Roleplay Thread
Posted: Wed Nov 12, 2008 4:14 am
A note has been left for the heroes at the Broken Bow Inn.
Jarnor the barkeep shall deliver it to you.
It is a wax sealed enveloped with the crest of a greatsword and a wildcat; the symbol of Mathias Grey.
The seal is unbroken, and safe.
It reads:
To those of my esteemed association:
I apologize for my absence and lack of contact with you, but circumstances have forced me to lay low until now.
It has come to my attention that you have involved yourselves with the organization known as the Shadowblades.
I myself have had a run in with this notorius organization recently, and wish to have a meeting with you in the upper levels of the inn, in the meeting hall on the first door to the left.
I will explain a few things to you, and bring you up to date.
Make sure you are not followed.
-Grey
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Chapter 2 RP
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The brown haired man sat in the corner of the meeting room, his greatsword beside him, leaning against the wall.
He waits patiently, his eyes never wavering from the the doorway; the only way into the room.
He had sent a message to his companions earlier that day, and he awaited them, but he also feared that his message be intercepted by the Shadowblades.
His side ached at the thought of the Shadowblades, and his hand reached for the freshly healed wound below his heart.
The memories of that night were hazy, but he remembered waking from a dream suddenly to find a man above him trusting a knife towards his heart.
He had no time to dodge the strike, instead he glanced the blow to miss the killing mark.
A blinding white pain sheared through his body, and his vision went black.
When he awoke, he was laying on the floor in a pool of his own blood.
The knife had missed his heart and he thanked the gods that he was still alive.
The assassins had made off with his old armor and his old sword.
His armor and sword were sentimental piece from his times with Cin's mercenary company.
He was sure that they took it as proof of his demise.
"Ha, the fools" he thought, "I am sure they think me dead, but soon they will find out otherwise."
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When the group returned to Heartridge, Alisha was still pondering over the recent events. She had thanked Sorentho for holding onto Mathias' armor for her and immediately took possession of it. The only reason the young woman did not keep it together with his sword was simply because it would have been a heavy burden on her. Alisha prided herself on her speed and ability to use an enemy's force against them, but she was never exceptionally strong.
Alisha refused to believe that Mathias was dead. The thought of such of skilled warrior falling to the Shadowblades was too depressing. She had little time to dwell on it when the messenger came with the letter. Alisha's first thought was that this might be another trap from the organization. She had already been targeted before in a similar manner and perhaps they thought she would fall for the same trick twice. However, the more she thought about it, the more she realized the improbablity of that, We took care of the Shadowblades in the eastern plains and their leader will have only just returned with new troops...there is no way that they could reorganize so quickly...but...I would rather not wind up in a cage again.
Alisha spoke softly to Rose, Sorentho and Haldinmur, "This seal...it does bare the mark of Master Mathias...but...I am still concerned. I plan to follow the instructions. Please give me a head start then come. If it is a trap, I will flee or hold off the Shadowblades long enough for you to come. If not...you will finally get to meet the man I speak so highly of." With that, Alisha bowed to her allies and made her way to the inn.
Despite her minor hinderance from the armor, Alisha was very good at remaining stealthy when she put her mind to it. She could remember all those times she snuck around the dojo trying to spy on her father's martial arts lessons. It was not her best skill but she was competent. The main reason the shadowblades got the jump on her was because she was not expecting to be forced to sneak around Heartridge.
When she reached the door of the meeting room, her actions were swift. She turned the doornob quickly and kicked it open hard. She then hopped back and took up a defensive stance as if she expected someone to attack her. Needless to say, she was relieved to see Mathias in the meeting room and immediately lowered her guard. She bowed and with a smile spoke, "Master Mathias...I am so glad to see you. I...was worried...perhaps put on edge by everything that has happened in your absence."
She made her way into the meeting room and closed the unlocked door behind her. She smiled apologetically, Forgive me for that moment earlier. I...when the Shadowblades targeted me, it was through an invitation similar to the one you sent out. There are three others who should be arriving soon. I do not believe you have met them, but they have aided me during this affair with the Shadowblades.
The first person is Rose, a cleric woman who has been aiding me over the last month. There is also a dwaven wizard named Winterbeard who aided me for that same amount of time, yet I have not seen him lately. The other two, Sorentho and Haldinmur, I only met three to four days ago. However, they fought alongside me when they could have simply washed their hands of the whole affair. Haldinmur is an elven druid who wishes to assist with calming the undead that goblins awoke a month or so ago. Sorentho...he will likely introduce himself before anyone else. He has stated...repeatedly that he is a wandering savior who would have taken care of the goblin problem if he arrived here a month ago. He is a decent swordfighter though. Everyone else who comes, you would already know.
Although there is something I wish to ask, did you know this person Master Mathias?" She reached into her pack and set two objects down on the table. The first was Mathias' Armor while the second was his sword. Finally, she pulled out the head of the Shadowblade Lieutenant who was parading around in Mathias' equipment before he was killed. She hoped to get a response soon so she could put the head away before the others arrived. Truth be told, she hated holding onto it at all.
