Voyage of the Emerald Queen (All Aboard)

[Shanks]

Shanks lifted his head, allowing the strong sea breeze to awaken his senses as he stood perched in the prow of the large sea vessel The Emerald Queen. His keen eyes surveyed the seemingly endless expanse of ocean before him, scanning the horizon for hints of distant land.
As he wearily pulled his long, faded black seafarer's cloak further around his shoulders he contemplated the increasingly delicate situation aboard the ship.
The decent food had depleted a week ago, and the stale biscuits and water were now having to be rationed carefully as well. He had never worked with this crew before, and was certain that if they knew what kind of cargo they were transporting he would already be a deadman. He had the items locked safely in his cabin, but even so he could feel a good number of the crew watching him with contempt wherever he happened to be on the ship.
There will be mutiny before long, he concluded, weighing up the miserable life of transport vessel/ferry captain against the carefree life of a corsair for the umpteenth time.
A long plume of steam streamed from his mouth as he breathed a sigh into the chill morning air.
Just as he was surrendering to the growl of his stomach the call of a strong voice from above shattered the prevailing quiet. "Laaaaaaaaaand! Laaaaaaaand ho, lads!"
The ship sprang to life as crew and passengers alike flooded from the lower decks to see for themselves.
Shanks leapt back into the prow and squinted his eyes in the poor dawn light. Sure enough a smudge on the horizon marked their destination, a good day or so of hard sailing away.
But would they be able to reach the dock before everything fell apart at the seams?


[OOC notice:
This thread is a parallel continuity; if your character is killed there is no obligation to stop using him/her in other RPs on this forum.
Please keep posts reasonable and battles fair. No sexually explicit content.

Role suggestions: Crew, passenger, stow-away, hired protection. - Choice not limited to these options. Volunteers for first mate? :)]

[lok-tar-ogar]

i was a hired muscle by the captain just a ritual/watter mage with no melle skills what so ever. the captain came to my guild enlisting there help with such situations

i was sleeping off a hangover in the lower decks when i was roused from my sleep by the watch yelling LAND MATTYS LAND!

i rushed to the top deck to see with the other crew members and indeed there was land. you could barely see it with your bare eyes but we would be there by mid-day.

i was finally going to see some action or treasure OR BOTH i thought starting to chant beneath my breath only to gain power for anything that might happen next.

i sat chanting for quite a while about 20 mins before i was distracted by the master in arms in a brawl with a lowly servant that refused to do his work. poor guy i thought he is going to be clapped in irons in 5 minutes and whiped on the morrow at least by the count of 20.

[kehmesis]

As diplomatic leader of Shimmergloom, Kehmesis had led a party out to sea in order to meet with their newly acquired vassals. Pirates had been tipped off by ennemies that his ship was the host of very valuable cargo, namely gems and weapons. They were outrageously outnumbered, so they decided to flea with whatever they could hold on to. Unfortunately, they couldn't hold on on much other than their lives. Many perrished and others luckily ended up on a large island. The shore was inhabited and they set up a small camp inside a small cavern that used to be the home of unknown species.

Kehmesis left his Alfar camp at dusk to once again look for something to eat. Wild berries was not quite what Alfars considered a decent meal. As he approched the shore, secretly hoping to see a few dead fishs lying on the rocky beach, he noticed a ship comming directly towards him. It was probably a few hours away from the shore. "Could it be our lucky day?".

The problem, however, lied in the fact that they might arrive at dawn. That caused a huge problem as Alfars could not stand the warmth of the sun. As the ship approached, one thing was certain: "Sundrinkers, no doubt." They would have to hoped to have enough time to kill them before the sun rised or they'd have to wait for the next sunset, which could possibly be too late.

As the night progressed, Kehmesis' party was preparing for battle: "We'll have to kill them quick and steal the ship if we wanna get out of here." They didn't have much, but if they battled them during the night, even an outnumbered party would be at a disadvantage. Alfars are stronger in darkness. Sundrinkers are usually tired and cannot see much without holding torches.

"This is our chance. We can let the sundrinkers capture and kill us, and be the shame of our Nation. Or we can defeat the sundrinkers and take what is ours. Tonight, Agon is ours! Tomorrow, we go back home! PREPARE FOR BATTLE!"

And all screamed together: "FOR MELEK!"

[OOC] BRING IT ON HUMAN! Not only will everyone on your ship try to steal your treasure, but you'll have to face a party of Alfars when you land.

[Shanks]

[OOC: To anyone who wants to join but is a little confused, here's a summary:
* The Emerald Queen is a huge ship, it has been hired to transport goods and passengers overseas.
* The captain is Shanks, an ex-Corsair, who is now performing honest work for coin.
* The supplies are running low and the ship has to land on a nearby island, which is about a day away.
* The crew have not been let in on what kind of cargo they are transporting, but know that it is locked away somewhere in Shanks' cabin. Many of them are reaching their wit's end and may mutiny.
* The island the Emerald Queen is heading for has just been inhabited by a shipwrecked crew of Alfar, who have sighted the ship.
* You may play any role you believe would fit well, but the suggested are:
Stow-away, crew, passenger, hired protection, shipwrecked Alfar.]

[RavenLord]

Sir Elias Dumathon (Don

[Raybur Ravenloc]

I hate ships.. why am I on a ship.. what was I thinking.. Well, i did need the ride.. woulda been longer by land.. But, I HATE ships.. and I think the ride was overpriced..
This is the general trend of Ray's thoughts as he hangs from the rigging by his legs, waiting for the ship to hit some rocks and sink..
Then the shout goes up that land has been sighted. Ray figures if the ship isn't swallowed by some creature of the sea before then, then it should arrive just before dawn..
Maybe I'll get a bit of shut-eye now, if we spend much time restocking here, I shouldn't have to spend it on this floating death-trap..

Raybur drops from the rigging, landing lightly on his feet, then heads for the cramped cabin he shares with another passenger, hoping the oaf isn't snoring in there at the moment.

[Shanks]

Shanks begins calling orders out as he mans the wheel and angles the rudder carefully.
"Tack on all sail! The wind is with us!"
"Cooks return to your kitchens and bring everyone their rations, passengers first!"
"All passengers clear the deck and let the crew do its job!"

A piece of flotsam catches his eye, bobbing in the water twenty feet away.
Unbeknownst to him it was the last piece of evidence that the Alfar's ship had ever existed.
He writes it off as something from the land or his own ship and returns his full attention to navigating. He hadn't visited this island before, he would need to be wary of shallow reefs, but for now that wasn't an issue.

A disturbance soon catches his attention; two men in the rigging having a heated argument.
Some of the crew has stopped working to watch them, and although they are too high up to be heard, it is clear the encounter would end badly.
Shanks takes no more than one step forward with intent to break the two up when the burlier of the two pushes the other maliciously and the man plummets towards the deck.

[drunken-mate]

((ooc: i am a crew member with little fighting skills but a spell or two in watter and a bow (im a elf) also this is my first post plz tell me how i did ))

i was hoiseting a sail on top of the mast and i heard two men argueing over what they saw on the land we were approching. i myself was very on edge but it realived me to see land once more. as i finished my work on the sail the two men were arguing more loudy and i could tell that a fight was about to break out.

nothing prepared me for what i saw next. One man in the crows nest pushed the other off i was shocked thathe did so. i didnt know if the man was alive or dead but i could see a large ammount of blood on the deck. I myself ran down to the already gathering crowd of peaple to see if the poor man was ok or if he had even lived threw it.

the first mate ordered me to leave before i could even see but i heard the news in the sleeping quarters that night that the man might not make it to land the next day. this was a bad omen indead......

[kehmesis]

(ooc: This is hillarious. I mean if I was, let's say, lok-tar, and wanted to impersonalize someone else, I would definitively correct my grammar and lack of punctuation and capital letters.) :)

[Nehemia]

(ooc: Bored to read, is this rp still joinable?)

[Spades Felligan]

(I'm playing as an unlucky thief who is now forced to be a stow-away aboard the boat, I'll be doing a great deal of sneaking around and going to add some problems in when passengers find their personal possesions missing)


Spades cursed his bad luck, but then again....he usaully tried to avoid gambles. Struggling to get out of a crate in the pitch blackness of the cargohold he muttered curses of the teamster who promised to smuggle him into the Dockshire estate.

"What a taffing idiot, I specifically said the dockSHIRE estate, and he ships me off to a boat, and even worse if its cast off already."

He had been passing the time imagining the coins and riches in all of its glory running through his hands while cramped up in a box full of potatoes. He had realized something was wrong when he felt distinct rocking and the smell of salt.

Moping around the darkness, streching his joints after being fixed in such an odd posistion, he carefully tread around searching for a door out of this convulted hell.

[ShadowDemen]

OOC: I'll be a stow-away, but not a thief. Though you may find a dead body, but at least you'll have your money.

IC: ShadowDemen was sitting quitly by himself in the cargohold, listening to the ocean's waves. Normally, he was opposed to stowing-away on ships, but he needed to get to the destination on time, and seeing as how he was short on money...

Suddely he heard a rustle, and turning around to look at the crates and barrels, he saw one moving around. "Amateur." he thought to himself. Pulling out one of his dual swords, he moved towards the crate and opened the top...

[Spades Felligan]

(Do you realize I was already out of the crate? Sorry if it wasn't clear..hehe..or is that someone else?)


Spades had found the door, had his hand on the handle and was about to pull when suddenly he froze. He had heard a distinct sound of something behind him. Peeking behind him, his eyes had grown a bit familiar with the pitch blackness of the room, he saw it near the shaft of light coming from the grate from above deck...yes there was something there.

Silently he pressed himself up hugging the wooden wall next to the door, rendering him almost invisible.

An other stow-away? How many are there 'ere? Spades thought to himself

He hoped it wasen't a armed crewman, he was thief, and fighting was not his first resort.

[ShadowDemen]

ShadowDemen stopped moving and turned his head toward the door. "I wouldn't leave if I were you, seeing as how the guards are still there. Unless, of course, you want to get captured." Sheathing his sword, he went back to his sitting spot. "Oh, and by the way, don't try hiding from an assassin next time, it just makes you look foolish."

[Spades Felligan]

Spades remained in hiding burning in humilation till he heard the sword being put back to rest. With a sigh, he let himself appear again. He squinted again and then saw clearly his mysterious perpretrator. He was in the presence of an assassin, rarely, on some very painful "experinces" with them when some of his previous angry "customers" went after him.

Snorting, he pulled his black hood back by a bit to get a better view of his companion in stowaway crossed his hands together and sartasically replied as if he did not take a blow to his esteem.

"So, such a formidable person of your type is reduced to stow-awaying in ship crates? Tough times we live in, eh?"

[ShadowDemen]

ShadowDemen looked at the thief, then slowly got up and moved to a crate near him. Turning the crate on its side, he hit it with his fist right where the lid and the body were connected. As the lid fell, the equipment he had stored in there earlier fell out with a small clang.

Reaching towards the crates contents, he pulled out his black mask, which he put around his mouth so only the top half of his face was showing. Then, he pulled out a long black cloak with a hood, and put that on as well, making sure the hood covered most of remaining part of his body. Next, he pulled out twelve shurikens, which he hid in various spots on his body. Finally, he pulled out his hand-crafted longsword, made out of steel and jet. With a quick motion, he attached it behind his left sword.

After putting the crate in its original position, he turned once again to the thief. "Don't try to insult me, Spades Felligan, or else you might turn up dead. Oh, and shouldn't you be stealing something valuable in dockshire right now? It seems that mistake your friend made might have saved your life, seeing as how there are six of my friends waiting for you there right now." With that, he once again sat down in his spot.

[Spades Felligan]

Still standing there with his hands folded, and frowned after the his verbal oppenent had just full armed himself and stated there were 12 others with him in this very room. Feeling a little conscience about his own atire, sporting only a black hood, light leather sleeveless armor wiped with black polish and a similar tunic, pants and boots underneath.

He was taken off balance by how much this man knew of him, and thought it wise to make an exit.

"Aye, er..., 'ell, have fun sitting on crates for the rest of the trip my fine sir, I'll think I'll move to....more suitable quaters now."

With that he backtracked to the door, biting his tounge, he gingerly opened the door and silently entered into the corridor. Behind him he could hear one of Demen's companions smugly telling him to close the door. He left it slightly ajar, just as a small moral victory...he grinned to himself as he stole away down the ship's many corridors, dissapering like a dog on a scent for all things shiny.

But he was troubled on how the assassin knew so much of him, and now he was stuck on a boat with him.

[ShadowDemen]

OOC: I never said I had companions, except for the ones in the dockshire mansion. The only thing I said there were twelve of, was my shurikens, which are a form of throwing daggers/ninja star.

IC: "Hmph, don't theives have any manners?" he thought to himself as the thief left the door ajar. Reaching behind his right sword, he pulled out a shuriken and began to chant. A small, unholy flame spread around the tip of it. "Let's have some fun, shall we?" Leaning to the side, he threw the blazing shuriken towards the crack in the door, and it hit a wall in the other room, causing a small explosion of fire. It wouldn't last long and would do little damage to the ship, but it would alert the guards, who would most likely catch that arrogant little thief.

[RavenLord]

Elias is heading towards his quarters as ordered when he hears the racket from the cargo hold.
Nobody should be down there...
Stow-aways weren

[Nehemia]

Eryi Barrelgar, a lazy sailor, but he knows what he is doing. Waked up when someone came to poke him and say you could see land now...
Moments of later Eryi is on the deck, yawning. He jumps from happiness as he sees the land.
Maybe' some work for my cutlass! Finally I can practise throwing knifes again, the cap' didint like when a hole came into his hat, ehehehehh.
Some aproached him, since Eryi havent done almost anything on the whole trip. Again he chose to ran a while and dissappear from the man... He hided into a crate.
No way im doing work, no way!....

[kehmesis]

(OOC: ah, that's great guys! I love the relationship between that thief and the assassin, that was great)

Kehmesis looked at the approaching ship and fear was brought to his mind. That ship was further than anticipated and therefor much bigger. There must be a hell of a lot of people on that ship he tought. The plans would have to change: there was no way a battle against them would be won. Furthermore, the chances they arrived at night was now pretty slim, unless they either picked up enormous speed or ended up having trouble reaching the shore. Either way, a new plan had to be established... quickly.

Kehmesis asked his best scouts to make a sighting rotation to have a better idea as to when the ship would land. The sun would be a huge disadvantage for them as they weren't properly equiped to take watch during the day, under that damned flesh-burning sun.

The best strategists were summoned to establish a new plan: "I doubt we can fight them. I underestimated the size of that ship. We simply cannot fight them face to face, even at night. It's also still very unsure as to when they will land, which doesn't help us either. To complicate the matter even more, we won't be able to sail that ship by ourselves, we're not enough. It's time to use our superior intelligence. We'll need all the wisdom Melek can give us... Now, think brethens, think!"

[Spades Felligan]

Spades was now reconsidering his "moral victory" by leaving the door open, for the assassin had made his counter-attack.

"Maybe this isn't such a good idea." Spades reflected.

He knew that he could not afford to be seen, or use an act of force...there was no viable escape route. He heard noise coming from his right around the corner. He peeked around the corner and saw a figure with a torch coming towards him. He quickly pulled back and thought. He couldn't stay and hide against the wall due to the torch, looking in front of him he saw his answer.

Quickly and quietly moving by the dark wall, he moved towards front of him to a small alcove with a porthole. Lifting himself through the porthole, he found him outside of the ship on the side of the hull, the salty spray of the lapping waves greeted him. Gripping onto the rigging, he hitched himself and started to work towards the front of the ship. He paused again, hearing two angry voices above him.

[Spades Felligan]

(This is possible going to get a little confusing, so this my imagined map of roughly what happened so far, and of course, this only shows the passages and areas people have been in already, so make some new ones up if you wish.)

http://img305.imageshack.us/img305/8108/floorplan8mb.png

[RavenLord]

Elias steps into the narrow corridor, and walks forward cautiously. It seems to be empty, but he has a strange feeling...someone

[Nehemia]

Eryi jumped out of the crate..
mmmm.... I need' some food now.. Where was the kitchen again?
Eryi walks down the stairs... Since its so dark in there and he doesnt have a torch, he blindly walks near the walls..
He turns right from the corner of the corridor..
Light!.. Thats proll'y the kitchen.. mmm I wonder what kinds of fish they have there, hidden! I bet cap' just cheats us and keeps all the food to himself!....
He stepped to the door way and sees Elias...
A thief? Eryi wondered... I better hide...
He sneaks out of the doorway and peaks whats happening...

ooc: Yes my character is "stupid"

[RavenLord]

Elias hears footsteps approaching from the corridor...He stops, maybe two steps away from the door, but does nothig else to reveal that he had heard the sneaker...Elias decides to try his best to imprison the stow-away, rather then killing him.
[I]Terribly noisy if he

[Nehemia]

Geez... Dude you scared me!!
Eryi looks at Elias into the eyes, remembers the mans face...
I-I-w-w-as just looking for food! Yes food, cap' has hidden food somewhere!
Eryi's look turned into a curious one..
But, what are you doing here?....I bet you aren't looking for just food eh?
Eryi prepeares to draw his cutlass.....

[valerion]

OOC: Alfar stow away using a spell to disguise his true identity hiding in a corner on top of some crates.

Valerion was meditating in unusually dark corner on top of a crate when an explosion had made him lose his concentration. This had been a long trip, still hidden in his darkness spell; he looked over and saw someone closing the door. He could tell it was another assassin right away, possibly looking for someone on this very ship.

No matter just another stow away, opening his sack not giving away his "human disguise" he threw a rolled piece of dried beef to the corner where the human walked back too. As it landed on the crate i began to eat, it wasn't the best thing to eat but I had plenty of it. In a ship short on food this would be worth more then gold.

I finished eating and went back to meditating, a prayer to melek I whispered silently. And waited hoping for the ship to dock soon, so he could make his escape and attend to his business. There weren’t many alfar ships and the one he had been waiting for never arrived...

[RavenLord]

Elias notices the sailors hand moving closer to the handle of his weapon and can

[ShadowDemen]

ShadowDemen eyed the bread with curiosity. "Exactly how many stow-aways are there in this ship? Oh well, I guess that means security is pretty lax around here." As he reaches for the bread, he sees a man with a torch walk into the room. Holding his breathe and remaining motionless, he watches the suddenly attack someone behind him. "Well, that proves it, these guards are terrible. No wonder that thief made it past them." Drawing two shurikens, he fastens them to his boots and draws his swords. With a single motion, he leaps toward the ceiling near the corner and buries his swords into the ceiling, while the shurikens on his boots do the same. Letting out a small, almost evil laugh towards the guard, he moves effortlessly across the ceiling towards the opposite corner.

OOC: Just so you know, ShadowDemen is double jointed, which would allow him to do these things. Oh, and he never realizes when he's outmatched, which explains why he didn't stay hidden.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur perks his head up from his pillow..
Wait a moment, that explosion i heard earlier.. that was definitely familiar.. Oh Damn!
Raybur is on his feet in moments, thinking up a plan to rescue either his comrade below or equally likely any crewmen who happen to run into him..
Last thing I need is that hothead to burn a hole in this ship and send us all down...
Grabbing up and belting on his belt, and stowing away his knives, Raybur dashes out of the room.
Ok, if I were stowing away because I blew all my coin on drink, where would I hide? The cargo hold..
Ray rushes down belowdecks in time to see a crewman and a hired guard walk into the dark hold..
Oh boy..
Ray hurries down the hall, careful to make no noise in the process, hoping to catch observe the two, and possibly contact Shadow before either are spotted..

