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Post subject: BLACK KNIGHT OR KNAVE? Alea Iacta Est
 Posted: May 28, 2012 - 01:57 PM
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Noble
Joined: Feb 19, 2008
Posts: 879
Location: London
Status: Offline
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Day 163 of the Sleeping Moon, Year 437
A small fishing party, consisting of Flingee, Tyler, Gawr and myself was ready to leave the Andris shores for what was meant to be just an opportunity of spending a little time together prior to retiring to bed - we just meant to pay a brief visit to what we call Phase Serpent Island. The party slightly increased in numbers when Larzz and Rondino asked to join us, and we set off in a north easterly direction.
As the exercise proved to be fun, we decided to stretch our hunt to the shores of Hermit's Lake. Upon landing on the Lerilin continent, Larzz announced he was obliged to part from us for a while but he would catch up a little later, so we started our march through the woods and took position just east of the path, opposite the entrance to the Hermit's House. We had brought down a few nasty Sea Serpents and Flingee had announced that a nest of them was swimming to the north east, when a black shape came charging towards us - it was a Phase Serpent! We had to be quick in overcoming the shock and face the new threat. No blows were spared but alas, all the splashing and the blasts attracted the attention of the five serpents which Flingee had cautioned us about earlier so, although the black beast was now dead, our party was caught unprepared - poor Tyler and an already injured Gawr had just set foot on shore when two of the beasts stretched their necks and bit them to death.
(...to be continued) |
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Two men look out of the same window - one sees the stars, the other sees the mud.
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Post subject: Black Kinight or Knave - continued
Posted: May 28, 2012 - 02:03 PM
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Noble
Joined: Feb 19, 2008
Posts: 879
Location: London
Status: Offline
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Much consternation was caused by this loss, but there wasn't much time to grieve - Tyler's ghost drifted towards the closest temple and Flingee followed its grey shadow to escort the cleric back in safety. Gawr was resurrected and, as we were preparing to take leave of each other for the night, the waters of the lake became crowded again. Larzz had now rejoined us but his figure was not the only one to come into sight - a man, dressed in black and wearing a wizard's hat and a mask, stood a few steps away from him. We later heard from Larzz that this stranger had appeared when he was fighting another black serpent further up on the lake and had helped him by paralysing the beast.
Chaos ensued as two more Phase Serpents appeared and, to our surprise, the masked mage came to our aid with some paralysis spells. "Most intriguing" were the words he uttered after all monsters were slain. I asked him who he was, but he responded "That is quite unimportant" and took his leave. Puzzled by the whole business, we were discussing it whilst sharing the booty, then an exhausted Flingee took his leave as an insatiable Larzz brought some more Sea Serpents close to shore. Having disposed of this last wave of monsters and feeling immensely tired, we were preparing to head to the village of Lerilin when the masked mage reappeared!. To our amazement, he wished to purchase the black pure crystals and the zionidic crystal we had found in the black serpents's bellies. I whispered to Larzz I was reluctant to sell the zionidic crystal but had no objection in parting from the black pures. The man paid 3000 gold pieces for each of these, then I tried to engage him in conversation about the strange crystal, and my companions were asking questions too. The man would not admit to any known use for it and could not understand why we were opposing resistance, whilst we argued back that we could not understand his anxiety to buy it on precisely the same grounds.
He tried some moral blackmail when he addressed Larzz and reminded the fighter he had assisted him in the fight against the Phase Serpent, but Larzz responded the crystal was not his to sell. I got closer and told the stranger that, as a wizard, I had an interest in studying this object myself. I was left with a lot to think about when the man thus addressed me: "I am sure you know that many crystals are used to control portals", whilst around us my companions were debating on how to handle the thorny issue. It was finally decided to place the matter into the hands of Lady Luck and we rolled our dice. My score was the highest and Larzz handed the zionidic crystal to me - I carefully wrapped a silk scarf around it, tucked it away deep in my pack, then cast an uneasy glance at the stranger.
(Masked Figure): *Rolls a 1d100 for a roll of 32*
(Fuoco): *Rolls a 1d100 for a roll of 66*
(Gawr): you lose
(Larzz): and you win Fuoco
(Masked Figure): Luck is with you mage.
(Fuoco): * bows coldly *
(Gawr): No
(Gawr): the dice are loaded hahah
(Masked Figure): Oh?
(Tyler): You probably shouldn't say that out loud
Taken from Larzz: Zionidic Crystal
(Fuoco): thank you fighter
(Masked Figure): I did not come here to be cheated.
(Gawr): Yeah that's how we roll
(Tyler): *kicks*
(Tyler): Masked Figure
(Tyler): I'm sure you know that Fighters do not have that high intelligence.