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Mathias eyes widen, and his lip tighten at the site of the head that Alisha placed upon the table.
"Beamus Serealius!"he exclaimed, as he moved with a pantherish speed to reached for the severed head with his rugged hands.
"I would have never thought this of him."he muttered, as he was lost in thought. "Indeed, I once knew this man."
He takes a deep breath and exhales before continuing. In another life, I once worked with this man, not as a Shadowblade, but as one of Cin's Blood Wolves."
"I use to work with a band of mercenaries years ago, which is where I got this armor and sword." his fingers caresing his old gear.
"The leader of the band was Cin Morto, a powerful elven spellsword, with a sharp mind, and a sense of charisma that drew people to him".
"I learned from him how to manipulate magical items and a bit about arcane lore, as well as the use of tactics in battle."
"I owe my life to that man, he was the one who saved me and trained me to be a warrior. When I was a young boy I ran afoul of his companions, and it was him who spared me and taught me the ways of the sword."
"I had the talent to learn the arcane arts, and a natural aptitude, but I prefered to focus on my martial skills, and I latered learned how to use the greatsword from his righthand warrior, Artier Rivenshield."
"But, I also worked some of the more "delicate" jobs that Cin needed done."
"Artier and his warriors were known as the right hand of Cin, and Bartholmew, Beamus and I, and a few others, were the left."
"Bartholomew was a master assassin by trade, and I ran a few killings for him." his face indignant as he says this
"Usually Beamus and I were used to do recon, and set traps before the main troop arrived. look of fond memory clouds his face momentarily
"But, I left the group after it faced defeat seven years ago, at the hands of an army of frost giants, eighty-five miles outside of Luskan."
"Its why I ended up here really, I took the first ship out of Luskan to the Moonshae to start a new life."
"I wonder what this means? Was there anyone else there? Could he still be working for Bartholomew? or even Cin?"
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Alisha bowed her head towards the vetran warrior as she spoke softly, "I...am sorry that you have to see a former companion like this. When we encountered the Shadowblades in their forward camp, he was overseeing the camp while wearing your armor. Even when we dealt with the guards, he continued to fight. I believe he thought we were weakened enough to defeat by himself. If I did not find the armor on him, I would not have brought back his head." She slowly realized that starting from the middle would not really help the situation, "Perhaps it would be best if I told you my accounts first. The others have heard and experienced most of them anyway."
Alisha sat down at the table and sighed, "This all started about four days ago. I was planning to head to Heartridge Graveyard with Rose to help stem the tide of undead. The goblins had disturbed a great number of them as I said previously. I met Sorentho that day and persuaded him to help as well. Just before we left, I recieved a message that Yin Lee, a friend of my father, had come to Heartridge and wished to speak with me. When I went to his room, I found his dead body and myself surrounded by Shadowblades. I was not expecting an ambush and was caught unprepared.
They took me to their camp and I met their leader, a snide man who wished to hand me over as a prize for Vracknor. He is connected to the Shadowblades as an employer, I believe. As for the reasons...I...am not truly sure why they would want me." She produced a letter out of her pack which appeared to be marching orders for the Shadowblades in the area. The orders seem to include creating a task force to capture and interrogate Alisha as well as wipe out the remaining Hammerhelm Bloodline, "There is more...my father sent a note with Yin Lee. It was torn in the struggle...so I do not know what he was trying to tell me. He said...that there was another reason why he was so reluctant to teach me more than the theory behind martial arts...that it was related to my birth parents and a history they were trying to ignore. I am one of the last. The last of what, I have no clue. The Shadowblade leader seemed interested in finding out whether I knew something or not...but this is insane. My birth parents were simple farmers, nothing more! They were killed in the crossfire when Elmwood keep errupted into civil war! There is nothing special about me."
Alisha shook her head as she tried to calm herself again, obviously this fear of not knowing her true past was getting to her, "I...I am sorry for that. I should continue. The leader headed off to contact Vravknor with the intent of returning with him in three days. During my first day, the guard assigned to my cell freed me. He said he was from Corwell Keep and part of a faction working against Vracknor. He knew full well that if he did this and was discovered, the shadowblades would kill him. Once free, I met up with the others and told them about everything. We launched an assault on the Shadowblades camp and managed to rescue the man undercover. I did not ask him name...I thought it would be safer not to. Before we parted ways, he mentioned another person, Genar who might have more information on Vracknor."
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"I see" said the middle-aged warrior, as he descended into his chair.
"I know this Genar you speak of, he was a client of mine a month back, he hired me to retrieve his "fishing kit", though I assumed he had other reasons for retrieving it, or for him being in the Hills of Goth to begin with." he strokes his beard in thought.
"I will seek Genar out as soon as possible, but first I have something for you to know.
I have been changing the dynamics of my company, and now I am investing it in this endeavor against Vracknor and the Shadowblades.