[RavenLord]

Elias wasn

[Nehemia]

So.. There is a thief inside here... Perhaps I'll get a bounty from him!
"You have to get past me too..."
Eryi stepped behind Elias.. Draws his cutlass and takes a throwing dagger ready for his left hand..
He spits his thumbnail, which he has been chewing for a while..
"Im getting' bored here... Show yourself you filthy thief!"
Eryi throws a dagger into the shadows hoping it would scare the thief or harm him... Then he draws another from his belt..
Even that missed, I still got seven left....

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray thinks furiously, staring at the backs of the two crew members..
Oh well, maybe I can just knock the big one down and hold him.. Shadow should know to take the stupid one..

Without drawing any weapons, Ray crept up behind the pair and dove at the larger's back, wrapping arms around his shoulders and kicking at his legs at the same time.

[Nehemia]

Eryi turns around...
So, the thief has a friend... Whole syndicate on a single ship.. Perfect.
Eryi keeps his cutlass in front of him, he attacks, but instead of swinging the sword he chooses to throw a dagger into Ray, aiming into his head...
Dodge that!

[valerion]

Valerion watched as the two human guards entered the room as the spider-like assassin crawled across the ceiling taunting them. Not very smart crewmen either what thief crawls across a ceiling, call an assassin a thief and you didn't live long. The crewmen then threw a knife into the wall as he entered what was the point of that?

Another human entered behind them and knocked one too the ground. Hmm another stow away? Don't matter really; whoever he was he just made it easier.

Expanding the darkness spell that kept him concealed to the entire room, didn't take much effort at all. A wave of darkness raced outward from the corner encompasing the entire room, it extinguished the torches in the room as it passed them.I pulled up my crossbow aimed and shot torward the doorway from around my crate.

[RavenLord]

Suddenly Elias feels a sharp pain in his knee bends and pressure on his back as someone jumps him from behind...His legs fail under him and he and his attacker come down rumbling.

At first he suspects the strange sailor...no one else should have been behind him anyway, but then he notices the sailors legs approaching from his back left...he couldn

[valerion]

ravenlord= elias
nehemia= eryi

spades

shadowdemen
valerion
raybur


Summary: An explosion caused by shadow, to get spades caught sends elias looking for them eryi already being down there looking for food is caught by elias who follows elias to investigate the explosion. raybur notices the sound as one of his friends and decides to go down and help him. Before elias and eryi get there someone else enters the cargo hold and is killed by shadowdemen. Shadowdemen jumps onto the ceiling like a spider and backs up to the corner. Elias and eyri enter the room and see shadow, Eyri throws a dagger into the far wall, and raybur tackles elias and knocks him to the ground. Eyri throws a knife at rayburs head, I make the room completely dark and fire a crossbow bolt that misses eyri and elias.

let me know if this is right

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: looks good except for
Before elias and eryi get there someone else enters the cargo hold and is killed by shadowdemen.
think you misread there, perhaps when shadow mentioned elias attacking eryi you mistook it for shadow killing someone?

Ray starts slightly as a dagger whips by his head, then the room goes dark.
"A friend of yours?"
A bolt whistling overhead answers for him.
"Guess not...what you say if we get rid of the mage first? We can have a fair duel later."
Ray answers the man beneath him. "I like that plan.. I'd like it even more if we could forget you ever saw spider-boy here, we take out the mage, and then we all go back to our rooms.."
With that, Ray leaps off the man's back and deeper into the room.
Landing makes a small scuffling noise, so Ray quickly and silently moves in another direction, hoping that by the time the one with the crossbow reloads, he will have lost his position..
He can't hold this darkness forever, and I'm sure someone is smart enough to go back outside and watch the hallway..

[RavenLord]

Some mistakes...IMHO of course :)

So:
The conversation between Spades and Shadow ends when Spades exits the cargo hold, leaving the door ajar (a small moral victory for Spades). Shadow sends the exploding shuriken into the corridor as revenge. Elias hears the sound and goes to check it out. As Elias goes below deck Spades escapes through the window/thingy (a hole in the hull anyways :p) and makes his way towards the front of the ship. Elias continues forward, not knowing anything of Spades...notices the shuriken and opens the cargo hold door, stepping in. Eryi steps below deck after Elias...Sees Elias, suspect that Elias is a thief. Shadowdemen reveals himself and crawls on the ceiling...Elias and Eryi prepare to cacth him. Raybur, who had decended after Eryi tackles Elias. Valerion fills the room with darkness and shoots his crossbow, missing.

To sum it up: Spades is somewhere outside climbing the hull of the ship. Valerion is in the back corner of the cargo hold behind some crates. Shadowdemen is crawling (on the ceiling) towards the other corner. Elias is maybe a step away from the doorway inside the cargohold, Raybur is on his back and Eryi is standing to their back left. There

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: one correction to that one.. there is no alfar pirate ship, just some alfar pirates stranded on the island we are heading to and planning on stopping for supplies at.. their ship sunk nearby, and they are hoping to commandeer ours when we get close enough..

[valerion]

ooc: hrm i thought the attack where elias attacked eyri happened before they got into the room.

[RavenLord]

back to the RP now:

Elias stays down as Raybur gets off him.
"I don

[ShadowDemen]

OOC: Wow, I turn my back, and you guys start posting like crazy. Makes my job harder now...

IC: ShadowDemen dropped to the floor as the dagger hit the ceiling. Sheathing his swords, he brings up the shurikens fastened to his boots when he sees someone he did not expect. "Raybur?! Oh great, there goes my fun." he says to himself as his clanmate tackles one of the men. Before ShadowDemen can react, a sudden burst of darkness flows across the entire room. ShadowDemen's jaw hangs open, as he did not think that any necromancers powerful enough to do that would be present on this ship. Then he remembers the stranger that had thrown the bread at him. "And here I was hoping to be the only necromancer on this ship." As he is thinking this, he sees a light coming from one of the guards. "And theres my cue to get out of here." Before the light becomes strong enough to light the entire room, ShadowDemen slips past the guards and waits behind the door for the out come between the guards, Raybur, and the necromancer. "Hopefully Raybur won't think I ditch him."

[kehmesis]

(OOC: Great stuff guys, keep it up. I'm on the edge of my seat to see what the hell's going to happen on that ship))

One of the scouts reported to Kehmesis that the ship heading towards the shore was the Emerald Queen. Melek's blessed us., Kehm thought. He definitively wants us to get back. "This is great news, Alfars, we got a good chance to pull this out".

Of course, most Alfars didn't quite know what the Emerald Queen was. But Clan leaders in Agon sure did.

The Emerald Queen had a great reputation as a cargo transport. The principle was simple: We transport your cargo, you pay us... No questions asked.

However, many stow-aways were often found on this ship for several reasons: First, the captain was a great sailor, perhaps one of the best of Agon. Secondly, the huge ship would always take many passengers and lots of cargo. It's what we'd call "money-runs". It was definitively a boring business, but a very efficient gold making machine. And lastly, and more importantly, it had a definitive lack of onboard security. Therefor, stow-aways could easily hide themselves in this huge ship that lacked decent security measures, had great chances of reaching its destination unharmed, that was full of passengers and crew members and that had valuable cargo to be "found". It was a stow-away heaven.

This meant only one thing to the newly shipwrecked Alfars: They would not have to fight a war-hungry, soldier-filled ship, but rather a merchant shipped filled with clueless passengers and slow-aways. There could definitively be a way to get some if not most of them on the Alfar side of the battle. If only they could be bought... Somehow. Since stow-aways usually prefer luxuries over honor, there is certainly a chance they would be willing to help the Alfars for a good reward. And Melek knows Shimmergloom definitively had something to offer.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray looked around in the suddenly brightening room.
A priest, thats useful..
Looking around Ray notices that Shadow has vanished.
Good, that simplifies things.. he better stay vanished for a while.. maybe I can strike a deal with the captain..
Ray looks around the room as he draws his bow. Nocking an arrow, Ray retreats toward the door scanning the room for movement, prepared to feather anything that moves unexpectedly.

[ShadowDemen]

Seeing his moment as Raybur nears the door, ShadowDemen says in a low voice so only Raybur could hear, "After this is over, look for me near the crows nest. Oh, and try not to hurt yourself." With that, he insheathes his swords and jumps out the porthole and impales his swords onto the ship's side, anchoring him in place. As he looks around to make sure no one spotted him, he spots the thief still hanging on to the boats side. "You know, we should really stop meeting like this. Also, don't let go, as the waters aren't exactly what you'd call "safe"." He then proceeds to climb upwards, toward the railing of the ship.

[valerion]

Not waiting for the light to give his identity away, valerion quickly glides threw the shadows and into the hall way leaving just a shadow of his former self in the room, looking for a way out he finds a porthole and climbs onto the hull of the boat. Looking up he sees someone else hanging onto the boat slightly higher then him looking upward. And the assassin from before, climbing over the rail. valerion made his way to the front of the boat and grabbed onto a lanyard.

Looking to the north he could see the island and a faint distinct glow of a light orb only an alfar could see. What were alfar doing on this island? Well he would ask them when we arrived there to re-supply, Opening his pouch he pulled out his own yellow light orb, and stuck it to the front of the ship below the bow to signal the alfar on the island.

A few more hours and it would be dark then he could slip unnoticed back into the ship. He would just wait here for now until they tired of looking for him. They should arrive on the island soon and he could join the other alfar, for melek he whispered, pulling up his hood hanging onto a lanyard hanging off the ship in the front. Shouldn't be long after dark at this rate, we will make it to the island soon.

[kehmesis]

"Alfar presence on the ship!"

It was indeed a blessing. The plan to takeover the ship kept getting better as more informations were found about the comming ship. But there was still something very odd about the present situation. Why was a huge merchant ship such as the Emerald Queen comming here? As long as the Alfars could tell, there was noone on this island... or was there? They hadn't actually seen the other side of the island. Perhaps they were on a small continent.

Many questions came to Kehmesis' mind. Why would the Captain bring all these people here? What kind of cargo could he be transporting to such an inhabited place? Could there be a 3rd party involved? No matter, this was getting very interesting, and the alfar presence on the ship would certainly bring more information about the trip.

On the other side, perhaps they just needed to land somewhere to stock up in goods. But something told Kehmesis that there was a greater purpose to this welcomed visit. He couldn't help but thinking only about one thing.... "JackPot!"

[RavenLord]

Elias finishes his prayer and opens his eyes for the first time in awhile. The room is filled with light now...but all the stow-aways seemed to have vanished.
"What the...In the name of gods! Can

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"What the...In the name of gods! Can

[ShadowDemen]

As ShadowDemen peeks his head above the railing, he sees the guard trying to scramble everyone to look for the stow-aways, and hears him call ShadowDemen a 'thief'. Before he gets too upset over the insult, ShadowDemen then spots Raybur, yawning. "What does he think he's doing?! Here I am, cold and tired of lugging myself up the side of a ship, and he's stretching!" Letting his right sword rest in the side of the ship, he pulls out a shuriken and slides it across the floor to Raybur's foot, careful to not attract the attention of the guards. "The least he could do is to actually be at the spot I told him to be."

[Sirtalon]

I sense it. Its power radiates through the hull. At last I have found it. The Key.

Isyth, simply known as the Deviant One by the Inner Circle of Mages, had remained in sea serpent form for years, scouring the sunken ruins of the Great Sea for the Key. It was his obsession, after he finally translated the Scrolls of the Goddess. Never had he thought that it would be found on a ship.

A ship full of illicit and questionable cargo.

How fortunate I am to have been in these waters when this ship came. It is an act of Tshar'Sadyn. For only his power could have drawn me here.

Isyth swam faster towards the boat, the sun penetrating the surface giving the water an unnatural, almost eerie shimmer. The hull resembled a surfaced whale from the bottom, and he was the racing for a meal. As he got closer to the ship, he shapeshifted into a Human -- Isyth shed away his 'true' shell long ago. Swimming the last few meters, he quickly cast a spell of ethereality and penetrated the hull, only to emerge in darkness.

Where is this place?

Then he sensed the magic. Black magic.

Another magic user? Interesting.

Illum.

He took everything at a glance. Humans. Alfar. An assassin. A holy mage chanting.

Ah, this must be The Emerald Queen. Luckily the magic users haven't sensed the presence of the Key yet. Or I might have found this ship ablaze... or worse. Good, the alfar hasn't seen me yet. The illusion magic I had weaved into my robes is still holding.

Perhaps I shall go examine the rest of this vessel.

With a single word, Isyth merged with the wooden hull and left the room.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray felt something brush his boot. Looking down, he saw the shuriken.
Shit.. looks like he isn't happy with hanging around till we arrive, alright..
Ray looks over to where Shadow is peeping over the railing. He gives a pacifying gesture and walks in Shank's direction.

"Heya Captain! I have a friend, he blew all his money on ale at the last port and hitched a ride, any way we could pladge service for the rest of the ride in exchange for his passage?"

[RavenLord]

Elias overhears what Raybur is shouting to the captain.
[I]Why didn

[Shanks]

Shanks has a group of his already thinly stretched crew take the broken form of the pushed sailor below decks.
Gritting his teeth angrily he launches himself into the sail rigging and catches hold of the larger sailor's boot, heaving him bodily out of his perch and slamming him onto the boards below.
Jumping back down he lands with both boots planted squarely on the offender's chest and squats down, shoving his face menacingly into the other's.
"When we get t' shore... there'll be words atwixt us... but for now you get back up in that God damn rigging and do your job."
Shanks gets off the man and he stalks away, muttering darkly under his breath just as Raybur approaches.

"Heya Captain! I have a friend, he blew all his money on ale at the last port and hitched a ride, any way we could pledge service for the rest of the ride in exchange for his passage?"

Shanks turns his head in a hundred directions, everything needed his attention at once. He sighs, ordinarily he would interview the stow-away personally and strike a hard bargain, but there was far too much to do.
"I hear they're hunting more stow-aways below. Take your friend and join the hunting party... We'll work something more permanent out when we make landfall."

Shanks turns and begins to walk back towards the prow then, with an afterthought, adds "you should also take a peek over the railings, more than one has mistaken hisself for safe while hangin' on t'the outside."

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray grins at Shanks as he walks away.
My kind of guy..
Ray walks back toward the railing Shadow has been hiding behind, making sure to scoop up the shuriken along the way.

Looking over the rail, Raybur drops the shuriken, "Heads up!"

Ray grins down at his companion, before shouting down, "Ok, come on up, now we've got to help turn out any of your fellow stowaways.. You owe me by the way, I could be sleeping right now..

[ShadowDemen]

ShadowDemen catches the shuriken and places it back in its spot, and heaves himself up the railing. Once there he turns toward Raybur and constrains himself from hitting him. "You DO realize that what I wanted you to do was to cause a distraction, right? That way I could hide near the crow's nest, but no-YOU had to make me WORK to stay on the ship! Also, how am I supposed to look for the stow-aways when they're right down there!" He points down the side of the ship towards the thief. "Oh, and before I forget, I DID NOT spend all my money on ale! You drink ale, I don't. The money was spent on my new silk cloak, NOT ale!"

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"Oh, I suppose I should've started a brawl with that oversized guard and got myself tossed in some dark hold in here while you went up to take a nap? I think not..
Ungrateful! I ought to have gone back to bed...
Silk cloak... bah."

Ray looks over the side at the thief who was now glaring up at the two of them.

"Alright, come on up here, I'd rather not have to waste an arrow.. I'm sure the captain will have a nice cozy place for you to stay until we get back to town."

[ShadowDemen]

ShadowDemen stood there, clenching and unclenching his hand. Leaving Raybur to deal with the stow-aways, he turns toward the 'oversized guard' Elias. "You know, perhaps you should call off the search, seeing as how the stow-aways have been found. I'd like to get to the destination by tomorrow, if you'd be so kind." With that, he sits down by a nearby wall and removes his mask, putting it where one of his shurikens used to be. "Oh, and while your at it, could you bring me some food?"

OOC:Yes, my character still doesn't take anyone as an actual threat.

[RavenLord]

"Swing your tongue once more, dog, so I can slice it off!"
Elias places his hand on the handle of his axe. He really didn

[ShadowDemen]

ShadowDemen looks at the guard for a moment, then breaks out into a laugh. "Are you blind, or are you just stupid? That mage is on the side of the ship as well! I heard him climb onto the side shortly after I did! And if you think I'm going to fight a mage user while hanging on the side of the ship, then you are stupid! There, I told you where the stow-aways are, so unless you bring me food, this conversation is over."

[RavenLord]

"I

[ShadowDemen]

"Well, my 'duty' is done." ShadowDemen says to himself. He then gets up and looks at the wall, and takes out the rest of his shurikrens and places them across it. He then takes out his dual swords and places them at either end. Finally, he takes his longsword and places it in the middle. Hanging his cloak on the sword on the left, he then lies down on his 'bed' and falls asleep.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray watches Shadow make an exchange with the guard and go lay down on one of his strange 'bed's.
Meh, whatever.. he's got a point, the guards can handle a couple people clinging to the ship, if nothing else they can poke em off with sticks..

Ray returns to his cabin to get as much sleep as possible before Shadow or someone else starts more trouble..

[Sirtalon]

Isyth was eavesdropping on a group of crewmen.

Typical superstitious prattle. Ha! They think everything is cursed.

And then he walked right into another sailor. He could feel the tendrils of magic that wrapped him weaken and slowly unbind. The illusion held. Barely. Isyth quickly stepped aside.

Not a sailor. No uniform, probably a soldier.

He heard the sailors, "What 'appened Ray, you lookin' disorented 'n stuff. Looks like you thumped your 'ead or sumptin'.

"Are you daft? I walked right into one of you morons".

The sailors looked around confused.

"Nobody ain't hit nuttin' here".

Ray just shook his head and walked away, but still looked a bit shaken.
Deciding to get a better view of the ship and possibly its destination, Isyth made the slow climb to the crows nest, after he made the grim discovery that he didn't have the necessary reagents to cast a levitation spell.

It was there Isyth saw the island. It was exactly as described in the scroll, three mountains forming the jagged crown of Yrrok. And it was less then a day away.

Indeed Tshar'Sadyn had a hand to play in this. No other way which I would have found the Key and the Altar within a day of eachother. Although it is a most unfortunate development indeed. I need more time to find and 'acquire' the Key.

So it was when Isyth was about to sink the ship to the bottom of the ocean and start from there, when had an idea. A brilliant idea in fact.

A boat full of superstitious imbeciles, and a master illusionist. They will all be puppets to my strings.

And so, within minutes, a hellish fog smothered the horizon. The sea, sun and sky disappearing under an inpenetrable white miasma, the Emerald Queen becoming a feeble island of wood drifting upon a sea of despair. And the magical winds blowing ship and compass needle alike in circles.

This will be entertaining.

[valerion]

[I]"Interesting" valerion thought as a heavy fog appeared out of nowhere and blanketed the ship. I

[RavenLord]

After awhile Elias saw how pointless his search was...he could hardly find his own hand in this fog!...there was someting strange about the fog aswell. It wasn

[ShadowDemen]

A sudden cold wave came over ShadowDemen as he slept. Opening his eyes, he saw the fog and, with a little effort, the sails, which had gone slack. "Huh, that's strange. Fog doesn't usually appear in these waters." Getting up, he put on his cloak and returned his weapons to their place and put on his mask. "This is exactly the oppurtunity I've been waiting for." ShadowDemen then proceeded towards the cargo hold, intent on retrieveing the rest of his equipment, when he saw a guard eerily looking forward in one direction without blinking. Looking even closer, he saw that the man's neck was broken. "What in the name of...? This can't be very good." With a quick motion he stabs the guard in the forehead and proceeds into the cargo hold...

[Sirtalon]

In an unused cell on a deck devoid of the usual drunken brawls and hearty laughter, Isyth began the next set of rituals. One of the darker incantations he had learned when he 'browsed' through several demonic texts. To begin, Isyth placed a fist-sized spherical black stone in the middle of a ritual circle, embellished with many letters of the demonic language. Under its the stone's surface, subtle purple and red swirled in a neverending storm of colour. The stone slowly levitated to about his shoulder's level, as soon as it stopped rising, Isyth began the careful process of weaving demonic verses into a common incantation.

