@mods: A couple posts appear to be stuck in moderation. A reply to LegoBuilder0925, which I posted two days ago, is missing, and so is Chapter 79, which I posted yesterday. Posts that I posted after those have been approved.
-last edited on Apr 27, 2017 1:49:46 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 27, 2017 1:48:39 GMT
Chapter 80
Everything was burning, smoke and fire filled the air, making it hard to breathe. Around him laid the rubble of the five towers, destroyed beyond repair. Voices sounded in the night, and the elf ducked behind a large chunk of wall to hide. Peeking out to see where the voices were coming from, he saw a large group of orks, at least four score, running past. Behind them came a small group of knights in red and black. Those, to the elf’s surprise, were a myriad of races- mostly humans, but some dwarves and even elves as well. The knights appeared to be encouraging the orks, shouting at them to move faster, to take no prisoners, to leave nothing intact. Soon, the patrol passed and the elf breathed a sigh of relief. Whoever those people were, whatever was going on, they were gone now. Suddenly, more voices sounded from a different direction. Quickly, the elf found new cover, just as a different patrol passed by, a similar group, but clearly not the same. Perhaps the danger was not as distant as he had thought. Desperately, the elf tried to think of a plan, but nothing came to him. He didn’t know if anyone he knew was still alive. The elf tried to remember how he had gotten to this point. How did he get here? How was he still alive? Where was everyone else? As hard as he tried, no answer would come. Lost in his thoughts, the elf did not hear an ork sneak up behind him. Suddenly, he heard the shout and he spun around to see the ork’s face and the club flying towards his head. He shouted. This ork, he knew this ork. Person’s club fell onto the elf’s head and everything went black.
Syldar awoke with a shout, at the same time as Jarios, in the other bed. They looked at each other as the sounds of identical shouts echoed through the tower. Syldar stood up and opened the room’s door, only to see a dozen other identical doors open and a dozen other terrified heads peak out. Everyone in the Towers of Wizardry had been awoken by a nightmare, each different, terrifying, and each involving the destruction of the towers by the orks and black and red knights.
Your naming skills are impressive. I know some of them (namely the gladiators) came from the EHQA, but many of them are original. Fantastic job.
Thanks. Actually, a lot of my characters are stolen. I'll list the ones from this list that aren't: Skrag, Skorj, Gorle, Trok, Skirj, Kalkuzar, Darkaraz, Marrzak, Zargan, Lyzara, Kurukin, Gormund, Edmond, Arik, Baj, Elisa, Andrasa, Beziov, Petrion, and Morath. I don't remember if Ormuk is or not. I just went back to the full list (current through all but the last Part on the old LMBs) and just over 40% are mine. And about 1/3 to 1/2 of those 40% are very minor characters, some never having been named in the story itself.
That's still quite impressive. I remember seeing you RP as Barkot in a few self-contained roleplays on the original boards. Where did he come from?
-last edited on Apr 27, 2017 11:39:07 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 27, 2017 11:38:32 GMT
Chapter 81
Skrag raced out of his room, along the hallway, and down the stairs three at a time. He went through two more hallways and down another flight of stairs before he finally reached the enormous gate that marked the entrance to the citadel.
When Skrag finally reached his destination, he was panting and out of breath. Korin was already there, along with several of the highest-ranking dwarves, including Dwiarnemfafn, the high king of the citadel. As the half-goblin watched, the dwarven messenger approached the king and knelt, only rising when Dwiarnemfafn nodded. “My lord Dwiarnemfafn, son of Macrhiosenuntur, son of Ioswaerrrfiidnotr, high king of the grand citadel, mightiest of the eastern dwarves,” he said, “I have a message of utmost importance to deliver.” Skrag shook his head- he had no idea how anyone could wrap his or her tongue around the dwarf king’s name, or the name of any dwarf of noble blood for that matter. Whenever he tried, all he had produced was a series of incomprehensible syllables.
“Then tell me, my messenger,” said the king gruffly, as if he was growing impatient. He was not, of course. Dwarves seemed to have infinite patience and long, drawn out formalities such as these were common whenever one addressed another, especially when one or both were of a noble class.
The messenger rose, bowing before he spoke, “Very well, my king. I bring news of an army. An army dressed in black and red has been seen moving towards the citadel from the east. We know not where they are from, nor why they come.”