(Gawr): watch out
(Tyler): So I would recommend you not listen to him
(Fuoco): we did roll fairly
(Masked Figure): Pass me your die wizard if you please.
(Fuoco): * hands out *
(Masked Figure): *Rolls a 1d100 for a roll of 26*
(Masked Figure): *Rolls a 1d100 for a roll of 52*
(Masked Figure): *Rolls a 1d100 for a roll of 98*
(Masked Figure): Hmm.
(Masked Figure): It does not seem loaded.
(Fuoco): I am a fair person
(Masked Figure): *passes back*
(Fuoco): as many are likely to witness
(Fuoco): I pride myself in honour and fairness
(Masked Figure): Well if you come to naught with your researches,
(Fuoco): * listens *
(Masked Figure): I shall be pleased to take this off you.
(Fuoco): * bows *
(Masked Figure): In the mean time I wish you good luck.
(Fuoco): likewise
(Larzz): farewell again
(Gawr): Yeah yeah you too!
(Rondino): Farewell.
(Masked Figure): Where might I find you?
(Tyler): See you
(Rondino): Andris?
(Fuoco): Andris is my home
Although I have taken the crystal to a place of safety, the black mage now knows where I reside and I have no idea what the future holds in store - the die is cast! |
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Two men look out of the same window - one sees the stars, the other sees the mud.
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Post subject: Black Knight or Knave - letter to REDMAN and the Senate
Posted: May 28, 2012 - 02:49 PM
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Noble
Joined: Feb 19, 2008
Posts: 879
Location: London
Status: Offline
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The cold light of dawn has just commenced its slow but steady battle against darkness when the wizard applies her seal to four parchment rolls. She will later ask some trusted messengers to deliver her letter to fellow wizard REDMAN and copies of it to her guild leader, Sir Fixx and to Evers, the Lady of the Woods. She will personally deliver the fourth parchment to the castle. Her eyes are glowing with a strange light, but they are also red and tired - she has sat up all night. With an effort, she gets up from her chair, locks the letters in her chest, blows out the candle and directs her steps to a much needed bed.
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Dear fellow wizard,
This encounter with the black masked mage has left me very uneasy and with a lot to think about. My mind goes back to a day far in time - day 55 of the Fighting Moon, year 435. We were together when we fought the first Phase Serpents ever sighted in our lands, during that long trip in aid of the people of the sea - the Mhara.
You will recall that, after killing the Phase Serpents in proximity of the Tower and marvelling at the strange crystals they carried, we were attacked by Brigands whilst crossing the sea towards the mainland... "They want the crystals!" you had shouted. We then went to the castle and held a counsel with Lythette. It was then that you handed her a ruined book which had been found in Nystral's Tower on some previous occasion, and I gave her one of the zionidic crystals to study. It was suggested that, in order to understand these new black beasts, one had to understand the Tower, and much hope was placed in finding some answers once the book had been restored. Sadly, we never heard about the results of her work!
We each took a zionidic crystal to experiment with, but my own studies led to no results and I do believe you had no better luck. Now this mysterious mage appears and shows a deep interest in them - why? His words keep echoing in my head - "I am sure you know that many crystals control portals". Although the black mage was very polite, I instinctively felt distrust towards him - why would he feel the need to disguise himself behind a mask? He cannot be working for the Senate of Andris, that is for sure. They would have been open about it and besides, they have a sample of the crystal themselves! What if this black mage was Master Rem himself, or one of his emissaries? Are these mysterious crystals controlling some unknown portal or was the mage trying to divert my thoughts?
I know that Lythette is very busy with the magic shop, but I wonder if Senator Muqities or Evers can help. REDMAN, I would like to hear what you yourself think on the matter, and whether we should seek a meeting with the authorities and the Lady of the Woods.
Yours sincerely,
Fuoco Biancavalle
Post Scriptum for Fixx:
I know I am not the only bearer of zionidic crystals but this black mage knows where I live now. I do hope the Rebels can rally around me should there be any trouble.
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Two men look out of the same window - one sees the stars, the other sees the mud.
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Post subject: Second encounter
Posted: Jun 24, 2012 - 04:40 AM
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Noble
Joined: Feb 19, 2008
Posts: 879
Location: London
Status: Offline
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Day 24 of the Growing Moon, Year 437
Weary of my long battle against Sea Serpents, I sat down for a while on the grass, as the beach was now damp - the vigourous splashing of their tails had left my robe soaking wet too!. I had saved the empty bottles so that Rosina could refill them for me and, as soon as I recovered, I called out to her. To my surprise, it was not my niece who stood in front of me but my old friend and former guild comrade Laricen.