Omnus Somnium Arcori!
Somnus Yriri Formidilosus!

Hakanth Yruda Uksari Ixapth
Malpys Xruda

Then, as the tendrils of shadow magic reached out into ship and its crew, the nightmare began. He was very careful not to touch the Alfar aboard this ship, for those who are already twisted by shadow will see through its trickery.

Omnium Ingressil Malpys Xriri Somnus!
Kraxx!

The curse is complete. It shall plunge the entire ship into chaos.

And that it did. As soon as he finished Kraxx, the slow creeping of the shadowy tendrils exploded into a devouring darkness, engulfing the rest of the ship in its dark magic, Human and Alfar alike felt the effects of its merciless advance. With seconds, every sentient being (except Alfar, who should just become mildly drowsy) fell into a catatonic state, tormented by visions and nightmares even demons have come to dread. Then Isyth slowly seeped into the nightmares of his victims, taking the form of a small human child.

You have something that's mine. A cursed object. It's the shape of a fist-sized metal ball decorated with golden lines. I want it, and if you find it, throw it into the ocean so I can finally be in peace. If you don't, you will suffer this nightmare for eternity, and that is worse then death.

Then the nightmare ended, but the curse was still not done. Over the next few hours, bloody footprints began appearing all over the ship, and children's laughter came from around corners and in empty rooms. Isyth even managed to summon a few ghost ships that came within meters of the Emerald Queen.

Isyth smiled as he sensed that havoc happening only a few decks above.



-------------------------
OOC: The 'curse' is just an elaborate illusion spell. A dark one at that. Isyth weaved it so Alfar aren't affected by the hallucinations.

[valerion]

Valerion was still meditating when suddenly the guard he had placed in the hall was stabbed in the head and knocked to the ground, Loading my crossbow and aiming it at the door; the assassin opened it and froze in the doorway staring blankly ahead.

Lowering my crossbow, noticing it was the human from earlier"Assassin?" I walked toward him, noticing that he was sweating and had a desperate look on his face and his eyes had completely turned black. "That other magic user that created the fog?". A dark spell I can get rid of this and add it to my own power, of course I will tell the assassin I cured him of it, in exchange to leave me alone until we get to land at least.

Taking the assassins weapons and placing him on the floor, he knew he didn't want a surprised assassin waking up and slicing his arm off. Valerion raised his hand in front of the assassins eyes and the darkness flowed from his eyes into Valerion’s hand in a surge of power. A very strong spell it seemed, the assassin blinked and his eyes were black no longer. "So much power" I thought to myself. Breathing heavy I said quickly as he was coming out of the trance.


"I removed the spell from you, what is going on?" I said in my best human accent as I hid behind my human disguise.

[RavenLord]

Sir Elias Dumathon, a paladin, was standing on the deck, near the back of the ship, totally carried away by his prayer. He tried to get information on the strange magic around the ship...all he got were more questions. The source of it definitely wasn

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray was shivering in the snow.. watching steam rise from the few patches of wood still smoldering from the destruction of his home. Then something strange happened. A small human child approached through the snow.
This has never happened before.
Then a voice rang in his head, a high, wavering childs voice.

You have something that's mine.
The hell is happening, who is this..
Then an object appears floating between himself and the child. It's the shape of a fist-sized metal ball decorated with golden lines, and somehow Ray knows that it is cursed, unholy.
I want it, and if you find it, throw it into the ocean so I can finally be in peace.
Enough of this, someone is toying with my mind. No One Toys With Me!
If you don't, you will suffer this night...
GETOUTTAMYMIND!!!!
Ray jerks upright in his bunk, slamming his head on the ceiling. He is drenched in sweat and shivering.
"Damn.. someone is going to pay for that."

Ray crawls out of his bunk and gathers his gear. The other sailors are still asleep, tossing and shivering. Smacking them around produces no effect, and Raybur soon gives it up. Instead, Ray heads topside. Stepping out onto the rear deck, Ray is enclosed in a sickening fog.
The hell.. damn.. I knew this ship was a bad idea..
Ray shouts into the fog, "Come out here!! I don't play these games! Fight me! Reveal yourself! Grow a spine!!!"
Ray kisses his good luck charm as he listens to the echo of his shouts.

[ShadowDemen]

As soon as ShadowDemen enters the cargo hold, he blacks out. When he wakes up, he sees a new face staring at him.
"I removed the spell from you, what is going on?" The strange human said.
"The heck if I know. Now, if you exuse me..." ShadowDemen gets up and quickly re-equips his weapons before the 'human' had a chance to stop him, and then head toward a crate labeled 'SD'. "Its amazing no one thought of checking this crate." Raising the lid and putting it to the side, he begins to pull out several scrolls and stuffs them behind his chest plate. He then spots a small vial, and drinks it immediatly. Pulling out another one, he throws it to the 'human' saying, "Its a potion to increase necro spells effectiveness. Oh, and don't even try to lie about your identity. I already know you have to be the stow-away everyone is looking for." Before ShadowDemen can continue further, he hears a familiar voice scream out, "Come out here!! I don't play these games! Fight me! Reveal yourself! Grow a spine!!!"
"Raybur?!?" Frantically ShadowDemen jumps on a nearby crate and looks up at the ceiling. "I hope this is the right spot..." And with that, ShadowDemen uses his unholy fire spell to burst the ceiling open. As the fog outside starts to come inwards, ShadowDemen leaps onto the deck, intent on helping out his clanmate, if possible.

[Sirtalon]

OOC: Mmm my bad. But it could be interpreted as 'over the course of a few hours', crewmen began hearing strange laughter and seeing bloody footprints. The effects of the illusion manifested itself immediately, but it's some time later before people began noticing.


-----------------------------------------------

The demonic orb suddenly flared bright green and a brilliant yellow wave slammed Isyth into the wall. A wave of terror overcame him, paralyzing him. But he quickly realized he had fell to his own illusion and whispered a counterspell.

Holy mage!

The sphere shook and small cracks appeared along its polished surface. Isyth cursed.

The stone must not be broken!

Ixpath Lithos Retranus Malphys

Resinnus!

A red substance melted across the sphere and hardened, forming a perfectly even clear film. The sphere stabilised, but there were now cracks running across its perfect form.

Isyth tried to seek out this whelp and destroy him, but a strange barrier stopped him.

A divine barrier.

This holy mage is a competent one. And so is his god. But even gods fear those that have been destined to Ascend. Isyth whispered a verse from the Third Scroll.

United were the Opposites
The Darkness and the Light
Opened the Vault of Yrrok
But when God King lay slain
The Lock broken it became
Good and Evil unbound
But embrace they will
And the champion of the Vault
God King he will inherit
Fate wills it

[RavenLord]

OOC: since you didn

[valerion]

[I]Stepping back as the assassin blasted a whole up too the deck of the ship and jumped threw. Valerion studied the potion, it was very similar to the a potion he used once before this one was much more potent though. It made dark spells work just as effectively in the day as they would be in the night, but in darkness the power was even increased further. Valerion drank the potion quickly and sat down in meditation, he should be able to find the source of the object he sensed earlier now.

In the captain

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray jumped and drew his gladius as the deck behind him burst up in a sudden fireball. He was moments away from giving Shadow a new breathing hole when he recognised the assasin.
"Watch it, bad enough we've got this going on, last thing we need is for the whole place to sink and burn."
Simultaneously, another voice chips in, "We are supposed get to land on this ship! If you make one more hole to it, I

[Chungo]

Kshhs’nik felt a lump form in his throat as he watched the dwarven female performing the bridal dance in front of him. The female wore a small dark jade veil draped over her face, a light sapphire colored silk gown from shoulders to feet, spun quickly left, stopped, lifted up her left foot, place it back on the ground, made a slight kick with her right foot, reversed spinned right and she was once again back in front of him. A small part of his mind struggled against this vision. Married? Me? The dwarf continues her dance this time starting off with a spin to the right. As his mind continued to try to grasp with the concept of getting married another part wondered about the face behind the veil. In answer to his question, his bride had finally stopped with her back to him. Her hands moved up, lifted the veil, and completed the ceremony spun to face him. She spun and suddenly he recognized her, in horror he screamed.

As his mind struggled, his body, located in a bed in a small cabin, twisted, turned and finally tumbled off the bed falling hard to the floor. Ksshs’nik stirred, the fall awaking him from his nightmare.

“Thank Ymir for hard floors. That was an awful dream.”
“Need a drink” Nik, or Shnik, as his non-dwarven friends referred to him, muttered to himself in a dry hoarse voice, as he rose from the floor with the help of a small table.. Nik’s body involuntarily shudders as his mind stealthily began to focus on female dwarf and the wedding ceremony.
Nik grab his decorative mug sitting on the table and banged it against his head and growled “Don’t go back there head or I bash you again.”

Nik rested his mug on the table next to a small reddish wooden barrel. Placing his left hand on the barrel he used his right hand to pull free a cylinder cork from the top. Dropping the cork on the table Nik lifted the barrel with two hands and poured brownish-gold liquid into his mug.

Unlike the tradition in Dvergheim, Nik hair and beard were cut short, and a single braid of hair hung from each side of his head down to his chest. Three thin scars, perpendicular to each other, stood out, as they ran from the lower part of the left side his nose, cutting through his sideburns and angling down past his left ear. Other attributes clearly set Nik apart from Dvergheim dwarves; saddlebrown colored skin, Stone gray hair and piercing Dark Malachite eyes.

In form of a small chant, Nik prayed to his god, the son of Ymir, Thouryn, to remove the terror of his wedding dream.
“I lift me mug of ale to thee”
“As I preserve the remaining ale with a cork”
“I pray that you wait and see”
“That I don’t run into a bow-legged female Ork.”

Nik raised the mug to his mouth and began to gulp the holy drink. The ale flowed down his throat and the magic gripping his mind vanished.

Nik, now, noticed the fog that flowed into his room, from under the door, rising in a stream to the ceiling. Nik sniffed and could the smell the magic that fluttered in the air. Nik tipped back the mug and finished off the ale, place the mug on the table, move to his cedar chest, lifted the lid and reached for breastplated armor. Two minutes later after tightly securing his armor in place he reached down and grabbed two dwarven waraxes and placed them on straps on his belt. Next he grabbed a large shield, secured it over his left shoulder onto his back. He than grabbed a quiver of arrows and a small composite dwarven shortbow and positioned them over his right shoulder.

Nik patted his belt pouches as he mentally checked off his inventory within each pouch; various potions, alchemical items, firetwigs, a few stones, a few flasks and other items. Finally, he grabbed a few throwing spikes lying at the bottom of the chest and place them in strategically on his body.

Nik glanced down at his empty mug and sighed, reached down picked up the cork plugged it back into the barrel, walked towards the door and open it.

[ShadowDemen]

As ShadowDemen leaps on the deck, he hears both the guard and Raybur shout at him in almost unison. Then the guard, still looking hateful towards ShadowDemen, said, "I know where he is...down there in one of the unused cabins"
Immediatly Raybur turned toward the entrance to the below-deck quaters, with ShadowDemen following. At that moment a thought came into his mind, and he abruptly turned the other way saying, "I'm going to check the captain of this ship, since I'm starting to think he may be hiding something on this ship. That, and he's probably still in a comatose state." Running towards the Captain's room, he again used his unholy fire spell to break down the door. Before entering, he turns toward the guard again, saying "Oh, and breaking down doors doesn't count as putting holes in a ship, does it?" With a smile he entered the captain's quarters...

[Shanks]

Shanks lies draped over the side of the bowsprit. Cold sweat runs down his face as the fevered dream grips him.
Slowly he awakens, with the aid of the splashing salt water and the noise of explosions.
Failing to stand up he sits down hard on the deck, wiping a hand over his drenched face.

The dream had entailed one of the items he was delivering, it had seemed when he recieved it to be nothing more than a trinket, placed with the jewels in the small chest.
Pulling himself upright he stumbles to his cabin to check that it hasn't yet been discovered, finding ShadowDemen standing amongst the splintered and charred wreckage of his door.

He spins the assassin around to face him angrily.
"What in blazes do you think you're doing? Are you the one causing trouble around here?"

His hand rests on the hilt of the thin rapier thrust through his waist sash, but he makes no move to draw it until the offender has had a chance to speak.

[ShadowDemen]

"What in blazes do you think you're doing? Are you the one causing trouble around here?"
ShadowDemen stares at the captain, a look of surprise in his eyes. " N-no, it wasn't me. The culprit is below deck in an unused room. I just came here to talk to you about something: What in the HELL did you do to bring so much bad luck on this ship?! Oh, and could you please let go of my arm?"

[Shanks]

Shanks releases his grip and turns to catch up with Raybur and Elias, drawing his rapier as he does so.

As he quickly strides away he offers ShadowDemen a reply over his shoulder.

"Bad luck is a matter of perspective.
If we end up sinking it will be a pretty damn big stroke of good luck for the carnivorous creatures in the water."

Shanks reaches Elias and Raybur and opens his mouth to speak to them when eerie childish laughter echoes around them.
The patter of tiny footsteps sounds close by in the fog and the entire ship's structure creaks ominously before settling down.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray hear's the captain's comment about luck behind him, and begins to chuckle when the child's laughter begins.
Some kind of illusion.. this guy is tough. Screw it all, as long as he bleeds..
Ray continues to chuckle, but the sound turns sour.

[Chungo]

Kshhs'nik steps out into the narrow passageway, stops tilts his head slightly left, a posture his friends would recognize, and gets his bearings. Kshhs'nik turns, takes a few steps to a flight of stairs that leads up to the captains room and eventually to the deck. Ksshs'nik takes a few steps up the stairs and stops as he hears voices.

"What in blazes..... doing? ... you.. causing trouble around ..." Ksshs'nik recognizes the voice as the captains.

".... me. ... below deck...room... talk to you... HELL... bad luck. ship... you... of my arm."

Ksshs'nik couldnt make out the second voice. A few more steps and he is at the top of the stairs and as he rounds the corner he hears the captain.

"Bad luck is a matter of perspective.
If we end up sinking it will be a pretty damn big stroke of good luck for the carnivorous creatures in the water."

Ksshs'nik, rounds the corner, sees the captain walking, in a relaxed but quick manner, away from a dainty wisp of a man standing next to his damaged cabin towards two figures.

Ksshs'nik starts walking towards the captain, clears his throat and in a calm voice says one word "Captain".

As he continues toward the captain he approaches the Dandy, dressed all in black, who turned in Ksshs'niks direction at the sound of his voice. Ksshs'nik curiously wonders why the veil, winces as a flashback of his image of his 'Dwarven bride' in her veil pops in his head. Ksshs'nik makes slight eye contact with the popinjay, at which point, he slightly smiles and provides a quick wink and than focuses his eyes back on the Captain.

Ksshs'nik, ignoring the childish laughter but marvels at the ironic timing, communicates to the captain, "It appears things are in a disarray, and I offer my services if they are needed."

[Sirtalon]

The Key is still on this ship! What the hell are those dolts doing? Perhaps these people just need 'encouragement'.

Isyth reached out with his mind and took control over a portion of the illusion spell, the part that creates the children's voices.

A child's voice resonated throughout the ship, but instead of that carefree laughter, each word was laced with hatred.

Return my orb, or your souls shall be damned to eternal torment. The fog is just the beginning... You shall know no peace until the orb rests with me at the bottom of the sea...

[RavenLord]

"Illusions...just dark illusions. Pay no attention to them."
Elias is concentrated on one thing only. The door at the end of the corridor... and the shadowy creature behind it. He payed no attention to the illusion around them...he didn

[Shanks]

Shanks claps Nik on the shoulder and indicates ShadowDemen and the gaping portal into his cabin. althouth the fog obscures all but vague shapes.
"You're just in time. I can't be everywhere at once.
I'd like you to stand at my cabin; keep an eye on that upstart and make sure nobody enters.
You will, of course, be compensated for the extra trouble."

Realising that Elias has stormed on without them Shanks finds himself breaking into a trot to catch up with Dumathon.

He rounds the corridor in time to see another door reduced to tinder.

["STOP!... blowin' 'oles in my ship!" Sorry, couldn't resist :p]

[valerion]

Good, everyone left to find that mage, just the dwarf left standing on the deck near the cabin. Becoming shadowlike he jumped onto the deck and slipped past the dwarf into the captain's cabin. Heading to the back part of the cabin under the captain's bed he pulled up the floorboard and opened carefully opened the chest with a spell, before checking it for traps. He picked up the object and sensed its power, but it wasn't complete it was a part of something a greater, No matter i will find out what its purpose is eventually.

The captain didn't even know what he had; no matter he will never know. Valerion poured a shadowy liquid on the object and outstretched both his hands holding the object in his left, an exact copy of it appeared in his right hand he placed it carefully the same way it laid in the chest and replaced the chest exactly how he had found it. Valerion put it in his pouch and cloaked himself in shadow and disappeared down the hole into the cargo room.

Suddenly the ship felt like it stopped suddenly and valerion hit into the wall, "was anyone even driving the ship anymore!” "What had we crashed into" Valerion looked around we didn't appear to be sinking yet...? We crashed into the beach perhaps?...

[Shanks]

[Posters are reminded not to go crazy with the limits of their charater's power and give others a chance to respond to their actions]

[Jeffrey199]

"Ugh, I hate sailing. Its so much work." the young beardless mage comlpained to himself. "I think I'm gonna be sick...".

"Quit your complaining, we represent the Mages Guild, and besides our boat has an enchantment. It doesn't rock or even need the wind to move. We don't have to do a thing. Jeffrey, are you listening?" but the young mage in his wet green robes wasn't listening, he was too buisy trying to be miserable.
So the mage continued his lecture "Our job is to collect our artifact and return it to the mages guild." sighing Jeffrey's compainion, Tedicius pulled out his wand and held it flat against his palm. Mumbling the words to magic the wand began to move until the point stopped just to the starboard side. "Jeffrey! I thought you were gonna keep us on course!"

"Oops, guess I forgot..."

"How could you forget! Its not like we have anything else to do out here." Tedicius' touched the floor of the tiny dingy and muttered a few words, and suddenly the ship began to move directly where the wand had pointed. "If we don't bring back that artifact, YOU'RE the one who is going to explain it to Master Akrite!"

Jeffrey seemed to acctually shudder at this prospect. "I still say he should have sent a water mage instead of me. What good is fire out in the ocean? Did I mention I hate sailing?".

[Chungo]

OOC: Dwarf, me, was not by himself, Shadowdemen was still standing by entrance to captains cabin. Also, I dont think you could sneak by me as easy as that. :p I will have a write up in a few more hours.

[valerion]

ooc: AH I thought shadow left and blew up another door in the corridor guess it was someone else! Anyways you can say you saw something go in and out of the cabin quickly or shadow might have seen it too.It was really foggy and i was a shadow :). Oh and i left it open but figured we should get to land sometime soon seeing how we were almost at land from the start of this story, could of just hit a rock, another ship or something else. Someone can say whether or not we arrived on the island yet...

[Shanks]

[I think we've left Kehm waiting around for long enough. By the power invested in me as the founder of this thread I hereby declare landfall. :p]

[Chungo]

ooc: Hopefully Shadowdemen doesnt mind me putting him into the spotlight. Not what I had attended to write and post, however I had to go with what was written.

Ksshs'nik nodded to the Captain and turn and headed towards the Fop in black. Behind him he hears the captain exclaim.
"STOP!... blowin' 'oles in my ship!"

Nik glances at the door and than at Shadowdemen.
"Don't like doors?"

Nik notices the smile coming from Shadowdemens eyes and continues.

"So can you catch me up on whats going on?"

Shadowdemen quickly explains to Nik the happenings on the ship and than proposes an idea to Nik.

