-Lizardfolk- Lizardfolk are one of the Ancient races and live primarily in the desert. They are slightly larger than humans, covered in scales, and possess lizardlike heads. Their scales come in a variety of colors, mostly shades of green, brown, and gray. Lizardfolk are strong and tough, but often aggressive. Their numbers have begun to dwindle and this has caused them to pursue alliances with orcs.
-Orcs- Somewhat larger than humans, they have small tusks and green or tan skin. Orcs are considered less intelligent than humans (though this isn’t true) and are known for their strength and short tempers. Because their societies and reputations are similar to those of goblins, the two races have long been allies. More recently, orcs have begun to pursue alliances with the Lizardfolk due to their similarities.
-Lupine- The Lupine are humanoids with woflike fur, heads, and legs. They are more savage than other races and this has caused them problems throughout their history. Like most of the Ancient races, the Lupine have dwindled, and today there are no known predominantly Lupine towns. They tend to fight among themselves more than other Ancient races and this has only exacerbated the problems.
-Mermians- Mermians are the most prosperous of the Ancient races, likely due to their ability to live underwater and their more peaceful lifestyle. Like most of the Ancient races, they are humanoid, but have fishlike scales, webbed fingers and toes, and hair that is more like thin tentacles than actual hair. Their scales are seen in a veritable rainbow of colors, from deep red to aquamarine. Most of the Mermians are concentrated in and around the City by the Sea, which they helped the humans to build, or on other coasts in smaller towns.
-Falkrions- Centuries ago, the Falkrions were [Redacted]. They haven’t been seen in this part of the world since. Falkrions are [Redacted]. They have [Redacted]. They are [Redacted] and are one of the Ancient races.
-Arachnidians- [Redacted], the Arachnidians are another of the Ancient races. Their lower bodies are [Redacted]. They are one of the most diverse species, [Redacted]. Many are [Redacted] but today [Redacted].
Did you put those [Redacted] things there or was that the automatic filter? If so, PM me what they were and I'll see if I can get them in, because it isn't very helpful in its present state
It was me. There were far too many spoilers for me to release that information just yet, although perhaps I should have left the Other. For now, try to guess who the Ancient and the Vampyre are.
Did you put those [Redacted] things there or was that the automatic filter? If so, PM me what they were and I'll see if I can get them in, because it isn't very helpful in its present state
It was me. There were far too many spoilers for me to release that information just yet, although perhaps I should have left the Other. For now, try to guess who the Ancient and the Vampyre are.
OK, I was just a bit curious as to why half your post was full of "[Redacted]"
One mod to rule them all and in the darkness ban them - Lord of the Mods "I am the Mod Reborn!" - masterlegobuilders I'm the real boss
It was me. There were far too many spoilers for me to release that information just yet, although perhaps I should have left the Other. For now, try to guess who the Ancient and the Vampyre are.
OK, I was just a bit curious as to why half your post was full of "[Redacted]"
Like I said, it would spoil a lot of things, especially Part Nine.
-last edited on May 13, 2017 19:47:20 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 13, 2017 19:46:53 GMT
Part One Summary Skrag, a young half-goblin, is taken in by a goblin tribe, but shunned and friendless. When the chief who brought him in passes, the new chief takes this opportunity to exile him. Before he leaves, though, his power-hungry adopted father smashes the chief and frames Skrag, forcing him to flee.
Part Two Summary Far to the north, a dragon named Marrzak begins hearing a voice in his head, which convinces him to smash another dragon. He flies away, along with his brother, Zargan. Skrag sees the two and follows them to a house, where Marrzak smashes a man and continues flying away. Zargan is pursued by a group led by the man’s son, but Skrag saves him and the two become friends. The boy, Hithrol Jiwovz, finds a dragon egg in the mountains.
