain replied with a grimace. “Just be careful.” With a nod, his two companions set out. As much as it pained Kain to admit it, he was of little use as a scout if there was, in fact, someone out there. Evgein, draped in his cloak of white fur, would hardly be visible at all against the snow, and Ilayura’s white hair and Plith’mon dress offered similar advantages. Raven-haired Kain Griffin in dark furs and leathers would be spotted the moment he moved from behind his cover. Not for the first time, he cursed his unpreparedness for this mission. But then again, they hadn’t been expecting to find anyone save a handful of scavengers at this remote Maruz outpost. Like the rest, it had been abandoned following the revelation of the prophecy and during the move to the Akki city. Kain’s group had been tasked with searching it and similar camps for supplies they could use against the coming threat.
Long heartbeats passed as Kain crouched behind the tent, until, at last, he could no longer take the interminable waiting, the pressing uncertainty. Drawing his short sword, he sliced a slit in the back of the tent and crawled through. The inside, though half-collapsed and already marked by a few holes through which wind whistled, was surprisingly warm. Moving forward and positioning his blade carefully so that it would not be seen, and no light would reflect from it to mark his location, Kain made a thin cut in the front wall of the tent, just enough for him to peer through.
He saw Evgein and Ilayura creeping forward between pieces of cover, and, at the center of the camp, a handful of strange-looking people accompanied by tiny, dog-sized, frost drakes. No, not at the center of the camp. He could see the outermost tents in front of them, appearing small at the strangers’ feet. Those frost drakes weren’t small at all; these were giants, thirty feet tall at least, maybe forty.
His horror mounting, Kain crept out of the tent. The shiver that ran down him was due to more than the fresh cold of stepping into the outside air. Long minutes passed, an eternity, and then he caught movement out of the corner of one eye. An arrow was nocked, and the bow raised before Kain realized it was only Evgein and Ilayura, both clearly just as terrified as he was. “What manner of creature keeps frost drakes as pets?” he asked, though he knew the answer.
“Frost giants,” whispered Evgein, “The frost giants are here.”
As quickly as they could while maintaining reasonable stealth, Kain, Evgein, and Ilayura hurried back the way they had come. The distance seemed far longer than it had before, though now they moved much more quickly. At last, they reached Myst Erwiz where he waited in the snow.
At a nod from Kain, the wizard began casting his transportation spell even before they arrived and was ready to go by the time they were within range.
In the air and safely on the way back, Kain explained the results of the scouting trip to Myst. During their various expeditions, the mercenary had learned a lot about the old wizard. From the southern islands, he had served the Lion Kingdom as a wizard for many decades before his retirement during Duke Arthurian’s reign. And he had sought out Grazda and Kristen himself after learning of their mission. Most of the time, Kain found Myst’s wisdom and experience reassuring. In this instance, however, the wizard was as lost as the rest of them. He had never seen the frost giants, nor did he know much of anything about them. They were a mystery to everyone. And that, Kain thought, made them infinitely more dangerous.
Reaching for the grip of his short sword, Kain ducked back behind an old, collapsing tent. A few long, slow breaths calmed his nerves.
“What’s wrong?” hissed Evgein, a Maruz and a goblin man, from his own cover behind a snow drift.
Kain shook his head. “Something’s out there. I didn’t get a great look, but I don’t like it.”
“Should we take a look?” asked Ilayura, the third and final member of their group and a elven Plith’mon woman.
“Fine,” Kain replied with a grimace. “Just be careful.” With a nod, his two companions set out. As much as it pained Kain to admit it, he was of little use as a scout if there was, in fact, someone out there. Evgein, draped in his cloak of white fur, would hardly be visible at all against the snow, and Ilayura’s white hair and Plith’mon dress offered similar advantages. Raven-haired Kain Griffin in dark furs and leathers would be spotted the moment he moved from behind his cover. Not for the first time, he cursed his unpreparedness for this mission. But then again, they hadn’t been expecting to find anyone save a handful of scavengers at this remote Maruz outpost. Like the rest, it had been abandoned following the revelation of the prophecy and during the move to the Akki city. Kain’s group had been tasked with searching it and similar camps for supplies they could use against the coming threat.
Long heartbeats passed as Kain crouched behind the tent, until, at last, he could no longer take the interminable waiting, the pressing uncertainty. Drawing his short sword, he sliced a slit in the back of the tent and crawled through. The inside, though half-collapsed and already marked by a few holes through which wind whistled, was surprisingly warm. Moving forward and positioning his blade carefully so that it would not be seen, and no light would reflect from it to mark his location, Kain made a thin cut in the front wall of the tent, just enough for him to peer through.
He saw Evgein and Ilayura creeping forward between pieces of cover, and, at the center of the camp, a handful of strange-looking people accompanied by tiny, dog-sized, frost drakes. No, not at the center of the camp. He could see the outermost tents in front of them, appearing small at the strangers’ feet. Those frost drakes weren’t small at all; these were giants, thirty feet tall at least, maybe forty.