Nik booms with laughter. "I like it". Nik reaches within one of his pockets on his belt and produces a stone, unnatually oval and smooth in shape, the color of deep turquoise. On the stone are beautifully etched runes that breath out magic. He gave the stone to Shadowdemen. Shadodemen disappeared within the cabin to replace the Captains cherished 'cargo' with the stone. Ksshs'nik heard the squeaking of wood and than a score of heartbeats later Shadowdemen stepped out of the cabin, nodded to Nik and headed in direction of the Captains last known whereabouts.

Ksshs'nik resumed standing guard in front of the cabin.

A few minutes passed when what appeared to Ksshs'nik to be a shadow moved out of the corner of his eyes. Ksshs'nik turn his head towards the cabin but saw nothing. Ksshs'nik once agains heard of squeaking of wood and a score of heartbeats later, once again saw a shadow move out of corner of his eyes. Ksshs'nik again turned his head towards the shadow but saw nothing through the fog.

Ksshs'nik smiled, pulled a flask out of one of the pouches on the left side of his belt, flipped the top and lift the flask to his mouth. "Ah, that tasted good."

Ksshs'nik returned the flask to his belt and followed the path of Shadowdemen.

[valerion]

ooc: Problem is shadow and you do not know about the cargo or where its hidden :)

[Chungo]

OOC: Well, Shadowdemen informed Ksshs'nik of whats going on. Shadowdemen never gave a 'valid' reason as to why he snuck on the ship. So I will let him sort out how he 'knew' about the object. Maybe he is paid to be backup security in case the captain tried to make off with the 'cargo'.

[ShadowDemen]

OOC: Nik, I'm starting to like your stlye.:D Especially since in your post you said valerion came after me, that means I have the original...

IC: ShadowDemen couldn't believe his luck. The dwarf Nik had actually given him the artifact. "Months of searching, and I finally have it!" he says under his breath as he leaves the captain's quarters. That was the real reason he had stowed away on this ship. He had been researching about the artifacts location for six months now, and even learned about all the crew members on this ship, except, of course, for the necro stow-away and whoever it was causing all this mess. "Once I get to the nearest mages guild, I'll be able to sell this thing for a fortune! But first, I need to get rid of our mysterious guest..." Heading down the stairs to the passengers quartes, he sees the captain and Raybur enter a room with a smashed in door. Walking slowly, the artifact in his left hand, he pulls out his longsword and sets it ablaze with his unholy fire, and enters the room...

[Sirtalon]

OOC: Shit I'm confused. val has the 'real' artifact and what he's (ShadowDemen) holding is a copy right?

[kehmesis]

From afar, the Emerald Queen had seemed to shapeshift into a fog elemental. Someone must of wished for the Ship not to be sighted... anymore. Perhaps they had cought the Alfar on the ship and were now aware of Alfars awaiting on the shore. No matter, that fog was a spell. The events occuring since the first sighting of the ship weren't re-assuring. More and more precautions had to be taken if they wanted to be succesful at their takeover attempt.

Kehmesis and three of his fellow Mages decided to cast a ritual spell over their area. The spell was ironically called Gloomed Surroundings and made sure the area could not be penetrated by the Sun. With 4 casters and a serious lack of time, the spell affected only about 1 square mile around the Alfars' hideout. Fortunately, it was enough. They would be able to maintain that spell at least a couple of days without putting much more energy on it.

The downfall, however, was that while they would be able to come out of their caves under the sunlight (a must now that wizards were known to be on the ship), they would also let the newly arrived company know of their presence, once their own fog would wear off or once they would set a foot on the ground.

Kehmesis thought it was a small concession since they probably already knew about their presence. He couldn't know that only the Alfar aboard the ship knew. He had to take precautions, and he was now willing to fight for the ownership of the ship.

Magicians, mages and Wizards didn't scare him. And most soldiers were a joke. He believed not many could match his magic skills. However, he didn't have the man-power to counter the possible archer, assassin and paladin threats among them. Archers and Paladins were especially deadly to a Necromancer. Gladfully, there were not many paladins in Agon. Archers, however, were highly numbered and there had to be at least a handful on that ship.

Countering archers and paladins was usually not a problem when Shimmergloom was at war. But in this seemingly deserted place, with only a dozen men by his side, Kehmesis was worried like never before.

"Kehmesis! The ship landed!"

Already? It is time, then. He thought.

As the Alfars gathered around the freshly arrived ship, Kehmesis made a prayer to Melek, opened his eyes, stared at the foggy ship and hold on tight to his staff. Let's see how you like my skeleton army, archers...

But then it striked him, hard and decisively, as he prepared to welcome the arrivants. Corpses! I need Corpses!

[ShadowDemen]

OOC: Technically speaking, I have the 'real' artifact. After I left the room with the artifact, valerion entered and stole the 'other' artifact that Nik placed. To Nik, though, the artifact is still there as valerion created a copy of it and placed it back. He didn't suspect the artifact to be a fake, because it still had a strong magical power in it. Hope that clears up any misconceptions.

[Sirtalon]

The moment the assassin raised his sword and the rest of the crewmen entered his abode, the orb pulsed, sending out ripples that seemed to distort the air. Space seemed to liquefy, and the intruders movements slowed, and eventually stopped all together.

Isyth was irritated. He began pacing around his frozen captives.

One of the curious abilities of this object, is how it almost senses that it's master is in danger. The protective magic is astonishing. Thank your deities that this orb chose to bind, not immolate you.

Mmm, bind indeed. Finding it terribly hard to move, eh?

You are all fools. Should you have simply thrown the blasted artifact overboard, you wouldn't be in this predicament. Now your fates are in my hands. Oh no, I won't kill any of you. By landing on this island, you've already damned yourselves. The servants of Yrrok show no mercy to outlanders, and the radiance of the Key has awakened them.

Isyth chuckled.

After all, it will be less of a hassle to remove the Key from your dead hands.

He turned to the captain.

Captain... Shanks I believe. And that legendary perpetual grin as always. There are no non-magical winds that blow away from this island. Just trying to save you the trouble of trying to escape.

Then Isyth vanished, along with his magical apparatus that littered the room. Space returned to its normal texture.

Isyth didn't teleport far, just a few decks up. Maintaining his camoflage spell, he walked right past a dwarf, looking straight at the the dark mage.

I know you can see me, Alfar. I can see right through you too. And I have a proposition for you.

[Chungo]

OOC: Question is; did ShadowDemen steal the original or was that to another fake?

To clear things up from Niks perspective, ShadowDemen has the original and replaced it with a fake, provided by Nik. The fake Nik provided was just a strong magical stone Nik had made for a specific situation. It in no way looks like the original which Nik feels will be found out soon. However, the shadowery figure that stole Nik 'fake' might have replaced it, and who knows what that item looks like. All Nik knows that if his fake was replace than the new fake in the Captains cabin can not be trace back to him.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: Sirtalon... mind laying off the freezing everyone else so you can get away business.. pushing the limits of having an all-powerful character...

[Sirtalon]

OOC: Was I pushing it? Oh well. :( to make it up for you, you get to shove steel down my throat in the end. Deal? and to clear things up, most of the things I say are lies to compliment my illusions. ;)

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: Was I pushing it? Oh well. :( to make it up for you, you get to shove steel down my throat in the end. Deal? and to clear things up, most of the things I say are lies to compliment my illusions. ;)
it's all good, just hitting borderline.. woulda been better if we had a chance to resist it or somesuch before you vanished.. oh well, it is interesting, i'll give ya that.



IC: Ray struggled to move as the illusionist went through his monologue. Finally, he realised the truth of the spell.
More illusion..
Realising that he wasn't actually stuck, it was only a trick of the mind, Ray dove at the sorcerer. Unfortunately the man was gone just before Raybur's gladius passed through the place his chest just was.
Getting up, Ray looked at his companions, who mostly were still struggling against the curse.
"It is only an illusion, you can move if you realise that."
Ray looked at the guard who had led them there.
"What happened, was that an illusion too? Where is he now?"

[Shanks]

Shanks moves. Raybur's words would have set him in motion had he not been speaking just as the ship nosed into the shore of the island, rocking the deck timbers under the force of the halted motion.
Shanks has little time to wonder over the miracle that no reefs were hit, he exits the room and takes the stairs to the upper deck three at a time, completely ignoring ShadowDemen and his blazing weapon.
Approaching Nik he briefly glances inside his cabin and addresses the dwarf.
"We didn't get him... Anything to report?"

Shanks is aware that the thoroughly confused, disheartened and above all pissed off crew is accumulating on deck, having finally woken from their sleeps to find the ship stationary.

He calls out to them all.
"Attention on deck! I want you lot split into three groups. A third of you are to attend to the passengers, keep them safe, also mend the ship. Another third take up arms and scour every inch of the Queen for the trouble makers aboard.
The rest of you are coming ashore with me to scout out fresh food and water, bring the crates and barrels."

The fog had lifted and Shanks can cleary view his surroundings again.
He notes that an unusual form of night seems to have fallen. Without anyone at the helm they actually reached the island in record time, there should still be hours of twilight left...

Realising that he had left Nik with his mouth half open to speak he turns back and gives a nod of consent to proceed with his report.

[Edit: That make group sizes about 25 each]

[Shanks]

Alright guys, I quickly threw this together.

http://www.freewebs.com/thehalloflame/The%20Island.JPG

The little brown line going across the middle of the thin part of the canyons is a very old rope bridge.

The red circle next to the ship wreck is where the survivors made camp and were eventually slaughtered by the natives about 50 years ago.

The spirits of those who died in the battle, both sailors and natives, still haunt the broken remains of the camp.

[Sirtalon]

OOC: Damn, couldn't have said it (or drawn it in this case) better myself.

[Jeffrey199]

"Well, I see land..." Tedicius muttered irritably. "So you can quit your moaning. Besides you CAN'T be sick, this ship doesn't rock!"

Jeffrey was still having a miserable time, convinced he was sea sick. After all he had read that people get sea sick at sea, so he must be sick right? "Land? Well it's about time. Uhh you are aware we're heading toward a cliff right? How do you plan on climbing that?"

Checking his wand, Tedicius says "Looks like the artifact is just on the other side of that cliff. It points strait towards it. We'll simply find somewhere toget off our boat amongst the rocks, climb the cliff ask the ship Captain for our artifact and recall back to the mages guild."

"Won't the water slam us against the cliff?" Jeffrey asked.

"The boat is ensorcelled! How many times do I have to explain it to you! It cannot tip over, and it cannot sink! It also will keep moving regardless of the wind! We have nothing to worry about." obviously irritated at having to explain it again.

"Still, I don't like to test the limits of a spell I didn't cast." Jeffrey replied gloomily.

[LilWower44]

then all of a sudden they hear a very loud"BOOM" and wood chips on the ship go flying up everwhere, everyone runs out to the deck of the ship and they see that a cannonball has hit the ship!

[ShadowDemen]

OOC: You DO realize that cannon balls do not exist yet, right?

[RavenLord]

OOC: hm mm..I believe we can all forget about that one..eaven you Lilwower.
Please read the thread before joining.
Oh, and btw...no cannons in Agon.

Hm mm: ShadowDemen beat me to it..oh well

[Chungo]

As Nik takes a few steps away from the captains cabin, to begin to follow ShadowDemen, he hears footsteps on the stairs. Nik unsure of who owns the footsteps removes one of his waraxes. A figure emerges from the fog, an upon recognition Nik relaxes. Its only the captain he thought. The captain glances at Nik as he passes him and looks into the cabin. The captain than turns and states to Nik. "We didnt get him... Anything to report".

As Nik tries to respond to the Captain, the Captain seemingly forgets that he was speaking to Nik, starts yellling orders to his crew as he head towards the deck. Nik is momentarily confused, the Captain and he were alone, did the Captain think that the crew were going to hear his shouts. Nik, places his waraxe back in its strap on his belt, as he follows the Captain. The fog suddenly disappeared and Nik was surprised to see the Crew crawling all over the ship. Multiple voices began to relay the information to other crew members throughout ship of the Captains orders. Efficient thought Nik.

Nik glances at the sky. Nik tilts his head slight to the left and mumbles
"Now that is an interesting sight."
Nik spins in a slow circle studying the sky. Its still a few hour of daylight left but it was as if a tiny eclipse was placed over a small section of the southern part of the island and the ship.
"Nice spell." he states to himself in a low voice.
It appears we have some locals on the island and they be Alfar.

Nik than noticed the Captain standing beside him. The Captain nods to Nik, an indictation to answer his question from earlier. Nik delivers to the Captain the recent events at the cabin as Nik perceives them.

[ShadowDemen]

Sheathing his sword, ShadowDemen lifts up the artifact towards Raybur. "What do you think I should do with this? Should I sell it, or destroy it to tick off that Illusionist?" Turning away from his clanmate before he can answer, he goes up the stairs to the deck and looks at the island, and immediatly notices the strange eclipse. "Looks like I'll be able to have some fun after all." he says to himself. Jumping off the boat, he heads toward the forest directly north of the boat's position...

[valerion]

ooc: wel i made it an exact copy of what was inside it so it looks like your stone .. and im guessing you don't know what your own stone even does cause dwarfs aren't known for magic either that or you just found it. so il make a use for it later, it would have to be as strong in magic as the artifact or it wouldn't of fooled me when i picked it up.

IC

"Hmm an offer?" he said to the mysterious illusionist that was in his mind. what do you have in mind? As he climbed out the porthole he made his way toward the front of the boat and pulled his light orb, he then stealthily made his way toward darkness of the alfar spell. Looking for any scouts the alfar may have sent, and avoiding the partys from the ship.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur was waiting for an answer from the guard, when his companion spoke.
"What do you think I should do with this? Should I sell it, or destroy it to tick off that Illusionist?"
Raybur opens his mouth to respond to Shadow's question, but his companion turnsa and walks away first. Ray pauses for a moment, looking up at the darkened sky.
Great, more trouble.. at least now that damn fog is gone, I can finally see..
Looking north, Ray can see a wide, low cliff, dotted with what appeared to be caves. Beyond this was a large forest, with small mountains rising beyond. Shadow was marching straight up the beach, still holding the artifact, so Ray leaped over the side to catch up. After a moment, Ray was walking beside ShadowDemen.
"You know, whatever the hell we run into on this island.. it's GOT to be better than that damned ship!"
Ray glanced at the object in Shadow's hand.
"Isn't that the thing the sorceror wants? Give me that, I want that bastard coming to me, enough of this hide and seek."

[Chungo]

OOC: I know what the Runes on the Stone allow the stone to do. Dwarves have magic ability just like any other race. In fact, Nik has a few spells up his sleeve, more on the clerical side though.

After talking to the Captain, Nik heads to the side of the ship facing the island. Nik studies the part of the island he is able to see, taking in the landscapes, putting in memory various landmarks to help him naviagate when needed. As he is studying the island he sees ShadowDemen off the ship on the sand heading towards the forest accompanied by one of the individuals he spotted with the captain. He soons loses sight of ShadowDemen and his comrade in the forest. He starts to turn when he catchs movement on the shoreline towards the front of the boat. However whatever made the movement was gone by the time Nik tried to focus.

Nik turns and heads towards the crew that are going ashore.

[Jeffrey199]

Crashing hard into nearly every rcok at the base of the cliff Jeffrey and Tedicius are starting to realise a very important lesson about sailing. Always find a safe harbor. Still despite the holes in the ship, and the water pouring over the two unhappy mages the boat still float.

"I told you, the spell won't let us sin-" a huge crash sent both mages to the floor of the vessel.

"Lets just get to the cliff, I hate this sailing nonsense." Jeffrey argued.

Suddenly a monsterous wave took the ship, and slammed it hard against the base of the cliff. Like a child in a particularly bad tantrum. Sending both mages high into the air. The ship, battered, and bruised still held.

Tedicius used a featherfall spell to safly reach the cliff, while Jeffrey decided to turn into a small lizard. Slamming painfully into the cliff his tiny claws held. "You should have gotten here then polymorphed" Tedicius lectured, as he turned into the same tiny lizard. The two made there way up the cliff with little trouble, except one pesky seagull that thought they might make a good meal.

At the top, they surveyed the land. The sun seemed to greet them as they made their assent. Jeffrey pointed out what appeared a weird fog, well to anyone outside it. "Thats a gloomed surrounding's spell, there must be Alfar about. After all they're the only ones who would need to cast it."

Tedicius nodded "It seems rushed, it only covers a mile." then a disturbing thought came to him "Do you think the Alfar are after our artifact?"

"Don't know, however its a safe guess why else would Alfar wizards be out this far?" neither could have known that they were merely shipwrekced,

"Well the artifact is in that gloomed surroundings spell, we're gonna have to go in after it." Tedicius said after checking his wand.

Still needing to get somthing off his chest "I thought you said it was just over the cliff, you didn't mention that we would have a long hike to boot!"

Tedicius was clearly getting irritated "Do you ever stop complaining? We're on official orders from the mages guild try to act like it."

"Just saying..." Jeffrey said meekly as they made their way toward the shadowy spell.

[valerion]

Valerion, was deep in the dark part of the spell, but he still had seen no alfar, "But did they see him ? where were they" valerion thought. Hearing something crack in the tree to the right of him he looked quickly and thought he saw a streak of shadow go by.

Valerion pulled out his yellow light orb and held it high above him, "this should get someone to come out".

[Nehemia]

OOC: Darn I got dropped out 'cause of inactivity.
Could someone create a short brief so I can get on with the story with new character, please.

[Jeffrey199]

/OOC Recap

*The ship has crashed into the island.
*All the mages seem to be after the same magic object.
*Raybur has the "real" object.
*There is one very bad fake in the captains chest (no magic aura)
*Valerion has a very good fake, as it seems to give off a strong aura. (Personally I belive that since the fake was left by a dwarf, who are very good with magic devices, if not with spells they gave it the magic aura.)
*Me, and my traveling companion represent the mages guild and want to retrieve our object.
* The ship wrecked Alfar cast a spell Gloomy Surroundings around their hideout and the ship to ensure that sunlight doesn't interfere with them while they make their plans.
*Valerion is currently in the forest signalling with his yellow orb to "get someones attention".
*Shanks is trying to protect his crew and his ship.
*Sirtalon the illusionist, has some sort of powerful orb that creates extremely strong illusions.

[ShadowDemen]

"You know, whatever the hell we run into on this island.. it's GOT to be better than that damned ship! Isn't that the thing the sorceror wants? Give me that, I want that bastard coming to me, enough of this hide and seek."

ShadowDemen glances towards Raybur. "But I wanted to kill him! Fine, you can have it, but if the Illusionist comes after us, I get to kill him." ShadowDemen tosses the artifact towards Raybur. "By the way, why were you even on that ship? It doesn't look like anyone actually lives here. Well. besides who ever is using the eclipse spell."

OOC: By the way, I'm sick today, so I'm not able to concentrate. Just a heads up in case I post a Lok-tar-ogar post.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"Well, this ship wasn't headed for this island.. just needed to restock here. All I wanted was a quick ride north, I have a mark to hit up there. Then all this mess.. Oh, and we can split the sorceror. I'll split him and you can have whatever's left.."
Raybur grins as the walk deeper into the nearly black forest. Ray looked over at his companion, wondering how the human could get by so well in the dark, lacking natural night-vision.
Then he sees movement off to the side and grabs his companion's arm. Ray points over in the direction he saw it, motions for silence and begins to stalk forward. By instinct, his bow slides into his hand and an arrow to the string.

[RavenLord]

OOC: I

[Sirtalon]

OOC: Val, I'm not really in your head, I'm physically standing right in front of you. ;)
________________________

Isyth emerged from shadow.

Yes, YOU, dark mage. A proposition. The assassin and the soldier have the Key... yes that's what its called. Cease your search for your brethren. The secrets I'm about tell you will grant you rank, wealth, and above all, your dark lord's favor. Better then serving those Shiverdoom miscreants.