“Tell your superiors to continue monitoring this army and to send word again if any new developments arise.” The king waved the messenger off as he left, hurrying back to where he had come from. “Come with me to the grand hall,” he said a few minutes later, “We have much to discuss.” There was no need to state who was to join him- they all knew. Korin went with them, but Skrag stayed behind. He could get caught up later. For now, he needed to do some thinking of his own.
Thanks. Actually, a lot of my characters are stolen. I'll list the ones from this list that aren't: Skrag, Skorj, Gorle, Trok, Skirj, Kalkuzar, Darkaraz, Marrzak, Zargan, Lyzara, Kurukin, Gormund, Edmond, Arik, Baj, Elisa, Andrasa, Beziov, Petrion, and Morath. I don't remember if Ormuk is or not. I just went back to the full list (current through all but the last Part on the old LMBs) and just over 40% are mine. And about 1/3 to 1/2 of those 40% are very minor characters, some never having been named in the story itself.
That's still quite impressive. I remember seeing you RP as Barkot in a few self-contained roleplays on the original boards. Where did he come from?
He's one of mine, like all of the Council. I didn't put him on the list because he hasn't been named in the story yet.
-last edited on Apr 27, 2017 21:42:59 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 27, 2017 21:42:15 GMT
Chapter 82
Conria and Terra were escorted through the gates and into the city by five knights in shining armor upon which was displayed the head of a ferocious beast with a wild tangle of fur. This was the symbol of the Lion Kingdom. None were quite sure what it was, but most decided it was probably a lion, whatever that was. The knights silently brought them to the central keep, and motioned them inside, past a large set of double doors, and into the king’s throne room. Knoxin and Raini had to be left outside as they were too big to fit inside the building. King Leonus sat proudly on his gold-painted throne in an ornately detailed red robe. He smiled slightly as they entered, white teeth showing through his graying yellow beard and blue eyes lighting up in a slightly wrinkled face. The queen sat alongside him, and his royal mage, a black-cloaked man with an ornate metal staff who went by the name of Lief, stood nearby.
“So,” sighed the king, “You’re Conria. I remember you. You were a good soldier. I was surprised when you disappeared. What happened?”
Conria knelt on one knee, motioning Terra to do the same, “Your majesty, I was leading a patrol to investigate a group of bandits near the southern border of the kingdom. The bandits, wearing red and black, attacked us and smashed everyone except me. My sword was destroyed and after that I wandered aimlessly until I was captured by slavers and brought to the City by the River, as a gladiator. We were freed eventually and I met a young dragon named Knoxin. Together, we found our way to the Dragon Riders. That’s why we’re here today. The Dragon Riders send their good wishes and hope that you will return the favor.”
-last edited on Apr 28, 2017 11:33:21 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 28, 2017 11:31:31 GMT
Chapter 83
The grey-cloaked elf led Jon, Potestas, Calin, and Glenda deep into the sprawling collection of buildings. The elven city was massive and the four of them wondered how they could possibly not have seen it earlier. As they progressed, the buildings only became more intricate and beautiful until at last they came to the center of the city. There they found a massive oak tree as big around as the next twenty largest combined. Built into and around it was a dazzlingly beautiful structure carved with plants and animals no bigger than Jon’s eye. They were inlaid with gold, silver, diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and all other sorts of precious metals and gemstones and sparkled in the dappled sunlight. The grey-cloaked elf led the four visitors inside- the dragons fit easily- and into a series of rooms even more spectacular than the exterior. Finally, they came to a large room which was occupied only by a throne that showed a level of craftsmanship surpassing even the rest of the building. The room was empty, and the elf frowned sourly. “Wait here,” he said, with a look that told them they had best obey.
Many minutes later he returned accompanied by a tall, thin female elf in a leather vest and a green cloak. “Really, Fingolfin,” she said, “I don’t understand what was so important that I had to come immediately. For once, could you let me enjoy myself without being interrupted every five minutes?”
Fingolfin sighed, “My queen, we have visitors. They call themselves Dragon Riders.” He gestured to the four gathered on one side of the room.”
“Dragon Riders, eh? Never heard of you,” The queen raised a single eyebrow, crossing her arms.
-last edited on Apr 28, 2017 21:53:03 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 28, 2017 21:52:35 GMT
Chapter 84
Jon rose to his feet, stepping forward slightly, “My name is Jon, and my companions are Potestas, Calin, and Glenda.” He gestured to each in turn. “Our organization was only formed recently by a man named Hithrol Jiwovz. We have been sent out to spread word of our existence and the four of us were sent here.”