We stood there a while, exchanging pleasantries and the latest news, then a third figure in black joined the small party...
(Masked figure): Ah Lady Fuoco.
(Fuoco): I have seen you before!
(Fuoco): greetings
(Masked figure): You have indeed.
(Fuoco): at the Hermit Lake!
(Masked figure): How do your researches progress?
(Fuoco): I remember now
(Fuoco): you showed a keen interest
(Fuoco): in zionidic crystals!
(Masked figure): As did you, I believe.
(Fuoco): * nods *
(Masked figure): What have you discovered?
(Fuoco): unfortunately
(Fuoco): my hands have been full with some other business
(Masked figure): A pity.
(Fuoco): so I have not made any researches yet
(Fuoco): indeed
(Fuoco): but more pressing matters have absorbed my attention
(Masked figure): Hmm.
(Fuoco): you mentioned
(Fuoco): something about controlling portals
(Fuoco): which intrigued me a fair bit
(Laricen): Yes?
(Fuoco): ah meet Laricen
(Masked figure): I thought I saw something out of the corner of my eye.
(Fuoco): an old friend
(Masked figure): An old friend with a dagger.
(Fuoco): such is his business
(Fuoco): sorry for the slurred speech
(Fuoco): I am rather tired
(Laricen): She's drunk.
(Fuoco): * shakes head *
(Fuoco): not today
(Masked figure): What a sense of humor you have.
(Fuoco): * grins *
(Fuoco): but tell me
(Laricen): I do. I should be a jester.
(Fuoco): it surprises me
(Fuoco): that with your powers
(Fuoco): you cannot obtain them yourself sir
(Fuoco): I have seen you at work
(Masked figure): It's not always wise to use all the power one posesses.
(Fuoco): I do not wish to be impolite
(Fuoco): but you must certainly realise
(Fuoco): people are wary of strangers wearing masks
(Masked figure): And those phase serpents are not easily found.
(Fuoco): I grant you that
(Masked figure): You judge books by their covers?
(Fuoco): those beasts are not that common
(Fuoco): If I judged
(Fuoco): I would refuse to speak to you
(Fuoco): it is reasonable that I should feel cautious
(Fuoco): * bows *
(Fuoco): I do not carry those crystals with me sir
(Fuoco): they are so rare
(Fuoco): that the few people who possess one or two
(Masked figure): They are rare indeed.
(Fuoco): keep them in places of safety
(Laricen): They are. Have any use for them been found?
(Fuoco): well
(Fuoco): this gentleman
(Fuoco): is making researches
(Fuoco): but
(Masked figure): These are matters for wizards.
(Fuoco): he is reluctant to say what
(Fuoco): he just reminded me
(Fuoco): during our previous encounter
(Fuoco): that crystals control portals
(Fuoco): the gentleman here
(Laricen): What about the black eggs dropped by the serpents?
(Fuoco): bought all the black pure crystals
(Fuoco): we found by slitting the serpents's bellies
(Masked figure): You have fought these creature before I perceive.
(Fuoco): we had an unexpected invasion at Hermit Lake Laricen
(Fuoco): I was present
(Fuoco): when the first two specimens appeared on our waters
(Fuoco): close to Nystral''s Tower
(Laricen): I have.
(Masked figure): The black eggs are eggs. What else is there to say?
(Fuoco): you are unwilling
(Laricen): Fair enough
(Fuoco): to give any hints
(Fuoco): as to what yourself hope to achieve?
(Masked figure): I cannot share the results of my research yet.
(Fuoco): but
(Fuoco): who would this research benefit?
(Masked figure): Me.
(Fuoco): see it from my point of view
(Masked figure): And perhaps others.
(Fuoco): well
(Fuoco): what if you were to use the power of the crystals
(Fuoco): against humankind?
(Masked figure): *sigh*
(Fuoco): it is only reasonable
(Masked figure): Then I should have found a most unexpected use for them.
(Fuoco): that as a responsible wizard
(Fuoco): I should have my fears
(Fuoco): if you could prove
(Fuoco): that your experiments
(Fuoco): would not be detrimental to us
(Masked figure): Proof? How should I prove that?
(Fuoco): then you may expect co-operation sir
(Masked figure): You know magic is dangerous.
(Fuoco): exactly
(Fuoco): How am I to place
(Masked figure): Knowledge is dangerous.
(Fuoco): something unknown and potentially dangerous
(Masked figure): Ignorance is worse.
(Fuoco): in the hands of a stranger?
(Fuoco): ah extremes are always bad
(Fuoco): You must allow me time
(Fuoco): I wish to consult with fellow wizards
(Fuoco): have you been to any of them with the same request?