Hm. Is that what the key is for illusionist, to unlock a vault full of gold and jewels? I have no desire for those things.

Ah. More then that. There are mountains of gold, silver and gems; but, that is not why I have come seeking Yrrok's domain. Lost artifacts, powerful artifacts. Books that contain spells long forgotten. Books that will make the Necronomicon look like a children's tale. THAT is what you want, isn't it? All hidden under the crown of Yrrok, those three jagged peaks.

All I need you to do is deliver the First and Second Scrolls of Yrrok to Shank's camp. That should be enough for them to come seeking the treasure locked away underneath the mountains. Then we shall take the orb from them after they do the grunt work of clearing out the dungeons for us.

So, Alfar, do you accept?

[ShadowDemen]

OOC: Sorry guys, but I'm stopping for today. The sickness is getting worse...:(

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"It seems the gods have brought us together for yet another battle..young hero."

Raybur turns to look at the overlarge guard with a confused expression.
Another..?
Then a recollection. A young knight, leading a great army against an Orkish settlement. Ray's first major assasination.

"Well, you seem to have come down in the world, my friend.. Anyway, we have men to kill, and announcing our position isn't a good way to start, so hush."
With that, Ray moved a short distance away from the two men, using all of his stalking skill to vanish into the wood.

The alfar are going to find those two long before any of us see them.. I might as well put myself in position to give a hand. Can't do any good with a bolt in my chest.

[Jeffrey199]

Finally reaching the ends of the false night spell the two mages exchange a glance. "Remember we're just getting the artifact, and getting out as fast as possible." Tedicius warned. "No galavanting, no side quests."

"Right!" Jeffrey said enthusiastically. "In and out. Still maybe we should try and do somthing about this spell, the Alfar will probably cause us trouble if we let them go running about."

"You know perfectly well the two of us can't do it, we'd need more mages. Even if we did, it could still take hours to break it." Tedicius reminded.

"I know, I know but maybe they cast it wrong?" Jeffrey said hopfully, but he knew perfectly well it was cast properly (if rushed). Thus with a deep breath Jeffrey stepped into the artifical night. Followed by Tedicius.

"Lets find the Captain and grab our artifact" Tedicius said. Checking his wand, looks like its that way he said pointing toward a forest. "They probably sought shelter in there."

"I hope everyone's alright." Jeffrey whispered.

[valerion]

ooc: since was near me in the cargohold and i didn't realize it this post goes before, the one where i went into the woods and showed my orb


Sounds like a plan, Valerion quickly takes the scrolls and sneaks out the porthole. Valerion noticing a group of 20 skeleton archers coming towards the ship.

Perfect timing i have just the plan, the alfar must have sent them. Valerion drew a ritual circle to control one of the skeleton and imbue it with the magic for the effect he wanted. "They of course would have to come and defeat these skeletons to save there ship" Valerion grinned.

Valerion approached the skeleton army and placed the scrolls on the side of the lead skeleton. He then placed a spell on the animated skeleton, it would release a ghost and make up some tale about the scrolls and how to find the treasure as i thanks for releasing its tortured spirit. Valerion watched as the archers took aim and started firing volleys of fiery arrows at the ship.

OOC: now valerion contiuned into the forest and is holding up the orb like in my previous post.

[Shanks]

OOC: Val, Kehm already stated that he hadn't yet got corpses to make any skeletons.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

OOC: well, since the island seems to have been inhabited before, it seems possible that they managed to turn up a good number of really old skeletons = brittle and weak.

[valerion]

OOC: Val, Kehm already stated that he hadn't yet got corpses to make any skeletons.

ooc: There was a old 50 yr shipwreck figured it was just a matter of time before they got there ^^ and why not now ;0

[Jeffrey199]

The sky brightened down by the shore with the volley of several fire arrows. "Somthings happening down there." Jeffrey said thotfully.

Tedicius checked his wand "What we want is that way." he said pointing away from the firey arrows.

"We should at least check it out, if you remember the reports Shank's was also carrying passengers on his ship. They could be in trouble." Jeffrey said.

"Not our problem." Tedicius said coldly "Our orders are to retrieve the artifact. People already don't trust the mages guild, if we go doing whatever we please how will it look?"

Jeffrey said slyly "How will it look if a ship full of innocent people is destroyed because of the Mage's guilds carelessness? After all it's most likely the artifact they're after."

Tedicius whom was more concerned with the image of the mage's guild than anything turned this over in his head. "Alright, we'll split up. You see whats going on down their. I'll get the artifact." Picking up two small shells he found on the ground Tedicius started muttering in the language of magic. Recognizing the spell Jeffrey joined in, this spell took two mages.

Taking a shell Jeffrey replied cheerfully "Alright we'll keep in touch using these. I'll tell you what I find, and you tell me when you get our artifact."

With that they split up.

[kehmesis]

(OOC: sorry guys, missed a bit here, been busy, I'll try to catch up real quick...)

"Are they all scouts?"

Kehmesis had a hard time figuring it out for himself. Small groups started getting out of the ship, but they didn't seem to fit well together; they couldn't be scouting for a common goal. Other than the alfar, it was an assassin and what looked to be his guildmate that interested Kehmesis the most. They seemed to be holding something valuable. He would definitively try not to overwhelm them by force to avoid any fights. Information was more valuable than a couple of deaths, although fresh corpses of decent beings are always very valuable to a Necromancer.

Since the arriving of the ship, Kehmesis had to take a step back and think of a new plan since he lacked the corpses a war always brings. One of his scouts reported to have found an old camp with decayed corpses west from the beach. They would have to do for now.

The camp was a little bit further than anticipated, but was rewarding enough. Through rushed incantations, Kehmesis revived around 20 weak skeletons. They were old decaying bodies so the skeletons were fragile. He thought the best thing to do was to summon them spirited bows and arrows to give them a little advantage against any melee soldier.

The skeletons were sent directly at the ship and were commanded to kill anything on sight. He knew they would only cause minimal losses, but the diversion was way more important than the killing. Plus, a few fresh corpses would help later on, if needed.

When Kehmesis came back to the beach, he was told that the Alfar used a glowing orb, but that they were yet to respond. He then commanded his Alfars to find him while he would try to find the assassin and his friend on his own. The last thing he wanted to do was to rush them with a small army. He wanted to avoid any unnecessairy fighting.

[kehmesis]

(OOC: Ok, I'm semi up-to-date, so I'll get back to it)

Kehmesis longed the summit of the forest in search for the Human Assassin and his friend, who looked like a Mirdain Archer. The darkness made all living things all too visible to him and finding them was a piece of rotten fish. It is a mirdain... That sure will complicate things.

But another suprise awaited him. There was a third party present: a grotesquely huge knight who, there was no doubt, prayed to Morgaine. Paladin. I sure regret not bringing any bodyguards now. While this was highly unexpected and would hinder Kehmesis' plan to enter in contact with the other two, it seemed like the Paladin and Mirdain were about to fight. This is going to get interesting...

Well, I am not head diplomat of Shimmergloom for no reason, let's get it on! But just as Kehmesis had decided to make a move, the mirdain broke off and vanished into the woods. Well stealthy bastard, the cousin got skills.

(casting) "Melek, Usstan quarth dos ulu grant uns'aa l' yorn ulu lar l' elghinyrr. Ori'gato ninta athiyk tlu duul'sso lu' ninta oloth sslig'ne uns'aa!"

(Translation: "Melek, I command you to grant me the power to summon the dead. Let their spirit be free and their darkness protect me!")

Evil spirits rushed through the darkness to assist Kehmesis, spiraling around him quickly acting as a shield. "Do I have your attention now, Humans?"

[Chungo]

Ksshs’nik followed the five hands worth of crew to the shore. The crew that went ashore was well armed; all carried swords or axes, some also carried shields and crossbows and while other carried bows and quivers. As the crew milled around on shore awaiting orders from the Captain, Nik headed towards the front of the ship. Nik was curious about the movement he saw earlier when ShadowDemen and his companion entered the forest. Nik moved slowly as he studied the ground.

He came upon two sets of footprints, shadowdemens he thought. As he moved a few steps west he came across another set of footprints. This set of footprints was large and deep. Nik followed the steps, studying them as the ground switch between sand to solid dirt of the forest. The footprints gave him a better description of the individual. The footprints were made by heavy armored boots. The deep setting of the boot told Nik that person was in either half or full plate. Even more it told him the maker of the prints was also a heavy individual. However, with all that metal and bulk he figured ShadowDemen and his companion wouldn’t have to be worried about this individual sneaking up them.

Nik headed back towards where he found the prints of the large individual and than continued to study the ground as slowly moved west. He finally reached the spot where he thought he saw movement earlier while on the ship. Here he found another set of footprints leading a little west but parallel to ShadowDemens. The footprints were small and as he followed them into the woods seemed kind of feminine. The imprint showed the footwear used was more for comfort than for moving around. Could be a mage he thought.

Nik was about to begin following the mages footprints inland when he spotted about a score of skeletons, with bows in hand and swords on their hips. Not a mage but a necro, that means most likely there was a blasted Alfar aboard the ship the whole time. Nik rushed, as fast as his legs would carry him, towards the crew.

“Beware! There is trouble coming.” He shouted as he spied the crew.

[RavenLord]

"They alerady know where you are.."
Elias said quietly with a dry grin on his face.
Hm mm..maybe not. That one knows how to hide.
He, however, had no chanse of hiding from the alfar, and he didn

[Nehemia]

Joi'n us, servant of the wrong side
A large figure appeared from the darkness...
As it got closer, it was a undead warrior, but it seemed different, this one had half-plate armour, slightfully rusty. The undead was size of a troll. The undead warrior had four arms, he had two large battle axes, and two large warhammers with him...
The darkness shall serve, we have been granted immortality. We are ageless...
Jiginz

[Shanks]

Shanks roars out orders over the clamour.

"Foragers behind the sheild bearer! Keep 'em low!"
"Ahoy, the Queen! Trouble on the shore! be ready to repel boarders at any time!"
"Hammers and axes form on me! Are ye ready, mates? Go to it!"

Shanks rumbles headlong towards the skeletons.

"Yeeeeeaaaaaarrr!!! Come to Cap'n Shanks me beauties! I was born in a hurricane, I chew granite and bleed vinegar! Thunder's me father and Lightning's me mother! One at a time or all at once, everyone gets their share!"

Elias has already taken about seven of the corpses, leaving twelves and the large one. All of them focus on the paladin and Shanks bowls into the back of the nearest, snapping its form from the sheer force of his charge.
Knowing the thin blade of his rapier would be a mockery against skeletons he goes to it hands and feet, wearing no armour and filled with battlefire his speed outmatches the blades of the skeletons.
Only four in the foraging party join the battle; three hammers and an axe. The rest with mainly swords and a bow or two stand sheilding the crate and barrel bearers.
Shanks takes the head of another skeleton, leaving ten, and swiftly takes the temporary sword. [I believe Kehm said the weapons were summoned, so I assume they are temporary]
Slightly better than a rapier he uses the sword for blocking and parrying, trying to get the occasional bash with the hilt in here and there.

[Chungo]

The skeletons had arrived and begun to fire on the ship, Ksshs’nik left hand went up to his shoulder reaching for the strap of his shield as his right hand reached for his waraxe at his belt.

"All, return to the ship, we are under attack! Return to the ship!" Ksshs’nik heard come from the forest.

All of sudden a large knight appeared, out of the forest, attracting the attention of the majority of the skeletons. The Knight charged into the mist of the skeletons. Only a few were able to let loose with arrows at the charging knight and only one arrow hit.

Ksshs’nik, left his shield remaining in place, instead his left hand moved down to his other waraxe and lifted it out. Now with both dwarven waraxes in hand Ksshs’nik quickly moved to attack the closest skeletons between him and the knight. Three skeletons turn to face him, the center a step and a half ahead of the other two. Shank and his crew attacked from Ksshs’nik left closer to shore.

Ksshs’nik, stepped forward with his left foot,swung his right waraxe, level from right to left, cleaving into the spine of the center skeleton, with enough force to drive it to his left, his waraxe splitting the skeleton in two parts; the top and bottom. Ksshs’nik left waraxe swung down, from high left across his body, to low right, catching the top half of the skeleton in mid-air as it was falling in front of him to the ground. Niks left axe crushed through the breast cage of the dead driving it to the ground, Niks right and hand dropped back to his right side, as Nik right knee touched the ground. Nik felt a slight wind above his head where the skeleton on his right had swung, from right to left, a rusty scimitar. The center skeletons bottom section, now with no top, collapsed in a pile to the left of the top section.

Nik spun his body left and up, left arm straight and leading, followed by his right. He connected with his left waraxe into the left arm of the second skeleton, the skeleton that was to the right of the center, driving through, and followed immediately by his right waraxe. The left waraxe sliced through bone, as Nik lowered his left arm dropping it to his side, as his right waraxe followed behind, about a hands width higher ripping into the shoulder bone of the skeleton, spinning the skeleton from left to right. Niks finished the swing with his right arm laying across his upper chest, his right waraxe over his left shoulder.

Nik step backwards, with his right foot planting a few hands length behind his left foot, swinging his right axe from over his left shoulder, back across his chest, extending his arm as he twisted his waist right, bringing the axe down, striking an oncoming scimitar. Nik followed with his left axe, bringing it up, while he stepped across with his left foot, connecting into the hip of the third skeleton. His right axe continue the swing down, and than up behind his back, his arm straighten rose above his shoulder, Nik brought the right axe down onto the empty face of the skeleton, his left axe dropping down again to his left side.

Nik continued to turn right, bring his left ax up and in front of him to block any attack from the second skeleton, while his right axe continued the momentum down and to the right. The second skeleton was spun and knocked to the ground, from Niks previous hit, and had just finished getting up, a struggle without the use of its left arm and shoulder. However, once upright the skeleton held its weapon in its right hand and advanced on Nik. The skeleton punched forward with its scimitar. Nik spun his left axe, parrying the scimitar wide to his left, leaving the skeleton vulnerable, to his right waraxe which from underhanded motion came up and into the skeletons groin. Niks right waraxe tore into skeleton but Niks momentum was weak and his waraxe stuck fast. Nik lowered his right shoulder and charged into the skeleton driving it back, causing it to lose its balance. As the Skeleton fell Nik pulled up with his right waraxe tearing it from the skeleton.

Nik, paused, and took abreast of the fight. He saw the Captain and four of his crew in combat with a hand and a half of skeletons. The knight was fighting well but sorely weaken from numerous wounds. Nik kicked the second skeleton as it tried to rise causing it to collaspe on the ground again.

Nik moved few steps forward stopped when he was in range. Nik now started a chant in dwarven, a form of prayer and than casted a light heal spell on the knight.

[Chungo]

Nik spun his left axe, parrying the scimitar wide to his left, leaving the skeleton vulnerable, to his right waraxe which from underhanded motion came up and into the skeletons groin. .

OOC: should have read:
Nik spun his left axe, parrying the scimitar wide to his left, leaving the skeleton vulnerable, as his right waraxe, which from underhanded motion, came up and into the skeletons groin.

[valerion]

OOC: lets make this fight more intresting, no one should die here but anyways im going to take control of the lead skeleton.

As the dwarf is praying the giant lead skeleton, charges the dwarf grabs his foot and throws the dwarf into shanks knocking them both to the ground. As more skeletons fall to the ground, the giant skeleton adds the pieces to his own body creating a giant more deadly one.


OOC: its about 18 Ft tall at the moment about 10 skeletons are left, have fun :). When the last skeleton goes down it will tell you about the scrolls it guarded, and how to find the treasure on the island with the key that shadowdemen has.

[Chungo]

OOC: First see Nehemia post. Second, you once again made an action without allowing may character to react. Its fine if you made the action againt the crew however I am going to ignore your post for my character.

[Jeffrey199]

Arriving just in time to see the horrible abomination of Necromancy begin to grow even larger Jeffrey whispers "Oh dear, I hate these beasts. Looks like the Alfar have powerful wizards here to make these, and form this artificial night." mumbling the words to magic, Jeffrey prepares to a firewall to incinerate the abominations backup. That beast won't be getting any bigger he mused in his head.

Meanwhile, Tedicius, checking his wand begins to go deeper in the woods. Seeking the artifact, but troubling thoughts came to him. If the battle was still being fought at the shore why was his artifact out here? Did Captain Shank's order it to be hidden, using Tedicius' natural assumption that the world revolves around the mages guild. Or did the Alfar already get it, and are running off in the woods? He had no way of knowing it had been stolen, twice.

[Sirtalon]

Dark mage, where is the Key? Does the assassin have it? Where is the assassin?

Isyth collected his thoughts.

Have you fulfilled your end of the bargain and delivered the scrolls to the camp? And are the skeletons your doing?

Keep in mind that I have enough reagents to recall myself and you only, but not a whole horde of books and magical artifacts. We need the Emerald Queen intact, and if possible, a captain behind the wheel.

Isyth observed the battle. He saw Shanks slashing away at the undead creatures and the holy mage furiously chopping away at the frail skeletons.

The holy mage could use some help...

Focusing much of his mind and power on the unnatural gloom, he managed to tear a tiny opening in the spell, allowing a ray of light to shine on the paladin.

Light empowers Paladins, while darkness supresses them.

[kehmesis]

Kehmesis couldn't believe, as he turned to Shadowdemen, that the paladin didn't even take notice of him. What a few skeletons can do to a paladin is amazing.

As the battle started between the Skeletons and the Paladin, Kehmesis was now left alone with the Assassin and his now hidden archer friend with his Spirit shield still active in case a few arrows came his way.

"My name is Kehmesis. I would like your friend to come out of the woods and speak with you two. Unless you guys are looking for a fight... Like that oversized paladin."

The paladin seemed to be overwhelmed with the skeletons, although he destroyed nearly half of them by himself. A few skeletons got revived on their own and one of them got real big and powerful. Someone's been messing with my skeletons... Do I already have an ally?

More crew members of the ship came down to join the fight. They were now easily in control of the battle, so Kehmesis knew he didn't have long. Hopefully the big one is tough, he tought.

Shadowdemen seemed speachless as the event occured. Would he join the crew members against the skeletons, talk to Kehm or join his friend in the forest was yet to be seen.

"I'd like to see that artifact. Whenever you are ready, I'm waiting."

And as these words were said, a holy light penetrated the dark sky to shine over the Paladin.

"yah xsa d'nilok!" ("God damn Paladin!")

[valerion]

OOC: chungo fine but all the skeleton did was toss you in the air into shanks , doing nothing really. So il change it

IC change: The giant skeleton growing more powerfull grabbed one of the crewman and tore him apart throwing bloody halves of former crewman at shanks and niks.

Yes, the assassin has the key and when they defeat the skeletons they will get the scrolls, and clear the way. We can take over the ship with the other alfar on the island, they created the skeletons i just modified the spell somewhat. I placed the scrolls on the giant skeleton, when the skeletons are destroyed, a ghost will tell them how to use the key and scrolls to get the treasure they were protecting..

[ShadowDemen]

OOC: Looks like its time for me to catch up again. Unfortunatly, this is all I could come up with.

IC: As ShadowDemen turns toward the alfar hiding behind his spirit shield, he says, "An alfar wants to talk it out peacefully? Well, now that's unusual. And, what's more, you seem to be alone. Too bad I'm not in a talking mood." ShadowDemen starts walking towards the alfar, swords drawn. "Besides we have nothing to talk about." ShadowDemen then starts running towards the alfar, swords at his sides.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur watches as an Alfar bursts from the woods at the same moment Elias turns back to defend the ship. Ray is mildly surprised when the Alfar seems to be seeking an audience.
Probably waiting for an ambush to get in position..
Ray looks up at a tree overhanging the Alfar's position.
Perfect.