Part Three Summary Skrag joins an arena, fighting as a gladiator, but discovers he’s trapped in the city. Meanwhile, a young giant named Baj is captured as a slave and sent to the arena. Skrag finds a secret passage out of the city and begins planning to free the slaves and the city from the cruel leader, Gormund Crux, who is really just a puppet for his brother Edmond. Zelfern, one of the strongest gladiators in the arena, is put up against Skrag, who removes his hand. At the same time, many of the gladiators question their motives for fighting. Skrag and his allies, including Edmond’s daughter, Isabel, who calls herself Ishappa, approach Baj, asking for his help in freeing the slaves. He agrees, and convinces everyone except Garfell, an incredibly strong and skilled fighter. The slaves leave, while some of the gladiators lead a rebellion against the Cruxes. Garfell makes his return, sent by Edmond, but Burgs and Re’zar sacrifice themselves for the others. Almost everyone leaves, including Skrag, while Isabel takes control of the city. Zelfern swears to get his revenge on Skrag.
Part Four Summary Skrag and Zargan meet a mysterious old man, who enchants Skrag’s weapons and gives him armor, before disappearing. From there, they find the Dragon Riders, led by Hithrol Jiwovz and his dragon Olifin. The other Dragon Riders are Korin and Cloventail, Jon and Potestas, Calin and Glenda, Conria (a former gladiator in the arena) and Knoxin (a relative of Zargan’s), and finally Terra and Raini. The dragon riders all leave to announce their existence to the world, but Skrag has a bad feeling and asks Terra to be careful. The mysterious old man is revealed to be part of a mysterious group. Marrzak sends the voice, named Morath, after Hithrol and reveals he has Alis, his sister. Finally, a mysterious man initiates an invasion.
Part Five Summary Skrag, Zargan, Korin, and Cloventail fly off to join the dwarves, where they learn of a mysterious army on the march. Terra, Raini, Conria, and Knoxin meet with the three human kingdoms- the falcons, dragons, and lions. Jon, Potestas, Calin, and Glenda meet the elves. Everyone in the Towers of Sorcery dreams of the same mysterious army the others have been hearing about, the dreams sent by a mysterious group. Three people from the three human kingdoms have a secret meeting as the falcons prepare to march to the aid of the dwarves. Skrag, Zargan, Korin, and Cloventail fight the army and discover they have dragons of their own. Korin and Cloventail go to get help. Morath, sent by Marrzak, possesses Hithrol, captures Olifin, and goes to meet the leader of the mysterious army. Jon and Potestas are revealed as traitors, smashing Calin and Glenda. Skrag seems to be smashed by one of the enemy dragons. The army’s leader is revealed to be named Kelrin Dragonsblood and he makes a deal with Morath.
Part Six Summary While Zargan attempts to avenge Skrag, the Dwarves chase off the attacking army, which turns its attention to the Falcon Kingdom. Skrag survives, but loses many of his memories. Syldar, Leidiriv, and Jarios meet Person and Mozz at the Towers of Sorcery. King Dernar reveals to his friend Exeter that his brother Kelrin sent him a letter. Skrag, going by the name of Grask, meets a possessed Hithrol and rescues Olifin, while Zargan is saved by his father, Darkaraz. Jon smashes Ponos, so Gorvechev vows revenge. Korin and Cloventail race to the Lion Kingdom to get the other Dragon Riders to aid in the battle. Skirj, Skrag’s old enemy, is in the middle of a losing battle against the enemy army. Skrag and Olifin find Zargan, but then Skrag must save Hithrol, which he eventually does, earning a new sword in the process. Jon smashes Gorvechev, but is then smashed by Legolie, ending the battle against the elves. Skrag, Zargan, Hithrol, and Olifin fight against a dragon and rider, but are only able to win with the help of Kalkuzar the Golden. The Falcon Kingdom is taken and Conria and Knoxin are smashed. An enemy rider and dragon are smashed by Septimus Merlinsson, and soon Skrag and Zargan defeat the last dragon and rider. Dernar faces off against Kelrin, and both are smashed. The battle is won with the help of the Lion Kingdom and the elves. Terra leaves on a quest, as the mysterious Council discusses the situation. Marrzak gives a dragon egg to Alis.