The queen smiled slightly, “So you say. I’d like to speak of this Hithrol Jiwovz if you’re telling the truth.” She pointed at Calin, “If you truly wish to convince me of your goodwill, you will return to your leader and bring him here so I can be sure your story is authentic.”
Calin momentarily considered arguing- after all, she was not his queen- but the determined look in her eyes stopped that thought before it began. “I will leave immediately and return as soon as I can,” he bowed clumsily, putting a hand on Knoxin’s spine to tell him to prepare to leave. The two of them started to leave, nodding a goodbye to their companions, but as they moved toward the doorway they were impeded by a young elf rushing in.
“My queen,” he gasped, panting, “I have important news to relay.” Calin saw that a sword with an ornately carved hilt hung from his belt, and he carried a shield and a bow on his back as well as several other weapons. Young as he was, he clearly held a position of some importance.
“Welcome, Link,” the queen said warmly, “Whatever you have to tell me, you can say in front of our guests. After all, if we are to trust them we must begin somewhere.”
“Very well, my queen,” Link said, glancing at the dragons and riders, “There has been an attack at the northern edge of the forest, on the forest men. They are requesting our help.”
The queen nodded, “Then help they shall have. Dragon Riders, if you wish to prove yourselves, now is your chance. Hithrol Jiwovz will have to wait.”
The towers were strangely quiet that morning. Almost everyone stood outside in the grass murmuring quietly in small groups. They had all filed out of the central tower, which was used for sleeping quarters and meals, and spread out around the five. Well, they spread out around four of the towers, at least; the Tower of Alchemy was given a wide berth as always. The four outer towers each focused on a different type of magical study. The first was the Tower of Material Manipulation, where most patrons of the towers spent a majority of their time. It was devoted to studying magic concerning the manipulation of matter and as such had the widest spectrum of use. Next came the Tower of Energetic Manipulation, less frequently used but still often quite full. The third tower was the Tower of Temporal Manipulation, which of course dealt with time. Manipulating time was a difficult art, and dangerous too, so the tower didn’t see a lot of use, though it was sometimes occupied by people overflowing from the first two towers or studying something that didn’t quite fit in any particular area. The Tower of Alchemy was the last tower and by far the least used. Half a dozen people at most visited it, including the eccentric Septimus Merlinsson, who hadn’t been seen outside it in many years. Alchemy, strictly speaking, wasn’t quite magic. It usually dealt with changing one thing into another through strange and complicated processes and was generally seen as something to be avoided, treated delicately, and even feared. All five towers were identical, massive round structures built of light gray stone with black roofs. They were connected by small walkways high above the ground that troubled even the strongest stomachs.
-last edited on Apr 29, 2017 0:41:56 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 29, 2017 0:41:23 GMT
Chapter 86
Syldar and Jarios had gathered by the second tower with a few other friends, including Leidiriv, who stood in the shadow of the tower and a strange purple-haired young man who called himself Wisdom. He smiled at a group of elven women, a twinkle in his dark blue eyes, but they didn’t even acknowledge him. That was normal for Wisdom- he was clever, talented across a wide array of areas, and always friendly, yet something always seemed to push others away from him. The man wasn’t bothered by it though; he just seemed to see it as a challenge he had to overcome.
Like most residents of the towers, Syldar’s group was discussing their dreams. Each was much like the others in that the towers had been destroyed by the orks and knights, but the details were all very different. In Jarios’ dream, he witnessed the destruction of his family as well as the towers and Leidiriv had found himself captured. Wisdom, clearly not paying attention to the conversation, was the only one who had yet to speak.
Syldar turned to his strange friend, “What about what you, Wisdom? What was your dream like?”
Wisdom turned to him, startled, “I-I’d rather not talk about it.” He stared at the ground, rubbing his forehead.
Nine of the eleven chairs were empty. The only ones left in the room were the man in the floppy hat and the woman with the blue dress. The man adjusted his hat, leaning back in his chair, “Have the dreams been sent?”
The woman nodded, causing her mass of gold jewelry studded with aquamarine gemstones to rattle. Her dress was intricately woven with gold and teal threads to complement the blue, matching her dress nicely. She wore a teal scarf, gold discs dangling from the edge of the cloth, over the top of her gray hair, “Of course, Wanderer. They all received them. Only, one troubled me.
“Oh?” asked the Wanderer, raising his eyebrows.
“It was sent to one of ours,” she sighed, “In it, he witnessed the destruction of each one of us with a mortal form, including the Council. If these dreams come close to fruition, then we will all be lost.”