(Masked figure): I'm not sure which of them have these crystals.
(Fuoco): II see
(Fuoco): well
(Fuoco): I wish to bide time
(Masked figure): And I like you trust few other mages.
(Fuoco): as I said
(Fuoco): regrettably I had to set that matter aside
(Fuoco): and you must grant me that I am not point blank refusing to speak to you
(Masked figure): I have ears.
(Fuoco): * bows coldly *
(Fuoco): come and see me again
(Masked figure): Anyway, I will see another phase serpent.
(Fuoco): in a little while
(Masked figure): One was sighted nearby I believe.
(Fuoco): eh?
(Fuoco): near Andris?
(Fuoco): now?
(Masked figure): There are many sea-serpents in the waters to our North.
(Fuoco): yes they have a nest there
(Masked figure): Phase serpents seem to turn up in the same places.
(Fuoco): well
(Fuoco): one visited these beaches recently
(Masked figure): Oh?
(Fuoco): a matter of a few days ago
(Fuoco): just west of where we stand
(Masked figure): It is still at large?
(Fuoco): no
(Fuoco): my niece bolted it dead
(Fuoco): after my brother in arms
(Fuoco): fighter Crom
(Masked figure): Did it have a crystal?
(Fuoco): fought it on water
(Fuoco): no sir
(Masked figure): Curses.
(Masked figure): An egg?
(Fuoco): just rubies
(Fuoco): and no egg
(Masked figure): Well there might be another nearby.
It was agreed that Laricen and I would help the man in his mission (time only will tell if this was sheer madness and lack of foresight on my part) and I begged a few moments' leave to prepare myself. Upon my return, the stranger was addressing my rogue friend:
(Masked figure): What do you know of fighting these creatures?
(Laricen): Phase serpents?
(Masked figure): Yes.
(Laricen): They are weak to magic compared to their greener cousins.
(Masked figure): You are an observant man.
(Laricen): They are also amphibious, able to traverse both sea and land.
(Fuoco): aye
(Laricen): Though they bite hard.
(Masked figure): I don't intend to get bitten.
(Laricen): Nor do I.
(Masked figure): We can lure any phase serpents we find onto the beach.
It was agreed the safest place to bring them to was where we stood, the rocks shielding us from the sight of snakes and trees.
Laricen and I ventured into the water but had to fight Sea Serpents whilst travelling to the north. The Masked Man stayed behind, close to the shore. We got separated for a while whilst I was keeping at safe distance from one of the green monsters and dragged it in a southward direction, bolting away and knowing that my friend would soon be close to me... to my surprise, I found the man with a mask in the water, contending with a Phase Serpent! I joined the fight and soon the beast was defeated. I allowed the black mage to inspect its body.
(Masked figure): Excellent.
(Fuoco): you got one?
(Masked figure): *holds up small crystal*
(Masked figure): Indeed.
(Laricen): Oh
(Laricen): You found one
(Fuoco): he did
(Masked figure): Indeed.
(Fuoco): and got what he wanted
(Laricen): Good
(Fuoco): and now sir?
(Masked figure): There may be
No sooner had he uttered those words that another black beast appeared but, with the combined strengths of the two wizards and the skilled rogue, another black corpse swiftly joined the first - it was a female.
(Masked figure): An egg on that one?
(Laricen): And crystal.
(Laricen): You need eggs?
(Masked figure): A mated pair.
(Masked figure): No, just the crystal if you please.
(Fuoco): * is astonished *
(Masked figure): My thanks.
(Fuoco): I guess
(Fuoco): we may expect to hear from you
(Fuoco): one way or another
(Masked figure): Which way did you have in mind?
(Fuoco): well
(Fuoco): it depends on your plans
(Fuoco): and the usage you intend to make
(Fuoco): of those crystals
(Fuoco): * smiles nervously *
(Masked figure): It does indeed Lady Fuoco, it does indeed.
(Fuoco): I can only pray
(Fuoco): this does not turn against us
Taken from Laricen: Black Egg
(Masked figure): You can pray.
(Fuoco): (thank you Laricen)
(Masked figure): I shall study.
(Fuoco): well
(Fuoco): if you can
(Fuoco): and if your intentions are good
(Fuoco): I do hope you shall communicate
(Masked figure): My intentions are good. But good intentions are not enough.
(Fuoco): you know where to find me sir
(Masked figure): I shall bid you farewell.
(Fuoco): * bows *
(Fuoco): farewell
(Laricen): Good bye
(Laricen): Odd man
Laricen and I walked arm in arm to town, our heads filled with question marks. I should try and see the Senator soon on this subject, What is done is done! |
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Two men look out of the same window - one sees the stars, the other sees the mud.
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