-last edited on Jul 8, 2019 16:35:23 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 13, 2017 22:08:40 GMT
Character List Skrag- The Half-Breed, Dragon Rider, best friend of Zargan and adopted brother of Skirj, our protagonist Skorj- Warlord of Skrag’s former clan, father of Skirj and adopted father of Skrag, smashed Gorle and framed Skrag Gorle- Chief of Skrag’s former clan, smashed by Skorj Trok- Gorle’s deputy Skirj- Son of Skorj, brother of Skrag, currently a leading warrior in Skrag’s former clan, wishes to become the Warlord Kalkuzar the Golden- King of dragons, father of Darkaraz Darkaraz- Son of Kalkuzar, father of Zargan, Marrzak, and Lyzara Marrzak- Son of Darkaraz, brother of Zargan and Lyzara, smashed Kurukin and Dernis Jiwovz, adopted father of Alis Jiwovz, master of Morath Zargan- Son of Darkaraz, brother of Marrzak and Lyzara, best friend of Skrag Lyzara- Daughter of Darkaraz, sister of Marrzak and Zargan Kurukin- Member of Kalkuzar’s tribe, smashed by Marrzak Hithrol Jiwovz- Son of Dernis Jiwovz, brother of Alis Jiwovz, founder of the Dragon Riders, rider of Olifin, was recently possessed by Morath, wields the sword Scalblas Alis Jiwovz- Daughter of Dernis Jiwovz, sister of Hithrol Jiwovz, raised by Marrzak, recently obtained a dragon egg Dernis Jiwovz- Father of Hithrol and Alis Jiwovz, smashed by Marrzak Gormund Crux- Former leader of the City by the River, brother of Edmond Crux, smashed by Skrag Edmond Crux- Father of Isabel Crux, brother of Gormund Crux, the true power in the City by the River, smashed in a tunnel cave-in Arik- Former gladiator in the Arena, friend of Skrag, aided in the revolt Go- Samurai, former gladiator, friend of Skrag Syldar- Healer, former gladiator, friend of Skrag, currently resides in the Towers of Sorcery Rennar- Former gladiator, friend of Skrag Luke Tunstall- Member of the Iron Wolves, former gladiator, friend of Skrag Dwalin- Former gladiator Ishal- Former gladiator, spy for Edmond Crux, smashed in a tunnel cave-in Leidiriv- Former gladiator, competent in magic, friend of Skrag, currently resides in the Towers of Sorcery Brian- Former gladiator, quick to fight, smashed by Shadowwrath Zelfern- Former gladiator, lost his hand to Skrag, vowed revenge on Skrag Shadowwrath- Former gladiator, always wears his armor, friend of Skrag Ishappa- Former gladiator, the Executioner, secretly Isabel Crux, daughter of Edmond Crux, current leader of the City by the River Garfell- Former slave gladiator, leader of one faction Re’zar- Former slave gladiator, leader of one faction, smashed by Garfell Baj- Very short giant, former slave gladiator, friend of Skrag Elisa- Former slave gladiator, friend of Skrag Raja- Former slave gladiator, young child, joined Garfell’s faction Ormuk- Former slave gladiator, Garfell’s right-hand man, smashed by Person Andrasa- Former slave gladiator, joined Garfell’s faction Malik- Former slave gladiator, had a way with animals, joined Garfell’s faction out of fear Burgs- Former slave gladiator, joined Garfell’s faction, half-giant, befriended Baj, smashed by Garfell Person- Former slave gladiator, joined Re’zar’s faction, friend of Mozz Mozz- Former slave gladiator, joined Re’zar’s faction, befriended by Person, supposedly insane Pine- Former slave gladiator, joined Re’zar’s faction, owned a dog, smashed by Raja Conria- Former slave gladiator, joined Re’zar’s faction, former knight of the Lion Kingdom, Dragon Rider, rider of Knoxin, smashed in battle Beziov- Mysterious wizard, member of the Council Olifin- Dragon of Hithrol, found as an egg in an abandoned nest, previously trapped in a stone by Morath Korin- Dragon Rider, dwarven smith, rider of Cloventail Cloventail- Dragon of Korin Jon Blockman- Dragon Rider, Rider of Potestas, secretly worked for Kelrin, wanted revenge on the elves, smashed Calin, Gorvechev, and Ponos, smashed by Legolie Potestas- Dragon of Jon, secretly worked for Kelrin, wanted revenge on the elves, smashed Glenda, smashed by Gorvechev Knoxin- Dragon of Conria, grandson of Kalkuzar, cousin of Zargan, smashed in battle Terra- Mermian, Dragon Rider, rider of Raini, close friend of Skrag, currently searching