Shadow takes his time in answering the Alfar, giving Ray plenty of time to climb the tree, positioning himself above the Alfar, bow in hand and arrow nocked.
Looking around, Ray waited to see the ambush as Shadow suddenly attacked the Alfar.
I suppose we are in contract to the ship.. These buggers most likely don't have the Cap'n's best interests in mind.
Figuring that Shadow has things in hand, Ray keeps alert for an ambush in the surrounding forests..
Hmm, either they are really good.. or that bugger was telling the truth.. I'll give it some time..

[Shanks]

[Okay guys, I want to update everyone on the skeleton situation just in case some are confused.
I believe when Val first joined the fray he said he was taking control of the large, multi-limbed skeleton Nehemia introduced. But as Nehemia is controlling that one it's only fair that we adapt this so that Val took one of the ordinary skeletons and twisted it to the same effect. Meaning there are actually two abnormal skeletons in the battle. One is four-limbed, weilding 2 axes and 2 hammers and addressing Elias mid-battle. This one is controlled by Nehemia. The other is a rather mix and match hastey mutation, described earlier by Val. Although I think 18 feet is a little tall, not really enough bones around to get quite that high.]

Shanks is lightly clipped by the upper half of a dwarven soldier, thrown at him by the new menace. He spins away from the battle with the momentum, taking the hammer from the dwarf's deathgrip in place of the skeletal sword.
Spattered in blood and grinning feircely he gives the hammer an experimental heft to gauge the weight and charges back into the fray, locking weapons with another skeleton.
Isyth tears a hole in the darkness and Shanks' rhodopsin is temporarly bleached, causing spots to appear before his eyes.
Trying to adjust he focuses specifically on what he can make out and continues battle with the skeletal foes, his battlelust not nearly sated yet.
Nearby the lone axeweilder of the Emerald crew fights gamely on, hacking apart another of the skeletons and causing a bone shard to zip through the air, slicing a thin line in the captain's cheek.

They were still on the shore, meaning the skeletons were further disadvantaged through the pressure the surface area of their spindly feet put on the sand. It caused them to sink deeper than those wearing non-metalic shoes and boots and slowed them further.

[Quick reminder that even though Shimmergloom is using the corpses from the old camp, the spirits remain there for further story development.]
[Edit: I'd also like to extend my gratitude to all participating, I never imagined this thread would develope into such a worthy saga. :D
Once it's all over I may compose a bard's rendition of the tale in your honour]

[kehmesis]

Waiting for a response that never came, Kehmesis noticed the Assassin making a run towards him, swords in hands. So much for diplomacy.

"As you wish, Assassin... But you might regret it when I use your corpse as a zombie. I'll even keep your worthy artifact as a price and souvenir."

Kehmesis drew his staff from behind his back, getting ready for a duel. Then he casted a couple of curses at the Assassin before he got in melee range: Curse of Pain and Curse of Movement, which would both hurt and slow down his opponent much too quick opponent.

"A Melek's Orn Usstan cha'kohk dos xuil jiv'undus lu' kiel mumbaro!"

Then he swung his staff downwards into the ground and a DoomBringer Wraith emerged from it to protect its caster.

"Bring it on, Human!"

[Jeffrey199]

Jeffrey finishes his spell as a second abomination of necromancy begins to form. Pointing his finger toward skeletons, fire bursts from the ground engulfing them, as he moves from skeleton to skeleton his wall of fire turns into what could only be described as a child's skribbling carefully avoiding the living in the area. Unfrotunatly for the young mage before he could extend his reach to either of the large abominations his spell weakened. All magic has limitations, some it is distance, some it is targets, this was time. As the magic left so did his skribbled inferno. To make matters worse, everyone now knew he was there. "Bad day..." muttering to himself "I had hoped to stop those monstrosities with my spell." reaching into one of his many pouches he pulled out some spell components and began whispering in the language of magic.

Meanwhile, Tedicius still wandering through the wood's in search of the one with the Mage's guilds artifact hears "Bring it on, human!" checking his wand and groaning at the result he begins running in the direction. Unaware that he would easily be spotted long before he spotted them.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray finally catches movement in the surounding forests.
There they are..
Ray was an instant from releasing when he noticed that the approaching figure is much too noisy to be an Alfar. A moment's hesitation reveals a grey-haired human[I] running toward the fight.
[I]Interesting.. this island is much too full of surprises.

Just then Ray looks down to see that the odds have turned against his companion.
Guess I'll drop in and say hello.
Ray quickly replaces his bow, draws his boot knives, and drops straight down on the unsuspecting necromancer. An instant before impact he notices the white figures swirling around the Alfar's form.
Not good..
Raybur feels deathly cold tearing through his entire body as he lands on the Alfar's back. Struggling through the numbness, Ray moves to position a dagger at the Alfar's throat and another at his ribs. Gritting his teeth, Ray adresses him as the protective spell fades, having done it's damage.
"Alright you, you wanted to talk, lets talk. Just hold that monster at bay."
Looking through the wraith at his companion, "Watch out to the east, human incoming."

[Nehemia]

In the name of the Midnight Sun, Your time has come.. Servant of the wrongside, servant of the light.. Jiginzu laughed maniackly, the savage looking abomination of corpses, wearing half-plate's and having a hood covering its face. Two blood red eyes glimmer from the dark face of the undead..
Jiginzu raised his both battle axes, placed his warhammers into both left and right side of his chest.. The beast started walking towards the paladin, quaking the ground near him..
With furious scream, Jiginzu attacked towards the paladin with all his four arms...From left and right side with his battlehammers, Chopped with this both axes against the fighting paladin...
Feel the true side of power!....

[kehmesis]

For a second, Kehmesis' attention had turned from the Assassin to the mirdain running behind him. But as he carefully turned around to see his second opponent, he realised that it was not the mirdain he expected. Confused, he had a split second where he could not decide what his next move would be, and at that precise moment, he felt 2 knees drop on his shoulders and he found himself miserably pinned down on the ground, daggers to his chest and throat.

"Alright you, you wanted to talk, lets talk. Just hold that monster at bay." Said the stealthy mirdain.

"I damn you Mirdain, but I will do as you wish. However, you also have got to keep yours at bay." Refering of the senseless Assassin.

"Is the mage also your friend? I have much more companions than you seem to have and you would eventually be overwhelmed if you killed me now. You now have a choice to make. You pick our side, or the Ship's crew.

Unlike them, I know how you people work, I can see it in your habits. You're greedy unlike that huge paladin who wanted to fight you. This is a great quality that is shared among the Alfars.

All we want is to get out of here. If you're willing to help, we'll take over the ship, sail down to Shimmergloom where you will be greatly rewarded. The ship will also be yours to have.

I'm also greatly interested in the artifact you're holding. I overheard that you didn't know what to do with it. I can sense extremely powerful magic in it. You want a first friendly advice? Do not get rid of it, I'm certain it's more valuable than anything you've ever touched.

Now, if you will please release me, I'll take out the curses from your friend. Doesn't he look in pain enough?"

[valerion]

Skeleton fight:

A human guard charged the giant skeleton and started hacking at its leg with his large axe. The skeleton looked downward and swung its arm around and grabbed the guard in his hand, wrapping its bony fingers around him. The guard was screaming knowing what happened to the last man that was picked up by the monstrosity. As more skeletons fell they were added to the growing abomination.

Valerion in woods:

No sign of the other alfar, where were they? Maybe in the Cav… “Bring it on human” valerion heard in the distance. The voice sounded familiar, he must be the one that sent the skeletons. Trying to fight them all by him self no doubt, let’s even the odds a bit. Valerion knelt down and drew a pattern in the ground, chanted the words and twelve shadowy figures emerged from the circle. He sent them to various positions around the group in the woods. Valerion snuck carefully behind Kehmesis into a tree of his own. Now to get there attention, valerion ordered all his shadows to take aim at them.
“Yes lets talk” Valerion shouted loudly firing a bolt in the ground between them to get there attention. “You are surrounded there is much treasure on the island if we work together we can have two ships and split the treasure, Only we know how to find it”.

[Jeffrey199]

Tedicius, approached the two trying his best to be stealthy, and at the same time making a mockery of everything stealth stands for. Crashing through branches and making a good deal of noise, though he seemed impressed with himself. "Artifact..." he heard, he didn't bother to check his wand for this that was all the info he needed. Jumping out of the woods, fully expecting to have the element of surprise he began muttering in the language of magic. He didn't intend to hurt anyone, he just wanted to keep them still long enough to question them. His blue robes with golden trim were elegant, more suited to a grand party than an outing in the woods. According to Tedicius, a mage of the guild must make a good show at all times, the image of the mages guild is vital to its survival.

Jeffrey by contrast had sea stained plain green robes. Worn for comfort, not looks. His short brown hair was always in a mess. Finishing his next spell he hurled lightning that jumped from one large skeleton to the other. Fragments of bone exploded all around but the spell didn't seem to have an overall effect on the beasts. "Hmmm, that didn't work to well maybe this." with that he began chanting the words to another spell. Watching the Paladin continue his fight.

[valerion]

OOC: lol i love that character jef, so funny. So your controling tedicus and jef didn't realize that before

[Nehemia]

Jiginzu got struck by the lightning of the Jeffrey's spell..
The monstority roared...
Grah, I'll show you the power of thunder!
Jiginzu raised his another hammer in the air.. A lightning from the sky hitted it.. Setting it to furious thunder..
Nishu'marha..Feel the power of the Stormlord!
Jiginzu throwed his lightning enchanted warhammer towards the mage...

[Raybur Ravenloc]

"I damn you Mirdain, but I will do as you wish. However, you also have got to keep yours at bay."
Ray was listening to the speech from the captured Alfar, when another voice came from behind and a bolt slammed into the ground nearby.
“Yes lets talk. You are surrounded there is much treasure on the island if we work together we can have two ships and split the treasure, Only we know how to find it”.
Ray considers for a moment, then stands clear of his victim. Ray watches as Shadow seems to relax a great deal and moves to stand near him.

"Alright, I think we can work out a deal. There are conditions. First, we already have a deal with the Captain of the Emerald Queen, and we respect our contracts. But you.."
Ray glances at the newest Alfar.
".. claim that there can be a second ship out of here. If so, the Emerald Queen can be left in peace, our contract fulfilled, and we can still aid in whatever you're needs may be. As for this artifact..."
Ray produces the globe from his pack.
"I'd like to hold onto it for now.. There is someone else after it, and if I find him, I intend to cause him a large degree of discomfort. However, if all goes well, you can have the damn thing. What do you say?"

Any reply is interrupted by an old robed man emerging from the woods and beginning some kind of chant. Without waiting to see the result, Raybur dives into the man, knocking him down and disrupting the casting.
"You sit tight.. another peep and I'll cut your throat myself."
Idiot, old fool better pray to Fortune to escape this mess.

[RavenLord]

OOC: I

[valerion]

The artifact is only a key, keep it as long as you like, but you must go defeat the skeletons to get the scrolls. The guardian of the scrolls is that giant skeleton the crew is fighting, bring the scrolls and the key to the cave and we can unlock the treasure. I have the second part of the key, you two come to the caves alone. Valerion and Nehemia turn shadowy in disolve into the darkness.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur watches the Alfar vanish, leaving him alone with the mage and ShadowDemen.
Looking at Shadow, "Well, what do you think? If we are going to do this, we'd better hurry. Either way, we should help with those monsters."
Ray begins to sprint down to the beach with his friend, leaving the startled old mage behind.
Poor old fool.
Raybur shouts over his shoulder, "Fortune has favored you, I suggest that you take your luck and run with it."
Ray replaces the 'key' and his knives to draw his quarterstaff as he approaches the battle. There are only two undead creatures left. Elias and some dwarf mage are engaged with one hideous shadowknight, while some sort of hastily-constructed bone golem bears down on the captain and one dwarven crewmate. Raybur rushes in on the latter with a wide-arcing swing at the creature's left leg.

[Jeffrey199]

Tedicius failed to complete his spell in time and the Alfar teleported away. Cancling his spell, he thought whispers to himself "Damn, he knows about the key... and didn't take it." Tedicius perplexed wondered his next move, seek out the one who has his artifact, or seek out this Alfar threat and eliminate him. "That mirdain is heading where Jeff is..." reaching into one of his pouches he pulled out the small Shell... "Jeffrey, a mirdain has the Guild's artifact, take it from him and return it to othe guild. I'm going to find this Alfar who seems to be after the artifact. I'm going to find out why, and if he is a threat to the guild I'll eliminate him."

"Wait wh-" Tedicius severs the link between them not wanting to hear Jeffrey's excuses.

Meanwhile the human wizard Jeffrey finishes his spell, throwing a massive fireball at the hastily crafted golem, intending to incinerate it right then and there.

When he hears amuffled voice from his pouch "Je-f-ee, a Mirshhhh has the -uilds... fact. him, return. I'm going... Alfar... after the... go... find out why."

Desperatly Jeffrey grabs it and using his magic "Wait what did you say? I'm kind of in the middle of somthing." However he recieves no response. Whispering to himself "Maybe he found the artifact on an Alfar... and went to find out why they were after it." nodding to himself he decided Tedicius had things under control.

[Chungo]

OOC: Thanks Valerion for rewriting to a crew member! I believe Elias killed off the remainder of the smaller skeletons and we are left with the 1 large skeleton golem and even larger undead demon warrior.

Nik, began the motions to cast another heal, when something collided against him knocking him to the ground. Furious he got up and almost choked on his anger when he saw the lower portion of a dwarven crew member, a comrade whom he had shared a few mugs of ale.

[RavenLord]

OOC: didn

[Jeffrey199]

Jeffrey whom had been buisy with his shell, and casting noticed a dwarf jump up and take a massive enchanted warhammer. "Wonder what he's thinking, jumping in the way of a warhammer like that." Judging that the dwarf was ok, if maybe a little braindead (who jumps in the way of a warhammer for no reason?) Jeffrey decided that he should probably find a way to end this and began chanting the words to a fire spell that would incinerate the Bone Golem so that it couldn't regenerate.

/ooc sorry forgot their was a warhammer coming at me in my last post. Hope this explains why to some extent...

[valerion]

[QUOTE=RavenLord]OOC: didn

[Jeffrey199]

/ooc ugh try to fix one problem and realize you are forgetting another :mad: . Maybe I should just incinerate the island and call it a day :D .

Just as Jeffrey was finishing his spell he noticed somthing squirming in the skeletal golems many arms. Forcably canceling his spell, a very dangerous thing for a mage to do, he pulled out some reagants with his freshly burnt fingers, and began chanting the words to a spell. His objective now was to hold the skeletal golem long enough for one of the other's to rescue him.

[kehmesis]

Kehmesis was still laid down on the ground, feeling perplexed. What in hell is going on? Artifacts, keys, treasures, mages, paladins, the Emerald Queen...

This was obviously too much information to process. All he wanted was to get out of this island, but maybe there was a higher purpose here. The only thing to do was to meet with the Alfar from the ship, he seemed to know something about the artifact. Kehm needed to find out.

It seemed ironic, however, that the rest of his companions didn't find the Alfar. It was actually the Alfar who found Kehm. Where the hell are they?

[kehmesis]

The rest of the Alfars thought it was better to simply go back to the cave and wait for Kehmesis there. There was too much activity on the beach, they didn't want to get spoted just yet. That's probably what Kehmesis would want.

Kehmesis went back to the cave, ignoring those he left behind by the forest. "Where the hell have you guys been?" And they explained the situation.

"Alright, fine. We're now waiting for an Alfar, a Human Assassin and a Stealthy Mirdain. DO NOT ATTACK THEM if they do show up."

[ShadowDemen]

As ShadowDemen followed Raybur towards the beach, he saw the remains of what appeared to be skeleton archers. "Those should prove useful." Within a few seconds ShadowDemen revives a handful and has them form up into a row. He then focuses their sights onto the large monstrousity and gives them the order to fire at its head. As the arrows fly toward their target, he spots someone still trapped in the behemoth's fist. "Raybur's probably not going to like it if an innocent gets killed... Oh well, he'll get over it."

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur's staff smashed into the bones of the golem's legs to very little effect, so Ray changed tactics. Leaping up onto the creatures back, he wrapped the staff around it's head and began to kick at the center of it's back. There were some popping and cracking sounds, and then a wet smack and Ray fell. Looking up, Ray could see that the golem's head was still intact, if slightly skewed, and took a moment to determine what had happened. Looking over his shoulder, he could see a few skeleton archers firing at the monstrosity, and blood oozing from his right shoulder.
Damnit.. from now on I'm staying behind Shadow..

The skeleton's seemed to be shooting some type of spirit arrow, and there was nothing lodged in the wound, it was as if he had been stabbed by a shart of freezing air. Ray inched away from the flailing bone creature, hoping for a moment to bind the wound. Luckily the other fighters were keeping it's attention, and Ray was able to pull a strip from his sack.

[Chungo]

"Ow" Nik murmured again.

"Wonder what I was thinking, jumping in the way of that warhammer like that" Nik voiced softly as he stumbled to his feet. His body spasmed again.
"Bet that mage doesnt even know I save his miserable little hide".

Nik noticed the warhammer on the ground. He switched his waraxe from his right hand to his left hand, now holding both his shield by his forearm and the waraxe in his hand. Nik reached down and picked up the warhammer. Nicely made he thought, I will have to study it further and placed the warhammer in a loop on his belt. He returned the waraxe back to his right hand, glanced over his shield and saw that it had easily held up to the strike by the warhammer. Dwarven smithing at its finest he thought with admiration.

A fight still preceded around him. Shadowdemen was hiding behind a few skeleton archers. Nik tilted his head slightly to the left, I thought they all had been wiped out. The archers were firing at the golem, whom held a single crewmember squirming in his arms.

Behind the Golem, he saw Shadowdemens partner on the ground, crawling away from it.

Nik sighed, than walked towards the man, who was now reaching in a sack, and began to chant another healing spell.

[Sirtalon]

A powerful force slammed into his mind and broke the counterchant, nearly knocking Isyth unconscious in the process. The gloom slowly healed over the small hole.

Damnit holy mage. I assist you and this is how you repay me? Bah, nevermind that. I must know more about the Alfar on this island. The Alfar have done a sloppy job of covering their tracks. Residual magic from the Gloom spell is everywhere, but mostly concentrated... north. Towards the Crown. Much must be done.

[Jeffrey199]

Jeffrey finishing his spell clamped his hands together, mimicing the holding spell he cast on the golem. Arrows were being fired at the horrible beast. Hoping his spell would hold, pardon the pun, Jeffrey screamed "Someone save that man before he gets hurt!" and prayed he wasn't too late. Daring a glance he saw that someone had regenerated the skeletal archers, and didn't seem to care who he hit...

[Shanks]

Valerion and Nehemia turn shadowy in disolve into the darkness.
[Valerion, I remind you again please do not control Nehemia's skeleton, you have your own. If you missed my ooc earlier I stated that it's unfair of you to control Nehemia's character, so we're all going by the scenario that Nehemia is still indepentantly controlling "Jiginzu" who just threw the electrified hammer. Your character is controlling the large mutant skeleton, as you've described. They are seperate]

Shanks quickly analyses the battlefield, opting to help Elias fight Jiginzu. While the paladin has him locked in battle he circles around and brings his borrowed hammer forcibly down towards the back of Jiginzu's skull, hoping to smash it to splinters and put an end to the abomination.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur was in the process of wrapping his wound, when he felt a sharp burning sensation through his shoulder. Looking back, he saw the dwarven mage he had seen earlier.
"Thankyeh."
Ray gets back to his feet and looks at the beast. Then another arrow whips dangerously close, sending Ray back down into a crouch. Ray looks over at the dwarf holding the large hammer.
"Hmm, perhaps you should do the honors.."
Ray retrieves his staff from the ground nearby and begins circling the beast, making swings at it's legs before backing off, hoping to keep it's attention away from the others.