The man frowned, “You said they wouldn’t happen, that they were not like your other visions.”
“That’s what I said, and that’s what I believe, but I can’t be entirely sure.”
“Then we’ll just have to wait, I suppose. We’ll just have to wait and hope.”
-last edited on Apr 29, 2017 12:25:49 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 29, 2017 12:25:03 GMT
Chapter 87
Skrag and Zargan met in the former’s room to talk about the information he had just received. “Do you think this might be the cause of your bad feeling?” asked the dragon.
Skrag nodded, “I’m certain of it. Whoever these soldiers are, they mean trouble. Hopefully, the dwarves realize that. If not, we may all be in grave danger.” From there, the conversation faded off into an uncomfortable silence, neither having much to tell the other. Skrag began to pace around his massive room, and Zargan watched, tapping a claw on the floor with each of his friend’s footsteps.
Fortunately, the quiet was soon interrupted by a knock at the door, “Skrag? It’s Korin. May I come in?”
“Of course,” replied the half-breed, breathing a sigh of relief.
Korin pushed open the heavy door and strove in, saying a quick hello to dragon and rider, “The meeting is finished. I thought you might want to know what we said.”
“Have a seat,” smiled Skrag, “We just finished a discussion of our own.” Hu pulled over a couple of small, wooden chairs and the two of them sat.
“Well,” Korin began, “It appears the scout did not have quite all of the information. Several of us had reports from agents that these knights have been burning and pillaging every step of the way. The king decided to send for the Falcon Kingdom to aid us, if it comes down to a fight. A messenger is already on the way.”
Skrag smiled again, “Excellent. I think these knights are the source of my bad feeling. I know it. Once they’re dealt with, I’m sure I’ll feel the same as usual. Everything will be just fine.”
-last edited on Apr 29, 2017 17:04:54 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 29, 2017 17:02:20 GMT
Chapter 88
“Your majesty, a dwarf is here to see you.” The servant called, ducking into the throne room where King Gerak was sitting, thinking.
The king waved a hand, “Show him in. I will see him now.” It had been a slow day, a slow week really. In fact, now that he thought about it, it had been a slow year. Not much seemed to happen in the Falcon Kingdom. At least he had plenty of time for thinking. Thinking and not much else. He still had no heir. He couldn’t live forever, and his time was rapidly approaching. It revealed itself in small ways- bones aching when he stood up, reflexes slowed, tiny lapses in his memory, and his eyesight and hearing not quite as good as they used to be. He needed to stop thinking about it. He had time.
As the king’s train of thought began to come to a stop, a long-bearded dwarf in a courier’s uniform entered, giving a small bow, “Your majesty, the citadel requests aid. A large, hostile army has been sighted approaching and we fear it will not end well.”
The king sighed, scratching his head. After a few quiet seconds he spoke, “You shall have the aid you desire. The Falcon Kingdom shall stand with you against this threat. Go. Tell your king.”
The courier bowed again, “Thank you, your majesty. I will be on my way.” He rushed out of the throne room surprisingly fast for a dwarf.
The king’s advisor, a heavyset man with a thin moustache, leaned over, “You majesty, are you sure about this? We are a kingdom of peace, not war.”
King Gerak smiled, “I know, but the pact has stood up for seven hundred years, and I do not intend to be remembered as the king who broke it. Besides, the winds of change are blowing. Can you not feel the winds, Pterio? Can you not feel them bringing change? Mark my words. Change is coming, and when it does we will all feel it.”
“Of course, your majesty. If you excuse me, I have a task to complete.”
The king waved him away, “Yes, of course, Pterio.”
-last edited on Apr 29, 2017 18:51:44 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 29, 2017 18:51:13 GMT
Chapter 89
Pterio crept through empty hallways until he reached a tapestry depicting eleven brightly colored circles surrounding a hand. It was an old tapestry, dating back to a time before the war, when the three human kingdoms had been pitted against each other in a conflict that never seemed to end. Checking to make sure no one else was around, he lifted one corner and slipped into the secret passage behind. He was the only one who knew its location. Anyone who moved the tapestry would see only a brick wall. That was an illusion, of course. The narrow hallway behind the tapestry continued only a little way before reaching a locked wooden door. He produced the key from his coat pocket and entered, closing it behind him. The room was small, the only furnishings a single torch, a wooden chair and two mirrors.
Two people were visible in the mirrors. One was a man in a black cloak with a jeweled staff and the other a smiling man in dark armor. The former spoke, “You’re late, Pterio.”