for the Falkrions Raini- Water Dragon, dragon of Terra, currently searching for the Falkrions Calin Firestrike- Dragon Rider, rider of Glenda, smashed by Jon Glenda Firestrike- Dragon of Calin, smashed by Potestas Lief- Member of the Council, former member of the Little Council, advisor to King Leonus of the Lion Kingdom, competent sorcerer Petrion- Dwarven miner, member of the Council Morath- Servant of Marrzak, appears as a living shadow, previously possessed Hithrol and trapped Olifin Kelrin Dragonsblood- Brother of Dernar, Kalrin, and Dakril, smashed Kalrin and Dakril in an attempt to gain the throne, defeated by William Exeter, built an army to conquer the world, smashed Dernar, smashed by Dernar Henphril- Servant of Kelrin King Dernar Dragonsson- King of the Dragon Kingdom, brother of Kelrin, Kalrin, and Dakril, smashed Kelrin, smashed by Kelrin King Leonus Lionsson- King of the Lion Kingdom King Dwiarnemfafn- King of the Dwarves, has a very frustrating name Fingolfin- Elven general, trusted advisor of Queen Legolie Queen Legolie- Queen of the Elves, smashed Jon Link- Elven general, trusted advisor of Queen Legolie Jarios- Student at the Towers of Sorcery, friend of Syldar and Leidiriv Wisdom- Student at the Towers of Sorcery, notably strange, received an especially troubling dream The Wanderer- Leader of the Council King Gerak Falconsson- King of the Falcon Kingdom, smashed in the siege Pterio- Advisor to King Gerak, former member of the Little Council, smashed in the siege Dancan- Military advisor and bodyguard to King Dernar, former member of the Little Council, smashed by Kelrin Mavros the Black Knight- One of Kelrin’s dragon riders, rider of Groklum, smashed by Darkaraz Groklum- Dragon of Mavros, supposedly smashed Skrag, smashed by Darkaraz Voin- One of Kelrin’s dragon riders, rider of Thymos, smashed by Skrag Thymos- Dragon of Voin, smashed by Skrag Vorkhan- One of Kelrin’s dragon riders, became a humanoid with dragon-like features due to his bond with his dragon Ki’all Ki’all Skull Face- Dragon of Vorkhan, smashed by the Mangler Arrana- One of Kelrin’s dragon riders, former thief, rider of Sichasia, smashed by Septimus Merlinsson Sichasia- Dragon of Arrana, created by Septimus Merlinsson through magic and alchemy, smashed by Septimus Merlinsson Vincent Caloon- Soldier in Kelrin’s army, led Morath to Kelrin Septimus Merlinsson- Extremely powerful alchemist at the Towers of Sorcery, created Sichasia, warned the Tower about the coming attack, smashed Sichasia and Arrana Pursigon- One of Kelrin’s dragon riders, rider of Fovos, defeated by Skrag and Zargan Fovos- Dragon of Pursigon, defeated by Skrag and Zargan Cyril Isenthorne- A leader in the Towers of Sorcery, descendant of their founder William Exeter- Childhood friend of King Dernar, also known as Reginald Dobson, defeated Kelrin in a duel, buried Dernar and Kelrin Gorvechev- One of Kelrin’s dragon riders, rider of Ponos, smashed by Jon Ponos- Dragon of Gorvechev, smashed by Potestas Volkmar- One of Kelrin’s dragon riders, rider of Strike, smashed in battle Strike- Dragon of Volkmar, smashed in battle Zachaery Thoran- One of Kelrin’s dragon riders, rider of Athliotos, Kelrin’s archmage, extremely powerful sorcerer, smashed by Kalkuzar Athliotos- Dragon of Thoran, smashed by Kalkuzar Korst- Warlord of Skirj’s clan, smashed by Thoran Didime- Member of the Council, twin of Didima Didima- Member of the Council, twin of Didime Vasilla- Member of the Council Mystika- Member of the Council, a seer, highly trusted by the Wanderer Barkot- Member of the Council, traveler Hattie- Member of the Council Elowyn- Member of the Council
-last edited on May 14, 2017 14:32:46 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 14, 2017 14:32:09 GMT
Chapter 141
Zargan and Olifin landed softly in the grass, their respective riders hopping down immediately to take a look around. It was clear that the tavern had not been used in years- the roof looked like it would collapse any moment and the walls were riddled with holes, large and small. Zargan and Olifin waited outside, looking through one of the holes to see what was going on as the others entered.