His horror mounting, Kain crept out of the tent. The shiver that ran down him was due to more than the fresh cold of stepping into the outside air. Long minutes passed, an eternity, and then he caught movement out of the corner of one eye. An arrow was nocked, and the bow raised before Kain realized it was only Evgein and Ilayura, both clearly just as terrified as he was. “What manner of creature keeps frost drakes as pets?” he asked, though he knew the answer.
“Frost giants,” whispered Evgein, “The frost giants are here.”
As quickly as they could while maintaining reasonable stealth, Kain, Evgein, and Ilayura hurried back the way they had come. The distance seemed far longer than it had before, though now they moved much more quickly. At last, they reached Myst Erwiz where he waited in the snow.
At a nod from Kain, the wizard began casting his transportation spell even before they arrived and was ready to go by the time they were within range.
In the air and safely on the way back, Kain explained the results of the scouting trip to Myst. During their various expeditions, the mercenary had learned a lot about the old wizard. From the southern islands, he had served the Lion Kingdom as a wizard for many decades before his retirement during Duke Arthurian’s reign. And he had sought out Grazda and Kristen himself after learning of their mission. Most of the time, Kain found Myst’s wisdom and experience reassuring. In this instance, however, the wizard was as lost as the rest of them. He had never seen the frost giants, nor did he know much of anything about them. They were a mystery to everyone. And that, Kain thought, made them infinitely more dangerous.
Soon – though not nearly as soon as Kain would have preferred – he, Ilayura, Evgein, and Myst arrived back at the city. They were immediately led into the old throne room, the soldiers on duty sensing the urgency of their arrival. And then came more tense minutes, waiting for the leaders to arrive. Slowly, the representatives filed in.
Once all were present, Kain launched into his report. When he was done, Evgein and Ilayura each stepped forward in turn to fill in details he had missed and to describe more fully what they had seen as they drew closer to the frost giants.
When they were finished, the room stood silent as all processed the information. Zdravk was the first to speak, turning to Grazda beside him. “Do you believe this is the danger you saw in your vision?”
Slowly, the old orcish seer nodded. “I . . . it must be. Hearing it described, yes, I can feel it. The destruction that comes for us is the frost giants, returning at last.”
“Frost giants!” cried one of the Akki. “How can we stop them?” A chorus of similar fears erupted as each of the gathered leaders speculated on whether they could face this threat. Others – the Adarcreote in particular – said the opposite, that their combined strengths would soon see the frost giants fleeing back to where they came from. From this latter group, Kain thought he could sense more than a little empty bluster.
Lord Demiu was the one to bring focus back to the council. “All of you are right. It may be that we have no chance of stopping these beings. Their power may indeed be too great. But I have seen each of my companions face foes just as powerful, and we have prevailed. Over the months here, I have spent time with each of the peoples of the Frigid North and I have seen the same strength in every man and woman. If there is anyone who can stop the frost giants, it is us. And we will.”
With that, the focus returned. As they began planning their defense, Kain watched silently. He stood here before kings and generals, mighty warriors and powerful sorcerers, seers and sages. And who was he? Just Kain Griffin. A man. A mercenary. He could leave now, flee back to the south and, most likely, no one would notice. But he would not. Demiu was right. They needed to fight this fight, to win this battle. And Kain would stand right along with them as they did.
-last edited on Sept 26, 2020 18:45:12 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Sept 26, 2020 18:44:52 GMT
Two months ago . . .
From atop the high walls of the Oirsennfiljakki city, Alice felt like she could see forever. The icy plains stretched out before her, smooth and nearly featureless. Below, the gates opened, and the teeming mass of people began to spill out. All told, there were over five hundred, those who would not or could not stay and fight – children, the elderly, and a handful of families. This was their only sure chance to escape the coming destruction. Taigona and some others who were familiar with the more southern lands would lead them to safety, wherever they might find it.
Alice knew the Sylvanian woman was displeased – to put it mildly – about being sent away, but she was the only one well-traveled enough to get them all where they needed to be. Alice sympathized with her; if she had been the one asked to lead this migration, she was not sure she would have agreed at all. But it was not so long ago that she would have been one of those fleeing refugees, unable to stand and fight when it came down to that.
She remembered all too well the feeling of helplessness as Lord Enguerrand’s men kidnapped her and Gidie used her to summon the monster called the Tarasque. After she was freed, Alice had vowed never to be helpless again. She had left the Lion Kingdom to learn to fight and prepare herself. Since joining Grazda’s mission, she had even begun to learn magic from Myst Erwiz. Alice was helpless no longer.
Except . . . weren’t they all? If the frost giants were as strong as everyone seemed to think, their whole army could very well be powerless against them. Alice had skills now, but she was far from a great warrior or a mighty wizard. And even the most powerful among them seemed terrified. They hid it well, but Alice recognized the look in their eyes, a look she herself once often had. All of them knew this coming battle would likely be the end.
Watching the last of the innocents disappear over the horizon, now no more than tiny specks in the distance, Alice thought about that. If this was the end, she would be prepared for it. If she was to face down the might of the frost giants, she would make sure she wouldn’t falter when the time came.