“I’m sorry, but I have important news to impart. Gerak has met with a dwarven emissary. He’s sending troops to help them against some strange new army.” Pterio approached the chair, sitting down. It wasn’t very comfortable, but it did its job.
The black-cloaked man nodded, “They are known to us. It was a wise decision. What say you, Dancan?”
The armored man nodded, “He made the right choice. The winds of change are blowing.”
“Funny,” said Pterio, “That’s what he said. Anyway, if that’s all, I have other business to attend to. Until next time, Dancan, Lief.” The two men disappeared from the mirrors as Pterio turned and left. This new army presented a problem, but he was sure the Wanderer and the rest of the Council had it all in hand. Lief would have told him if they didn’t. Yes, the winds of change were coming, but he would be safe. He had to be safe.
-last edited on Apr 29, 2017 20:32:02 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 29, 2017 20:27:34 GMT
Chapter 90
Hithrol and Olifin wandered the grounds of the Dragon Riders. Hithrol half wished he had gone with one of the groups, but someone had to keep charge of the base. It was very peaceful with no one here, almost like it was inhabited by ghosts. He thought he saw something out of the corner of his eye. A flickering shadow, no more. He kept walking, quietly. There it was again- a flash of shadow at the edge of his vision. Olifin looked at him, concern visible on his face, “Hithrol, are you okay?”
Hithrol nodded, “I’m fine. I’m just seeing things. A shadow, nothing to be concerned-” The shadow attacked, leaping onto Hithrol’s back. Olifin tried to knock it off, but he couldn’t do much for fear of injuring Hithrol. For his part, Hithrol had drawn his sword and was trying to hit the thing on his back. The creature just laughed. Suddenly, it disappeared, seeming to collapse in on itself. Hithrol fell to the ground with a groan.
Olifin tapped him gently with one claw, “Hithrol? Did that thing hurt you?”
Hithrol stood up, shaking his head, “No. In fact, I feel better than ever before.” He opened his eyes. They were green, and glowing, “Call me Morath. Hithrol is just a voice in the back of my head.” He laughed.
Olifin gasped, “No! What have you done with Hithrol?”
“I’ve made him my puppet, and now it’s time to do the same to you,” The creature in Hithrol’s body laughed again.
“Never,” Olifin growled, “I’ll never let you into my mind.”
“Who said anything about minds?” Laughed Morath, “I just need your body.” Olifin tried to run away, but he was rooted in place by a green fog wrapped around his feet and ankles. Morath picked up a smooth, black stone, “This will do.” He held it out and a bolt of green light flew into Olifin’s chest, seeming to pull the dragon into it. “Yes, this will do quite well.” Morath examined his new body, “Marrzak was right. This is going to be fun.” Looking down at the sword in his right hand, he laughed again, “How fitting. Three down, eight to go. Now, where should I go next?”
-last edited on Apr 30, 2017 4:24:55 GMT by RuleJJ
Post by RuleJJ on Apr 30, 2017 4:19:29 GMT
Chapter 91
Skrag stared at his armor, sunlight glinting off the polished metal breastplate. He hadn’t polished it, he’d never needed to. That seemed to be a property the old man had given it. He wondered if it had any other special properties. Maybe he would find out today. Finally, he had a chance to use it. He wasn’t sure if he should be happy about that. Skrag took his time putting on the armor- the bad feeling had worsened in the past few days, and now that he knew what was coming, it scared him more as well. Ready at last, he strapped his cutlasses onto his back with special scabbards the dwarves had created and grabbed his spear. Zargan was perched on the balcony outside his room, wearing some shiny armor of his own. For such small people, the dwarves worked remarkably fast. “Ready?” asked the dragon, smiling weakly. He was as apprehensive as his rider. Neither of them had seen war before, and it was a terrifying prospect.
“Ready,” replied the half-breed, smiling back. He climbed up into the saddle and strapped in. The dwarves had made that too. It was much more comfortable. Far below the two of them, the dwarves and their Falcon Kingdom allies were preparing for battle along the walls of the Citadel and the opposing army was gathered in front of them, a sea of red and black. It was much calmer than Skrag had expected seconds before a battle. Everyone was waiting, tense and quiet. The silence broke. Rocks crashed against the thick stone walls even as arrows rained down on the attackers, along with a few rocks of their own. The battle had begun. With a roar, Zargan leapt off of the balcony, spreading his wings and baring his sharp teeth. Skrag shouted in unison with him, brandishing his spear. Yes, the battle had begun.