Skrag stepped inside cautiously, Hithrol close behind him. There were several others sitting at tables and talking quietly. A pair of gruff-looking dwarves was at one and two Lion Knights occupied another. A third table had been taken by three familiar faces- Legolie, Link, and Fingolfin. The elves and Dragon Riders had been working together closely ever sense the war against Kelrin’s army. A little uncertainly, Skrag and Hithrol chose a table of their own. It wasn’t long before more guests showed up- this time three human men. The first, clearly the leader wore a wide-brimmed floppy hat that Skrag thought was a tad bit ridiculous. The second, lightly armored, carried himself with a confident swagger and a friendly smile. The third had hidden half of his face behind a mask, but when he saw Skrag he scowled and shouted, “Who invited that creature? I thought this meeting was for heroes, not filthy greenskin scum!”
Skrag took his feet, enraged, “My friend and I don’t take kindly to bigots!” He nodded to the hole in the wall, and Zargan growled.
The man didn’t seem to be shaken, “You think you’re so tough, greenskin? Why don’t you fight me man to man- excuse me, man to beast?”
“Gladly,” said Skrag, drawing his sword as the other man did the same. Just as every other time he drew the green-bladed weapon, Skrag was amazed by how light it was. And yet it never dulled or scratched. It would have been perfect if it didn’t constantly remind him of Morath.
-last edited on May 14, 2017 16:55:34 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 14, 2017 16:55:21 GMT
Chapter 142
By this point, the shouting had drawn the attention of everyone in the room, and the man in the hat stepped between them, “That’s enough! Harrox, we agreed that you would be amiable were I to allow you to join us. Put the sword away and sit down with Alkkuto.” He turned his attention to Skrag, “I’m terribly sorry about him. He’s a loose cannon, but he’s also the best fighter we have. I promise nothing like this will happen again.” Skrag nodded, not entirely convinced, and returned to his seat.
As he did so, an elderly man in a patched hat and a long jacket entered the room through a door in the back. With him were an armored man in purple and an ork woman in black. Harrox seemed ready to leap to his feet again at the sight of the woman, but the man in the hat looked at him and he slumped back in his seat. “Greetings,” said the elderly man, “I am Hoid. With me are Ethan of the Iron Wolves and Irya, who has traveled from afar to represent the orks and the peoples of the west.” He then went around the room introducing each person. Skrag discovered that the brown-bearded dwarf was Doli, and the one with the black beard was Digls. The heavily-armored Lion Knight was Sir William and the one in the cape was Leinad ap Payton. The man in the large hat was named Shayden and he was the leader of the Bandits. With introductions done, Hoid returned to his companions, “I was hoping to get started as soon as possible, but it appears not all of our guests have yet arrived.
At that moment, the door opened once again and in stepped two figures. The first was A smiling woman in a green dress and the other a sinister-looking figure in a gray cloak, his face obscured by a golden mask in the shape of a skull. Hoid smiled, “Graylin, Septimus, how good of you to join us. Everyone, this is Septimus Merlinsson and Graylin from the Towers of Sorcery. Now that we’re all here, let’s begin.”
Zargan and Olifin landed softly in the grass, their respective riders hopping down immediately to take a look around. It was clear that the tavern had not been used in years- the roof looked like it would collapse any moment and the walls were riddled with holes, large and small. Zargan and Olifin waited outside, looking through one of the holes to see what was going on as the others entered.
Skrag stepped inside cautiously, Hithrol close behind him. There were several others sitting at tables and talking quietly. A pair of gruff-looking dwarves was at one and two Lion Knights occupied another. A third table had been taken by three familiar faces- Legolie, Link, and Fingolfin. The elves and Dragon Riders had been working together closely ever sense the war against Kelrin’s army. A little uncertainly, Skrag and Hithrol chose a table of their own. It wasn’t long before more guests showed up- this time three human men. The first, clearly the leader wore a wide-brimmed floppy hat that Skrag thought was a tad bit ridiculous. The second, lightly armored, carried himself with a confident swagger and a friendly smile. The third had hidden half of his face behind a mask, but when he saw Skrag he scowled and shouted, “Who invited that creature? I thought this meeting was for heroes, not filthy greenskin scum!”