[Nehemia]

Jiginzu looked back to the paladin, and saw a axe flying towards it...
Kso'kauytyi! The axe hit something, creating a large amount of smoke..
It was quiet, the smoke was so thick you couldnt see trough it...
Little by little, the smoke faded, revealing a figure...
The demon had wings, covering himself from the axe...
The axe had damaged the left wing...
Jiginzu laughed...A worthy effort, but futile...
Jiginzu started walking towards the paladin...
Your power has no match against me..
Jiginzu raised its hands.. A another hammer got summoned into its hand..
The beast made a furious scream.. Raising its hands and prepearing to deal the final blow against the paladin.... But..Tell me why.. Hphm.. Fine..
Give alfar a lesson.. That tiny pest tried to control me..
Jiginzu was talking to something... Then it didint attack the paladin..
The beast stepped few steps backwards...
Paladin.... I will meet you later... The beast howled...
Turned around... It started running towards the Emeral Queen, but suddenly it pulled it wings out and raised to the sky... There from, it took its flight towards north, the crown...
The beast turned around in the air.. Stopped there...
A thunder hit the beasts arms... It raised its top hands and threw two war hammers, powered by lightning towards the place where Shanks, Elias and others are.... There is no certainity was the hammers meant to hit something.....

[valerion]

OOC No i meant to say kehmesis, confused the 2 somehow, we were in the forest with shadow,raybur and us the 2 alfar dissapeared not the skeleton nehemia is controling.

[valerion]

The skeleton golem charged the remaining skeleton archers grabbed them all in his hand and they fused into the golem. It didn't grow any larger though he created a weapon out of the bones, it became a large spine-like whip he began to make large sweeps with it, at the crew fighting it, and smashing it downward making large lines in the ground.

[kehmesis]

OOC No i meant to say kehmesis, confused the 2 somehow, we were in the forest with shadow,raybur and us the 2 alfar dissapeared not the skeleton nehemia is controling.

(OOC: Aaah, that makes sense. I was wondering why you had left me alone, actually. Anyway, I'm back at the caves waiting for you and raybur and shadowdemen.)

[RavenLord]

The power of the deamon was great, since his axe, enforced with holy magic, could make no greater damage than a cut in it

[valerion]

The Knight's sword struck, into the giant skeletons leg and bone pieces splintered and went flying, The skeleton appeared to scream in pain . And kicked his enormous foot at the Knight stepped back and swung his massive bone whip along the ground in a sweeping motion torward the knight. Its left leg was slightly cracked and wasn't regenerating due to the holy sword it had been hit with.

[Shanks]

Shanks sees an opening while the one remaining skeletal foe concentrates its attacks on Elias.
Beyond thinking plans through, raked with scratches and spattered with blood, he charges forward, imbued with bloodlust.

Picking a sawblade style axehead from the ground he swaps it with the heavier hammer and leaps at the huge skeletons legs, catching hold and hoisting.

He lifts himself nimbly up the creature, having spent nearly his entire life climbing masts in horrendous wave conditions he finds himself able to ascend swiftly despite the creature's constant movement.
Taking every advantage Elias and the others could give him with their distracting hits and making himself as hard to swat as possible, like a bad itch.

The hellish creature was large, but it was only formed of smaller bones, all brittle and decayed, some even snapped away as he gained purchase.

Using the thing's own ribcage as protection he comtinues his climb inside the chest until he reaches the delicate neck.
Leaning out perilously he draws back the axehead and rams it at the bone-neck of the creature.

If successful the entire thing would come crashing down with a shower of snapping. The sand could break his fall, he'd just have to hope nothing spikes him.

[valerion]

The creatures head fell off and the body colapsed forward onto the sand and shattered, the arms fell off onto the ground, the hand was still grasping the crewman who was bleeding rather badly, but unconcious.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur watched as Elias charged the beast, permanently damaging a leg. Moments later the knight was kicked back and the monstrous whip was raising for a blow.
Hmm.. I'm going to regret this.
Ray dashes forward, bringing his staff around to absorb most of the force of the bone whip, cracking partway through it. Then the whip struck just below the waist, and Ray grunted in pain as the huge weapon carried him along. Then something happened and Ray felt himself hitting the ground, feeling shattered bone all around him.
Bastard owes me..
Looking up, Ray can see that the beast has finally fallen, and the captain was scrambling around in the ruins.

[Nehemia]

Jiginzu landed into the eastern mountain of the crown...
He awaits.. I wait...
He looked around' like he is waiting for something....
Where is the number one and two when I need them'...
The beast summoned new hammers to himself..
I wonder did any of these hit anything'.. They have proven useful to me...
Number 1. Number 2. I call you! Meet me at the meeting point! The beast yelled with demonic language, its voice echoed trough every corner of the island...

[Nehemia]

Two large things flyed over the quuen, heading towards north-east..
Jiginzu looked to the south..
And they came..
Two demonic beings landed on the mountain side, where Jiginzu stood..
Another was small, half-size of human.. Having a large bell in its left hand..
Sword in another, the beast was wearing leather armour. Yet his face too was covered with black hood...
Another was average size taller than human, but he didint have any weapons... He was wearing a black cape. His face covered too with the hood...
The whole Stormwaltz is here...
The humans are stronger that I expected, we must be cautious.. and crush them when they least expect it...
Sithier,Norgamus and Jiginzu. Stood on the mountain side in a line... Looking at the queen, which is only a small blackspot at the shore..

_____
ooc: The other two are much weaker than Jiginzu..
I summoned them here so I can have three characters that you can beat up :)
Sithier, the Scourger, the firelord.
Norgamus, the Frozenpath, the frostlord.
Jiginzu, the Windseeker, the windlord.

[Chungo]

Ksshs

[Jeffrey199]

The skeletal golem fell, and the demonic beast flew away, leaving Jeffrey wondering who were these people. The only thing he did know was that a Captain Shinks or somthing like that had been entrusted with protecting the Mage's guilds artifact. The dwarf was casting magic, but Jeffrey was too far to make out the spell. "Perhaps its a spell to ward off flying hammers" he mused.

Then shouted "Heya! Which one of you is Captain Shunks! I am here on behalf of the mages guild!" trying to stand a little straiter and make a good impression, as Tedicius would have said. Still its hard to be impressive with dirty old sachels hanging every which way, dirty sea stained dull green robes and hair messy enough to make an Ork look twice.

[Shanks]

Shanks mutters and grumbles as he pulls himself to his feet in the pile of splintered bone.
He had a few thin shards poking out of him here and there, giving him the appearance of a disgruntled pin cushion.

Crunching bone beneath his feet and pulling it from his flesh he takes stock of the situation.
Of the four crew that had aided in the battle two were left standing. One was dead, ripped in half, the last was unconscious and more than likely traumatised.

"Heya! Which one of you is Captain Shunks! I am here on behalf of the mages guild!"

Shanks raises an eyebrow.

"Couldn't wait for us to come to you? We're not that late. I was under the impression that when you paid me to deliver, it meant you actually wanted me to bring the item to you.
Well... I don't have your artifact, and if you had told me what it was in the first place I undoubtably wouldn't have accepted the job.
You've put my crew and passangers in danger for a bauble. If you want it a human had it last time I checked... He went flower picking in those woods.
My crew and I are putting on fresh water and provisions and shoving off."

With that he signals the remainder of his foraging party and heads off towards the woods.

[Jeffrey199]

"Couldn't wait for us to come to you? We're not that late. I was under the impression that when you paid me to deliver, it meant you actually wanted me to bring the item to you.
Well... I don't have your artifact, and if you had told me what it was in the first place I undoubtably wouldn't have accepted the job.
You've put my crew and passangers in danger for a bauble. If you want it a human had it last time I checked... He went flower picking in those woods.
My crew and I are putting on fresh water and provisions and shoving off."

So this is the Captain, Jeffrey thought. "You lost it?" Looking into the woods Jeffrey hoped Tedicius had found it. At least it seemed the Captain was telling the truth.

"Well then, we came to get it because of a rumor that someone was after it. Our intention is to protect your crew and passengers..." Jeffrey knew Tedicius was going to throw a fit, more bad publicity for the mages guild. Though its not like they had a choice in sending it on a ship. The mages who hired Shanks were being watched, and couldn't risk teleporting with the object, of course how could he explain it to the captain.

"At any rate, my partner is off in the woods right now. No doubt he'll have the artifact." Truthfully Tedicius had told Jeffrey the "real" artifact was currently here, but Jeffrey misunderstood. Tedicius was tracking down the mage whom he believes is responsible for this mess. Continuing "I'm here to help in any ways that I can." as an afterthought "On behalf of the mages guild of course."

Looking up he noticed that the Captain had left "Hello?" he said to himself.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur sat up and pulled a sharp bone fragment from his back.
That went well, I think..
Ray stifled a groan as he got to his feet, shaking out battered muscles and trying to keep the world in focus.

"Heya! Which one of you is Captain Shunks!"
Raybur tries to hide his laughter as he listens to the following conversation.
Heh, stuffy old farts don't need this thing that badly.. speaking of which, I thought there were going to be some sort of scrolls here for the Alfar. Perhaps we got the wrong one.. maybe we were meant to destroy the demon.
Looking around, Ray finds Shadow still standing at the edge of the battleground.
"I think maybe we should pay our friends a visit.."
Raybur walks off in the direction of the caves he was told about earlier, taking his time in case something should belatedly happen on the beach.

[RavenLord]

His blood was replaced by adrenaline in the last stage of the battle. Because of this, Elias raised to his knees right after he was kicked back by the skeleton and prepared his claymore to deflect the huge whip...

He stayed conciouss long enough to notice Raybur taking the whip swipe instead of him and the undead creature suddenly falling apart a heartbeat later.
"Thank you, Rayb..."

His body lost all it

[Chungo]

“Heya! Which on of you is Captain Shunks! I am here on behalf of the mages guild!”

Nik heard the Captain start to reply to the mage who asked the question, when he noticed the knight lying on the ground just outside of the circle. Nik walked over to the knight and notice blood pooling up in the sand in two spots.

“Wonder why he didn’t speak up that he was hurt?” Nik murmered. “Pride is a dangerous thing.” Nik answered to himself, sadly shaking his head; as he knelt down to inspect the wounds. Nik began another chant and casted his strongest heal on one of the wounds.

“Good thing he only has two wounds, I only have the strength to do this one more time”.

Nik started the chant again and casted the same heal on the second wound. Both wounds closed but barely, any physical exertion would open them back up. Nik reached back in his pocket and pulled out a potion. As the knight started to stir, Nik reached down, grab the Knights left arm, lifted it, and placed the potion in his left hand.

Nik stood up as he was quickly speaking.
“This will heal you up a lot better than what I just did.”
“Now hurry up and drink it.”
“Shadowdemen and his Mirdain buddy just step into the woods over there.”
“Do you think they are going after the demon by themselves?”
“Answer me when you catch up”.

Nik, bent over, brushed the sand off of his legs and than trotted, in dwarven fashion, after Shadowdemen.

[Jeffrey199]

/ooc Edited for Chungo's post

"So Captain Chanks walked off... how rude, didn't he learn manners?" notcing the Paladin on the ground Jeffrey sighed and began mumbling the words to a spell. A tiny ball of bright light appeared and started floating around him. Guiding the ball toward the Paladin, Jeffrey mumbled. "This darkness spell isn't doing him much good, my light spell should help a little, though its a poor substitute for sunlight." he muttered irritably. Watching the dwarf work on the injured Paladin. Then he ran off, leaving Jeffrey with the Paladin.

[valerion]

The pulse of black light, comes from the giant skeletons eye socket as if awnsering, raybur.


Valerion, watches raybur from the trees, hopefully notices the hint he gave him. Valerion Jumps down from the tree and heads in the direction of the cave.

[Sirtalon]

As the skeleton lord fell, the illusion the dark mage had imbued upon it began to do its work.

A thin wispy smoke emerged from the giant skeleton's skull and formed a barely humanoid visage. A light shone from it that pulled all mortal eyes towards its gaze.

In a barely audible (although everyone could hear it) and cracking voice, it said, "My spirit... has been damned to guard the Kingdom of Yrrok for many ages now... thank you... for freeing me..."

Then with an unholy scream that would have invoked fear in the most legendary of heroes, the spirit burst into flame. Two scrolls floated down from where the spirit was.

Isyth heard the scream. He only hoped that the foolish crew would buy the dark mage's trick.

[ShadowDemen]

As Raybur approached, ShadowDemen started walking towards the meeting place at a faster rate. He didn't like the idea of talking about the little 'mis-fire'. Suddenly, completely blowing off his previous thought, he turns toward his clanmate and asks, "Why is it that you always get to have all the fun? I hardly did any damage on that golem thing. Next enemy's mine, got that?"

OOC: Short post, bad mood.

[Jeffrey199]

Keeping quiet as the illision spoke Jeffrey shook his head... anyone with eyes, and a background in necromancy, illusion, spirits and enchanting would see right through the illusion. However Jeffrey was curious as to who would go through the trouble of trying to lure this crew into a trap, he came to the wrong conclusion that Tedicius must have the artifact and whomever cast this spell must be luring us into a trap to obtain it. With this knowledge Jeffrey assumed the best way to catch this magic criminal was to spring the trap.

Since Shank's had taken most of the crew, and the other wizards with him, Jeffrey decided he would tell them all about this "spirit" leaving out certain facts. Can't risk them letting this Wizard know we're on to him Especially since the only other witness was a half dead Paladin whom he doubted could detect if it were an illusion anyways.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Ray sees a glow of light ahead in the forest when ShadowDemen speaks.
"Why is it that you always get to have all the fun? I hardly did any damage on that golem thing. Next enemy's mine, got that?"
Ray looks back at his companion.
"Well, maybe if you tried attacking the enemy instead of me... anyway, if we run into that demon again, he's all yours."
Then over Shadow's shoulder Ray sees the activity around the fallen skeleton, and hears the voice. More importantly he sees the two scrolls.
"Damn, ok, wait here. Oh and hold on to this.."
Raybur hands his friend the key and then dashes back down to the beach, passing a startled dwarf and the slowly rising Elias. Reaching the remains of the skeleton, Ray looks around. There was a mage he hadn't noticed before, who was looking around suspiciously, and the captain was looking toward the ship. Seeing no opposition, Ray picks up the scrolls and tucks them into his bag. Ray then hustles back up to Shadow.
"Ok, good, I'm going to follow that alfar in the woods, you try to follow and vanish along the way. Keep in shouting range. I don't entirely trust Alfar, but as long as we keep at least one piece of this puzzle out of their grip, they need us alive."
Ray looks back to see the dwarf following again, and begins moving into the woods, trying his best to vanish without giving up much speed.

[kehmesis]

OOC: Sorry guys I just can't keep up lately, busy as hell.

[Sirtalon]

OOC: Phew, thought you were about to blow up the whole plot. Then I read the last part. :P

I'm not sure who's the 'magical criminal' though. It was Val's idea to create the spirit illusion. I didn't see it happening though so I had to take matters into my own hands.
________________________________________ ___

While the battle raged on the beach, Isyth payed a little visit to the caves north of the Emerald Queen.

The source of the Gloom.

Shapeshifting into a small bat, he explored the caverns without resistance. Isyth wasn't surprised when he found the cave system bustling with Alfar. The Alfar had fortified their position with traps and killholes. The cave system itself was small, the farthest tunnel extending about 3600 feet into the earth, but the many cross tunnels and dead ends made the caves seem labyrinthine.

The cave entrances served as natural barricades, making a direct attack impossible.

He found one thing that the Alfar overlooked though. A small fissure in the ground that connected to the main system, wide enough to fit a man in full armour. It led to a hole in one of the cavern's ceilings. A stalactite conveniently formed next to the hole, making it the ideal way to get down to the floor. Isyth had nearly explored the entire labyrinth, every twist, turn and dead end mentally mapped. There was one dead end that caught his attention though. Morphing back into his human shape, he went to examine it more closely.

There is something strange about this stone... peculiar. It's bothersome for no particular reason... Ah.

Isyth chuckled.

Almost fooled me. Almost.

Everything on the mortal plane has a magical presence. Even mundane objects such as a lump of coal. While the surrounding stone emitted a weak magic, this wall had none whatsoever. Therefore it can't exist.

Therefore it's an illusion. An extremely well crafted one.

Isyth whispered a counterspell and tried to walk through the wall. And walked right into what seemingly was a real stone barrier. He was dazed for a moment, then frustrated.

Powerful magic.

Isyth was not discouraged. Dislodging a small stone from the illusion barrier, he chanted something and the stone turned red hot. He paused.

Hmm, this might be noisy. I need another distraction.

Xrari Kji Omnus Os Illum

A brilliant white light suddenly filled the entire cave system, spilling into every nook and cranny. Isyth could hear the pain-filled screams of the Alfar.

That should be etched into their retinas for a few hours... and buy me some time.

Isyth shoved the stone into the wall. The stone exploded, sending him back a few feet, but no visible damage was done to the barrier.

This is harder then I thought.

[RavenLord]

He woke up, feeling a warm sensation in his shoulder, surrounding the wound.
Slowly opening his eyes, he sees a silhouette of..somebody, he couldn

[valerion]

OOC: yeah I changed it to a hint, just so Raybur would find it and the others wouldn't notice the scrolls.

Still in the tree watching, valerion noticed that Raybur found the scrolls and ran was heading into the woods, and the dwarf started walking into towards the woods too. “Trying to follow him I guess”. Let’s give him a reason, to not want to enter the woods. Valerion gathered up his shadows, and he aimed his crossbow in front of the dwarf, 12 shadowy arrows and his own flew and landed in there path, not but two feet in front of the dwarf. “Didn’t expect to get that close must have been then wind” valerion thought smiling “bet he’s glad he wasn’t walking any faster”. Now to make them think it was the two that just left.

Yelling loudly “And don’t you think about following us.”

Valerion then jumped from the tree, blended into the darkness and quickly headed for the caves.

[Jeffrey199]

"Elias Dumathing eh?" the mage mimed still lost in thought as to what exactly was going on. Noticing the Paladin was expecting somthing, and working out what he had just said Jeffrey answered "Oh, I'm Jeffrey Venefcus, of the Mages Guild." Jeffrey looked at his ball of light following the Paladin, wondering if the Paladin knew exactly what it was so he explained.

"That light is often called Fairy Light, simply because along time ago mages used to use them to play with children." Jeffrey prepared to go into a long lecture concerning the history of the spell realized now might not be the best time.

"Err, anyways its real name is a Nivus Orb, or white orb. It is extremely helpful, they can even shine through some lesser illusions. Also I have attatched it to you, but I will be wanting it back. If you want it to dim, brighten or vanish simply tell it to. As long as its attached to you only you can control it." Jeffrey nodding to himself continued following the Paladin, wondering how Tedicius was doing.

Then Jeffrey turned to the dwarf "May I ask your name?" thinking it impolite to ask why the dwarf felt he needed to jump in front of a giant warhammer.

[RavenLord]

Elias, who was walking maybe a step behind the dwarf, didn

[Jeffrey199]

"A counter to headaches you say..." Jeffrey seemed to be thinking a number of spells over. Truthfully Jeffrey had neglected alot of the healing magics taught at the Guild, finding interest in Transmutation, and Elemental magics. Still he had a few decent spells for healing the injured. "I might have one." Jeffrey conceded. Pulling some spell components out of a pouch at his side he began mumbling the words to a spell. A simple one designed to dull pain, and cast it upon the Paladin.

[Shanks]

Shanks and his band traverse deeper into the woods. Already one deer had been shot and strung by one of his party, and the crates were filling with fruit and smaller game.
They continue forwards, the sounds of a stream or river ahead promising that their water barrels will soon be full.

Sure enough a small stream flows through the trees, almost completely masked by the verdant vegetation.
Seven burly men, carrying a huge barrel each, fill their vessels and each member of the party drinks deeply from the living water.