Skrag took his feet, enraged, “My friend and I don’t take kindly to bigots!” He nodded to the hole in the wall, and Zargan growled.
The man didn’t seem to be shaken, “You think you’re so tough, greenskin? Why don’t you fight me man to man- excuse me, man to beast?”
“Gladly,” said Skrag, drawing his sword as the other man did the same. Just as every other time he drew the green-bladed weapon, Skrag was amazed by how light it was. And yet it never dulled or scratched. It would have been perfect if it didn’t constantly remind him of Morath.
Great chapter!
Anyway, the real reason for this post: who are the characters behind you in your avatar? I'm assuming that they are (from left to right) Andrasa, Skrag, and someone else.
Zargan and Olifin landed softly in the grass, their respective riders hopping down immediately to take a look around. It was clear that the tavern had not been used in years- the roof looked like it would collapse any moment and the walls were riddled with holes, large and small. Zargan and Olifin waited outside, looking through one of the holes to see what was going on as the others entered.
Skrag stepped inside cautiously, Hithrol close behind him. There were several others sitting at tables and talking quietly. A pair of gruff-looking dwarves was at one and two Lion Knights occupied another. A third table had been taken by three familiar faces- Legolie, Link, and Fingolfin. The elves and Dragon Riders had been working together closely ever sense the war against Kelrin’s army. A little uncertainly, Skrag and Hithrol chose a table of their own. It wasn’t long before more guests showed up- this time three human men. The first, clearly the leader wore a wide-brimmed floppy hat that Skrag thought was a tad bit ridiculous. The second, lightly armored, carried himself with a confident swagger and a friendly smile. The third had hidden half of his face behind a mask, but when he saw Skrag he scowled and shouted, “Who invited that creature? I thought this meeting was for heroes, not filthy greenskin scum!”
Skrag took his feet, enraged, “My friend and I don’t take kindly to bigots!” He nodded to the hole in the wall, and Zargan growled.
The man didn’t seem to be shaken, “You think you’re so tough, greenskin? Why don’t you fight me man to man- excuse me, man to beast?”
“Gladly,” said Skrag, drawing his sword as the other man did the same. Just as every other time he drew the green-bladed weapon, Skrag was amazed by how light it was. And yet it never dulled or scratched. It would have been perfect if it didn’t constantly remind him of Morath.
Great chapter!
Anyway, the real reason for this post: who are the characters behind you in your avatar? I'm assuming that they are (from left to right) Andrasa, Skrag, and someone else.
You got the first two. The third was my character in Azaz280s GM-Style Roleplay and is a minor character in this story.
-last edited on May 15, 2017 0:47:12 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 15, 2017 0:46:31 GMT
Chapter 143
Hoid cleared his throat, motioning for the new arrivals to sit, “You are probably wondering why I have brought all of you here.” He paused for a second as his guests affirmed his statement, “An event is upon us, one that will change the world as we know it. As far as I have gathered, very little is known. Information is scarce, but I have figured out that once every thousand years the Well manifests itself in the mortal realm. This Well is the source of tremendous power, which can be accessed by the first to enter it. When it is entered the person can choose to either take the power for him or herself or to release it. The latter has never happened in all of history. Many groups will be seeking to take control of the power. We cannot allow this to happen. I assembled this group to represent the peoples of the world. Together, we can reach the Well first and keep its power from falling into the wrong hands.”
A shocked silence filled the room as everyone processed the information. Sir William was the first to speak up, “Then what are we waiting for? Let us be off!” The rest of the gathering quickly agreed, and began to move towards the doors, eager to depart. Then they realized that they did not know where they were going.
Hoid chuckled, “I believe there might be clues in the former castle of the Falcon Kingdom. That is where we must go.” The enthusiasm of the group was roused once again, and they began shuffling out of the doors.
Before they left, Skrag pulled Hithrol aside, “What do you think about all of this?”
“I don’t think he’s lying.” Hithrol replied, “But he does seem to know awfully little for the supposed expert.”
Skrag nodded, “I suppose that if we can do anything to get this thing into the right hands we should do it.” Thoughts tumbling through his mind, he left the tavern with Hithrol.
-last edited on May 15, 2017 11:38:42 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 15, 2017 11:38:27 GMT
Chapter 144
One by one, the members of the congregation mounted up to travel to the now-empty castle of the Falcon Kingdom. Those who had arrived on foot were provided mounts by Hoid, who had even brought a couple of smaller ponies for the dwarves.
Having had the fastest mode of transportation, Skrag and Zargan, along with Hithrol and Olifin, were the first to arrive. They landed outside the wall, in front of the heavy gate that barely hung on to its stone frame, rusty hinges and splintered planks creaking quietly in the wind. It had been almost a year and a half since the battle, but Skrag was still surprised to see the sorry state of the castle. The walls, spotted with cracks and scorch marks, were now covered in a thick layer of ivy and in many places they had begun to crumble, leaving not a single reminder of their former splendor.
Shaking his head, Skrag slid down Zargan’s back and prepared to enter. Hithrol and Olifin had begun making their way towards the gates while he had been thinking, and the half-breed didn’t want to be left behind. He had scarcely taken half a dozen steps when he realized Zargan had not moved. Skrag turned around to face his friend, “Aren’t you coming?”
Zargan shook his head, “Hoid said there would be others trying to reach the Well before us. We will have a far better chance with the dragons by our side. I will fly to the mountains to ask for their help.”
“Do you want me to come with?” asked Skrag.
“No. I must do this alone. They don’t particularly like outsiders.” And with a nod of understanding from his friend he flew away, leaving Skrag to catch up with the others.
-last edited on May 15, 2017 20:14:57 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 15, 2017 20:14:21 GMT
Chapter 145
They met just inside the gates as they waited for the rest of the group to arrive. Surprisingly, the dwarves were the next to arrive, followed closely by the bandits. Soon after came the elves and Lion Knights, along with the delegation from the Towers of Sorcery. Hoid and his friends were the last to appear, as they had wanted to be sure there were no deserters.
While Hoid and a few of the others were tending to the horses, the rest of the groups began examining their surroundings. They were in a large entrance hall, which, like the rest of the fortress, had clearly seen better days. Much of the furnishings had been taken by Kelrin’s army during their occupation, but a couple of tapestries still hung on the walls, and several valuable items were scattered around. A wide grin on his face, Alkkuto pulled out a large sack and began grabbing as much as he could. He was quickly joined by Shayden and the dwarves. Legolie just laughed, but Skrag felt uncomfortable. They weren’t here for the treasure; they were supposed to complete an important mission. Looking around the room, he realized he wasn’t the only one unhappy about the actions of his companions- it appeared he and Harrox at least agreed on this, if not anything else.
A frown on his face, Skrag approached Hithrol, who was sitting in a large chair, “They shouldn’t be doing this.”
“You mean the looting?” asked Hithrol, “It’s not like anyone else is using it. But you’re right. It’s not what we came here to do. Speaking of which, where are Hoid and the others? They should be done putting up the horses by now.”
Out of the corner of his eye, Skrag noticed Shayden disappearing down a dark corridor, Alkkuto and Doli close behind. Turning his attention back to Hithrol, he replied, “You’re right. Do you think one of us should investigate?”
-last edited on May 16, 2017 11:40:34 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 16, 2017 11:40:18 GMT
Chapter 146
At that moment, a door flew open as Hoid, Irya, Ethan, Link, and Leinad dashed into the room. Close behind them came a large troll, several lizardfolk warriors, an angry man dressed in white and black, and a horde of goblins. “If you don’t mind terribly, I seem to have found the enemy. Leaping Lewis, don’t just stand there!”
At his word, Irya and Ethan turned to face the enemy head-on, and Link and Leinad did likewise. The rest of the group hastily reequipped themselves and joined the fight. Skrag and Legolie moved to the back of the room to bombard the enemies with arrows while the rest of the group leapt into the fray swinging swords and other bladed weapons.
Skrag fired an arrow at the troll’s eye, afraid to go for a smaller target in the chaos. The arrow struck home, and the troll lashed out wildly, half-blind and in pain. There wasn’t time to celebrate, however, as three more trolls and several more goblins burst through the doorway and made their way towards Digls.