As Shanks washes away the grime on his face his eye catches an image in the stream, seemingly coming from beneath rather than reflected.
A very brief glimpse of two spiteful eyes glaring upwards, and as soon as it had appeared it was gone.

Shanks orders the barrel bearers back to the ship to drop off the full containers and pick up some empty ones, they must do this until the ship had a full water supply.
Taking the rest of his men Shanks trudges off into the depths of the forest once more, in search of food enough to keep the entire population of the Queen fed for another week.


On the other side of the mountains, in the settlement of the island natives, a witch doctor commands an audience around a blazing fire.

Smoke chokes the air, rife with spices and overwhelming scents; the atmosphere is hot and heady.
The spiteful eyes of the savage looking man glare around at the tribe, he raises his arms dramatically and intones in an unidentifiable tongue.
"Trespassers defile our home! They strip our forests of food and drain our rivers of lifewater!
To arms! This perversion of our sacred haven will not go unpunished!
In the name of the mountain goddess Thianne, purify her domain of this unworthy filth!"

Whooping and dashing about, the natives gather spears and bows, not a single metal weapon among them, screeching warcries and smearing camoflauge, tipping weapons with the poison of plants.
The stamp about the ground, jumping, crying, working themselves into a blood-frenzy.
Fifty strong they sprint from their encampment, their path will take them West around the mountains (http://www.freewebs.com/thehalloflame/Native%20Route.JPG), the only path available without crawling all over their sacred and forbidden rock monoliths. It will take perhaps half a day of running, but even so there is nothing that will diminish the energy of the crazed pack.

The witch doctor runs at their centre, readying his twisted sacrificial magic, he alone had been chosen by Thianne to perform the duties required. Once every last defiler was slain their souls would be given up to serve eternally as slaves of the mountain goddess.

[Chungo]

Nik turned to follow the Mirdains movement. The Mirdain stepped inbetween the skeleton remains, looking down, searching. Spotting what he was seeking the Mirdain reached down, picked up some scrolls, placed them within his bag, and than turned and sprinted back towards the forest, passing Nik.

Nik begin walking into the forest to following the path of the Mirdain, while behind him he could hear the knights footsteps and the jingle of his armor getting closer to him. Nik turn his head, with a nod acknowledge the knight and noticed behind him the Mage following.

"Obivously, they wish no company, master dwarf. But we are headed in the same direction and I have a feeling that we will see those two again." spoke the Knight. Nik nodded his head in agreement.

After a small pause the knight continued "I don

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur moves through the forest quickly, following a bit of shadow that kept appearing and vanishing before him, tracking the movement's of the Alfar. Soon, Raybur found himself leaving the woods before a small cave. Glancing over his shoulder, Ray can see that Shadow is nowhere in sight.
Ray approaches the cave carefully, and shouts in, "Got something for yas!"

[Nehemia]

It seems you have something special.. I would like to have them..
If you give them to me, I will let you study the darkest arts. Magic that no mortal possesses... Allow me to introduce myself..Sithier, the Scourger.
Sithier was standing behind Raybur.. The demons sword was shealthed, but the bell was in his hand.
Allow me to demostrate the true magic form..
He shaded the bell, it began to toll...
Soon bursts of fire flew from the bell, they surrounded Raybur and hit on the ground.. making a wall of fire around him..
Sithier laughed.. I have dozens of more of these tricks.. Join us.
Our master wants the scrolls.. He speaks trough me, he says what I have to do...I AM JUST A DOLL! the demons voice changed, the voice was searing...
The demons eyes started to burn menacily with flames...
Hand over the scrolls! NOW!

[Jeffrey199]

Jeffrey eyed the dwarf suspiciously, according to him the Mirdain had his artifact. Jeffrey could have sword the message Tedicius had sent him said the he had aquired it, then again he didn't quite hear the whole message. What if the dwarf is right? "Lead on, good Ksthshe Sin Nike" Jeffrey said ackwardly, trying his best to pronouce the dwarven name. Honestly speaking in the dark abysmal language of dark magic is easier than Dwarven names.

[valerion]

In a tree behind raybur valerion watched as the demon approached raybur. "It seems you have something special.. I would like to have them..
If you give them to me, I will let you study the darkest arts. Magic that no mortal possesses... Allow me to introduce myself..Sithier, the Scourger."


"So hes after our scrolls is he? Don't need the demon to get what was inside , lets see how he likes the bolts from my shadows". Valerion called his twelve shadows and they all raised there crossbows sent bolts flying torward the demon, along with his own.

Valerion put his hand on the hilt of his sithra and prepared to jump down on top of the demon, sending his shadows in as a distraction.

[Nehemia]

As the bolts pierced the Sithier.. The demon screamed a furious scream, that sent move the elements of fire.
The demon turned around, grinned...
Ahahaha....ahaha...haahhhaa.....
The demon started to glow.... A strange, burning light fullfilled the area....
Suddenly the demon exploded, creating a firewall into every direction'..
A blaze flied high to the skies... Bolts of fire started to fly around the island...


So, our brother has fallen... Jiginzu looks at the firing blaze at the sky..
He was a weakling'.. Just like I said.. Allow me to take care of them'..
Norgamus stepped forward.. Our brothers death must be avenged', no one shall leave this island alive.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur turned at the sound of the voice behing him, and simply frowned at seeing a new demon.
I've really had enough of this island.. just crawling with bad news..
The creature was giving some speech, and getting rather annoying. Suddenly it did something with a bell, and Ray was surrounded by a ring of fire.
Alrighty, I've had enough of this..
However, just as he was drawing his bow, the creature stumbled, then burst into flame. Raybur caught sight of a bolt dropping out of the inferno just before the fire ring around him guttered out. Without waiting to see any more Ray turned and made a diving leap into the cave, rolling into a cleft to the right side as gouts of fire singed his clothing.

I hope these alfar pay well..
Ray sits in the dark after the flames have died, waiting for the Alfar to enter the cave.
If the bugger survived that blast.. Meh, Alfar are like cockroaches, they die hard and there are always a dozen to replace the ones you do kill.

[Delusive]

OCC: First RP, please let me know if this messes things up, or isn

[Sirtalon]

OOC: Half-blooded Alfar? That's okay, I'm sure there are more liberal alfar out there, but I think you should reread the lore. The Alfar racial hatreds run very deep, Melek basically programmed the alfar to hate everyone with his magic. Plus you'd be an outcast in both societies. Kehm's character would have to be very open minded. Not characteristic of a Shimmergloom member or alfar in general.

Your character is interesting though, so... continue. :D

[Delusive]

OOC: Half-blooded Alfar? That's okay, I'm sure there are more liberal alfar out there, but I think you should reread the lore. The Alfar racial hatreds run very deep, Melek basically programmed the alfar to hate everyone with his magic. Plus you'd be an outcast in both societies. Kehm's character would have to be very open minded. Not characteristic of a Shimmergloom member or alfar in general.

Your character is interesting though, so... continue. :D

OOC: Basically what I was originally going for, was that in long battles it is possible for Melek to lose his grip on some of the more powerful Alfar followers. Thus Laziel's mother, but it seemed a lot to type that much of a backstory. Also I was trying to leave it open for Kehmesis to share his point of view. Perhaps convincing Melek that my skills as a Ranger are valuable, specifically the fact that I can scout in the sunlight...without any ill effects. I was also going to go into much more detail with my character are far as appearance. He is suppose to be of the same skin color as the Alfar, with solid black eyes, tall with long flowing black hair, and consist of more muscle than the typical Alfar. Again, I chose to leave this out do to length, but this gives me the oppotunity to fill it in. But like previously stated, it's open to Kehmesis wether or not the friendship is true, or just an act to gain a powerful ally. Either way, Melek was using Laziel for the specific purpose of daytime scouting, skills as a Ranger, and the fact that Laziel worships him as faithfully as any other Alfar follower!

[Wizeguy568]

There was once an ork. This ork, much like every other ork was hated by humans. During one of the many wars of man and ork a small orkish village was attacked by a maruading band of human knights. These knights systematically obliterated all the warriors of the village, then the women, and then the children. At the end of their slaughter there was but one child who was unscathed. A small baby, with eyes as black as midnight. The knights spared this child, perhaps for pity, perhaps as proof of their victory, perhaps because they found it hard to slay one so undefenseless. Instead of killing him they brought him back to the city of the humans. There he was kept as a slave. He grew up serving under the iron heels of humans, doing the undesirable tasks laid upon him. They took to calling him after his one distinguishing trait, his black and smokey eyes. When Blackeye grew too old, and to dangerous, to perform menial household tasks they moved him to the areana. There Blackeye was a gladiator, a fierce competitor who slayed all who stood in his path. But the hatred of humans was strong. They could not bear to see their champions defeated by a creature who was nothing more than an animal to them. So they gave him the choice, lose to the next contender or be punished.

But as strong as the hatred of humans was, the pride of Blackeye was stronger. He felled the human where he stood, and said nothing as the humans drug him away to the dungeons. They beat him for days, and when they were done they sent him away.

They took blackeye to a remote island, one with almost no civilized people on it. They took him to a cave in the mountains and chained him to the earth. They left his bloodstained armor on him and sailed off, leaving him to die.

Blackeye had been on the island for a week and an half. He had eaten nothing in that time, and the only water that came to him, was the drizzle that drained down through a hole in the cave every time it rained. His heavy armor dug into his tough green skin. His eyes were red from exhaustion.

But there was a smile on Blackeye's face, because even though he was chained now, he would be free. Through grunting and shifting and pulling he had loosened on of the many chains that held him to the ground.

The hatred of man had tried to stop him, but soon the strength of Blackeye would prevail.

((OOC, so bringing in a new character. If someone wants to stumble in on him and help free him, or just come in and kill him, whatever. If no one comes in he will eventually free himself. Read most of the story and I'm really digging it.))

[Wizeguy568]

There was once an ork. This ork, much like every other ork was hated by humans. During one of the many wars of man and ork a small orkish village was attacked by a maruading band of human knights. These knights systematically obliterated all the warriors of the village, then the women, and then the children. At the end of their slaughter there was but one child who was unscathed. A small baby, with eyes as black as midnight. The knights spared this child, perhaps for pity, perhaps as proof of their victory, perhaps because they found it hard to slay one so undefenseless. Instead of killing him they brought him back to the city of the humans. There he was kept as a slave. He grew up serving under the iron heels of humans, doing the undesirable tasks laid upon him. They took to calling him after his one distinguishing trait, his black and smokey eyes. When Blackeye grew too old, and to dangerous, to perform menial household tasks they moved him to the arena. There Blackeye was a gladiator, a fierce competitor who slayed all who stood in his path. But the hatred of humans was strong. They could not bear to see their champions defeated by a creature who was nothing more than an animal to them. So they gave him the choice, lose to the next contender or be punished.

But as strong as the hatred of humans was, the pride of Blackeye was stronger. He felled the human where he stood, and said nothing as the humans drug him away to the dungeons. They beat him for days, and when they were done they sent him away.

They took blackeye to a remote island, one with almost no civilized people on it. They took him to a cave in the mountains and chained him to the earth. They left his bloodstained armor on him and sailed off, leaving him to die.

Blackeye had been on the island for a week and an half. He had eaten nothing in that time, and the only water that came to him, was the drizzle that drained down through a hole in the cave every time it rained. His heavy armor dug into his tough green skin. His eyes were red from exhaustion.

But there was a smile on Blackeye's face, because even though he was chained now, he would soon be free. Through grunting and shifting and pulling he had loosened on of the many chains that held him to the ground. It was a slow process but eventually he would break free from his prison.

The hatred of man had tried to stop him, but soon the strength of Blackeye would prevail.

((OOC, so bringing in a new character. If someone wants to stumble in on him and help free him, or just come in and kill him, whatever. If no one comes in he will eventually free himself. I've read most of the story and I'm really digging it. Just in case anyone is wondering Blackeye is chained on his knees in an upright position. The chains are mainly around his neck and upperbody.))

[Necrash]

Another Day walking in this damn canyon and island with no sight of my crew!
I need to get to the top of that mountain to get agood look around if I dont find them soon they might rebuild the ship and leave with out me...

After almout half a day of climbing im finally starting to get a good glimps of the island. There is a settlement down there but where is are ship?? That does not look like it would be the crew damn it looking at all i have traveled from here would a been shorter to take the path south. Hmnnnn the curents are runing north now mabe thats why ended up on the north west side of this wretched place. I have to move round this mountain to get a glimps south..

[Necrash]

Hmnnn a cave mabe this runs to the other side of this mountain... would be much easyer than having to climb around it. As I start to walk inside I hear a faint grump and the sound of chains. Alright let me get out my bow last thing I need is to get hurt im starving and if i can eat it I will!!

As I continue down the cave the sound gets louder and at the end of the tunel there is a chambre not to big and...... uggg thats a face only a mother would love. O well I hope he taste better than he looks. Hold up who put him in thouse chains i better take a look around first dont want any one getting the drop on me then ill be next to him!!

[Wizeguy568]

Blackeye saw someone slinking around in his cave. He knew that if they attacked he was done for. He stood perfectly still, as unmoving as a statue. His battle-trained eyes were the only part of his body that moved as he watched the intruder.

[Necrash]

I looked around carefull not to make a sound listening for any movements the beats had stoped moving as well and was no longer strugling had I been spoted??

For a bit I listened and then nothing I was sure I was alone with this Orc.
I came closer as I was now sure he had noticed me even thou i was stiking to the shadows.

He looked weak his hand and feet where scuffed mabe form all the tugging.
Ha he had been left here to die. his smell was horrable even for the likes of him. by the smell of the escrement and piss he had been here for a wile now.

I could not eat something that smelled so bad. Mabe if my crew had left me behind he would be the only company in this god forsaken island. I put my bow away! if I intend to get out of here alive I might need his muscles. Mabe I can make him my slave.

[Rashick]

Shanks' team of foragers had made some good progress, the lush vegetation of this island abundant with fruits and even the odd strange creature. The river expanded all over the island and fed the plantlife it's vital supplies, along with the ever beaming sun. It was their bad luck to not notice the skilled native scouts tracking their location, but it was another matter and not neccessarily of luck for them not to notice another creature stalking their position like a daylight shadow.

The manually cut track forged by shanks' team and their arsenal of close-quarter weapons adopted a slightly rocky texture. It was easy to hear the rushing of the waterfall from afar, and good judgement to persue it. A clearing in the trees resulted in a spot more magificant than any other. Exotic flowers of all kinds littered the river bank with huge jade coloured leaves. Huge ripe fruits hung from a giant tree, but the most unusual sight was yet to come: in the midst of the trees a dark outline was munching calmly of the remains of a bloated fruit.

Sat atop a jagged rock the canine body of rashick was idley feasting on the forest, dressed in his typical clothing: a pair of tough-material leggings and a dull voluminous travelling coat. Hunched slightly and silent, his stormy eyes locked onto the foraging group like a feral hunter. In a single fluid motion he drops down onto a lower rock, sinking his weight right down into his heels. Glancing up again he adopts a more casual crouch, one clawed paw raising and pointing in a certain direction. His gruff but soft toned voice emits

"You have some natives on your tail Shanks. I'd say around 50 or so, all sticks and stones but they know the land"

Looking in the direction the mahirim was pointing one might be able to see a horde of flaming torches flickering through the misty island canopy. Rashick offers no more than a light smile for the group.

[OOC: Greetings to all in this RP at the moment]

[Shanks]

Shanks clasps his hand in Rashick's mighty paw and grins out of sheer good nature for the first time since the voyage began.
"I'm not even gonna ask how you got here... About twoscore and ten twigswingers y'say?"
He turns to his crew.
"Here's the plan! We've got a few leaf-wearing tonguewagglers coming to pay us a visit. So any of you carrying supplies, take it back to the ship now, make sure you leave a good clear trail. That leaves..." a quick headcount "about ten of you with me... Oh deary me. Well get yerselves hidden either side of our little trail here and we can hold a nice surprise party for our guests."

The crew stands motionless, staring at Rashick with open mouths, some palming weapons.
One of them speaks.
"Captain... That's a Mahirim!" He says this in a tone of voice that suggests he's trying to politely inform Shanks that he has overlooked this small detail, but doesn't want to embarrass him too much.

Shanks turns back and looks Rashick's hairy form up and down.
"Well spotted that man, now you will all kindly carry out my orders, because if you don't there will be some very disappointed tribesfolk arriving only to find you're all already dead. Now MOVE!"

The party does as they are bidden, the supply-bearers all too eager to be getting away from Captain Shanks, his furry companion, and their impending doom.

[Raybur Ravenloc]

Raybur was getting tired of waiting, finally he had had enough.
Meh, I'm not big on caves, I did my part, if these Alfar really need my help, they can find me.
Ray walked out of the cave and started walking back toward the ship, not making any effort to disguise his movements. Hopefully Shadow was still snooping around and would follow him back.
At least we still have our way paid on the Queen. We can play it as it goes once we get back. Maybe we'll be resupplied by then and get get the hell out of here.. And maybe that sorceror will show up before we leave..

Along the way, he came across signs of the scouting party. Following a trail, he came across a few men headed back to the ship with full loads. A little way further on, Ray spotted a man hiding in the woods alongside the road. Stopping to look around, he spotted another, then a few more, and finally Shanks, the captain. It took one more long moment before he made out the shape of a mahirim nearby. Ray pulled his cloak tightly around the mahirskin leather armor he always wears as he approached Shanks.
"So hows it going? I suppose theres some killing to be done?"

[Shanks]

Shanks motions Raybur to conceal himself, hissing at the rest of the crew to better hide themselves, having been discovered so easily.

"According to my reliable bundle of fur there are some rather hostile branch-brandishing natives out for us." He informs Ray in hushed tones.
"They should be along shortly... Unless they want to start playing silly buggers..."
He narrows his eyes and falls silent and attentive.

Despite the thick canopy the falling of dusk is evident, beyond the vision of those crouched beneath the trees the sky's blanket turns orange and purple.

[Jeffrey199]

Jeffrey, the human wizard, decided to pull out his wand after listening to the disturbing news the dwarf had said to him concerning the guild's artifact. Chanting the word's and letting the wand rest flat on his palm it began to spin. Peculiar, considering the amount of magic being thrown around this are he supposed it was no surprise that the delicate location spell wouldn't detect the artifact.
"Well that leaves only one thing to do, lets find Shank's he should know where the Mirdain is."
Still one more thing troubled the mage, he had wandered into the forest and had absolutly no idea which way to go.
"I still have one more spell to try, he mused." Throwing his wand into the air and letting it fall, using no words, spell components, or magical energy of any kind he watched the wand fall and point between two small trees.
"This must be the way!"

[Chungo]

Nik was going the direction of the Mirdain had taken through the woods; the knight and caster following closely behind. He heard the roar, felt the explosion and than saw the Mirdain off to the side heading back to the beach.

Nik than heard the caster behind him talking about heading back to the captain. Nik shuddered as the caster began to cast a spell to determine the captains location. We just left the captain no less than a hundred steps behind us and the caster is already lost. Nik just shook his head.

Ignoring the caster, Nik walked back towards the beach, the ship and the captain, crossing between two small trees. Behind him he heard the nasally voice of the caster cry with glee "This must be the way".

[RavenLord]

Sir Elias Dumathon followed closely behind the dwarf. It took him only a moment to determine what was going on.
Since a man his size, furthermore in a plate armor, would be very difficult to hide, he pulled back some way. And hid behind an ancient tree. He

[Wizeguy568]

Blackeye pulled loose another chain, 4 more and he would be free. Whoever was watching him had either left or hid so effectively that he could no longer sense him. Regardless he would not last long, he struggled vigoursly, one more chain loose. He heard a strange foreign chant reverberating through the cave walls. He took a deep sniff of air, it was going to storm soon. Perfect weather for his escape.