Meanwhile, Graylin had begun battling with the angry man, who had shown himself to be a sorcerer. As skilled as she was, he was much more so, and without Septimus to help, her only option was to hold him off as long as she could. As she bombarded him with spell after useless spell, he began forming strange shapes with his hands as if drawing in the air. This was not a technique she recognized, but Hoid clearly did, as he called out to the other combatants to “watch the caster”.
Heeding Hoid’s warning, Link and Leinad began fighting their way over to the sorcerer, and their assault opened up a gap for Skrag to use. He fired three arrows in quick succession at the man’s chest and throat. All three stopped before they reached the sorcerer and then came hurtling back accompanied by tendrils of red light. At the same time, the sorcerer fended off Graylin’s attacks and sent Link and Leinad flying into the wall while still forming the strange shapes with one hand.
-last edited on May 16, 2017 20:45:38 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 16, 2017 20:45:05 GMT
Chapter 147
Shayden walked silently through the halls of the former castle. Every so often he stopped to snatch up a particularly valuable-looking trinket or piece of art. Not far behind, Alkkuto and the dwarf, Doli, did likewise. They went deeper and deeper into the maze of hallways and empty rooms, moving ever farther from the companions they had arrived with. Soon enough the faint sounds of battle- clashing blades and cries of anger and pain- became lost altogether. The farther they went the more present the signs of the horrible battle that had taken place there became. Destruction littered the halls like a fine layer of dust in an abandoned attic. It was clear that no one had thought to clean anything up, and who would have? It was a task for a strong stomach and a staggering amount of patience and dedication.
Eventually, long after the sounds of battle had faded away, a tapestry on the left wall caught Shayden’s eye. Unlike most of the tapestries they had come across it had been left untouched by the invaders. Apparently they had thought it valueless and unworthy of their attention, but Shayden knew otherwise. He had always had an eye for these things, and this tapestry, he could tell, was very old- and therefore very valuable. With one long look, he took the whole thing in. It was quite plain, only containing eleven brightly colored circles arranged around a hand, but the quality was very high and it had barely faded at all in its long existence. Smiling, Shayden turned to Alkkuto, “Help me take this thing down, will you?”
“Don’t you think we should get back to the others?” asked Alkkuto with a frown, “They probably need our help.”
“Don’t be such a spoilsport, Alx. They’re fine.” Shayden replied with a grin.
With a sigh, Alkkuto reached up and helped lower the tapestry to the ground.
“Tha’s odd,” said Doli, looking at the space where the tapestry had been. He pointed at a spot directly adjacent to it, “Do ye see tha big crack? Tha should extend into the wall be’ind where the tapestry was. But it doesn’t. In fact, tha whole section is perfectly maintain’d, as if it ‘ad never been touched by people.” Furrowing his brow, he extended an arm to feel the wall- and it went right through.
-last edited on May 17, 2017 1:00:57 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on May 17, 2017 1:00:43 GMT
Chapter 148
Skrag dove to the ground as the three glowing red arrows whizzed over his head and exploded in balls of red light against the wall. Diving behind a chair, he readied his bow once again and fired at the remaining eye of the troll he had hit earlier. Now completely blind, it lashed out randomly, nearly bowling over the other trolls that had come to attack Digls.
Link and Leinad picked themselves up, and returned to fighting goblins, careful not to interfere with the sorcerer just yet, who still managed to fend off all of Graylin’s attacks while continuing to form the strange symbols. Hithrol attempted a few magical attacks of his own, but none succeeded.
On the other side of the room, Legolie had been knocked unconscious by a lizardfolk warrior and was being defended by Olifin.
At that moment, the sorcerer’s objective finally became clear as the symbols stopped and a glowing red ball formed in his hands. It expanded and flattened out until it was a thin disc the size of ten men and then the giants began walking through it. Four giants wielding massive broad swords stepped through the portal and immediately began to attack Hoid’s assembled group Hithrol turned his attention to them, but Graylin still struggled against the sorcerer without and help.
Skrag sent more arrows after the trolls, trying to think of a plan. They couldn’t win this without a decent strategy- their numbers were simply too overwhelming and in this small room it was impossible to break them into smaller groups. Suddenly, Skrag realized what he had to do.