I have been putting some funds into suppling Miko with the tools he needs, as well as keeping an eye on the forces surrounding the lands."he chuckles slightly "I know about your companions and I know about the ambush that befell you, and I am sorry that I could do nothing about it, but I have been in hiding since the Shadowblades made an attempt on my live, and nearly suceeded." he lifts his tunic, to reveal a month old dagger scar beneath his heart. "I am a lucky man, and they thought me dead, so I let them believe that. But, I still never knew till now the Beamus was a part of this." he sighs.
"It seems that Vracknor has many connections, and the town has spies everywhere, I now know that the assassins were sent not only because we destroyed the goblins, but because I have been running my business towards finding out who he is, and now it would seem that it is personal as well."his eyes ablaze at the thought of the implications this could have.
"The reason I sent the letter was to ready you against the Shadowblades, but it seems it came to late, and you have suceeded without my aid." he chuckles softly."But, I also sent it to inform you of Miko's progress, and I am informed that you shall have some answers within a few days time."
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Alisha rubbed the back of her head as she commented with uncertainty, "I do not believe we have dealt with them completely. The attack on their camp though successful only hinders them. By now, their leader and perhaps Vracknor himself have come to this region with fresh troops. They just lack a base of operations to support them now. In my opinion we gave them a black eye. They are hurting but will heal in time."
The student of the gentle way commented, "From what the spy told me, Vracknor was a being too powerful to face alone at this time. Especially with the leader of the shadowblades and several bodyguards around. Hopefully, they will remain on the defensive for some time thanks to this blow. This would give us the opportunity to learn more about our foes."
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"I concur with your assessment, and from my understanding, this Vracknor seems to strike fear in all who are connected to him, but there is no solid description of what he is, just that he is a master of arcane knowledge."gently sighs.
"Hopefully Miko will have some answers, but in the mean time, I worry about this latest news you hae brought me, if Beamus was the lietiuant, then I am sure that Bartholomew cannot be too far, and if he is involved, we must be more careful."
saying this, he laughs a bit, then looks seriously at Alisha and says.
"He is far better at his job than I am, and what he does is kill."
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Prince Gloin Hammerhelm's heart pounded as he stood on the bridge of his ship, the Anvil, as it drove on through the huge swells of the Trackless Sea back from Karsiz, the Dwarven stronghold he called home on the isle of Moray, a few days travel by land and sea from Heartridge. Below deck were a handful of the finest warriors and clerics his Kingdom could provide. The Prince knew that the Goblin raids had not been kind to either Heartridge or his home, but with the quelling of goblin raids at Karsiz, he hoped his retinue could help turn the tide or, at best, slow the damage being done.
The Paladin's last re-collection he had of Heartridge was his friend and associate Mathias, overcome by some unknown assailant, lying in a pool of his own blood pouring from a wound he hoped was not fatal, by an assailant of unknown origin. The meager offering of simple healing salves and a Lay On Hands was all his power could muster at that time. He hoped for the blessings of Moradin to deem this a worthy cause.
"Go home, leave me here and get help! I will heal but I fear this place will be overrun if we cannot muster any more aid!" Mathias had said.
Gloin had argued that his would not leave his stricken friend's side until he showed considerable improvement, but his words came to nothing.
"Leave now and muster more help for us, otherwise there will be two casualties here tonight, now GO!"
That was two weeks past now and Gloin could still remember himself leaving town in the cover of darkness after saying a quiet blessing to Moradin for his injured friend.
He did not know if the salves and blessing had eased the pain in his comrade's eyes, or the prospect of seeing a return on some investment that had been made. Either way, a life was a life and Gloin swore he would do all in his power and status to help.
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"Even if Beamus was working for my old crew still, there are other issues that concern me, such as Gloin." the grizzled warrior said with a little concern.
"The last I saw him, he was on his way to Karsiz in hopes of getting some support for Heartridge.
Now all we can do is hope that he has made it, and that he will make it back in time with some aid" his hand unconsciously feeling the scar as he recalls the events that lead to Gloin's flight for aid.
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"Land Ho!" shouted Bild, the Anvil's lookout as headland came into view on the horizon.
"Aye brother, I sensed we were getting close." replied Gloin.
Turning to the unit of clansmen assembled on the bridge he continued "We near the hour brothers, let us give praise to Moradin and King Bruni that they will grant us victory!"
"I have every confidence we will succeed, Prince!" proclaimed Finn.
"Ah, ever the optimist, brother!" replied Ginnar, smiling.
The Anvil made good time, sailing swiftly towards the Northern shore and rounding some headland into a bay, ready to drop anchor.
"I wish i shared the confidence you clerics possess!" said Thekk, dourly. "I have seen more death and conflict defending Karsiz than any Dwarf should endure! I shall not be satisfied until the threat of greenskins has been wiped from the lands and we can return home!"
"We all share your concerns, brother." said Gloin. "However I chose you for your skill in battle and am sure the outcome will be favourable. We all took an Oath to aid both Heartridge and Mathias and I aim to deliver on both counts!"
"Your strength of faith is strong, brother." said Finn. "Your time as a guard in the service of the King has taught you well."
"Aye," said Ginnar "Moradin will see us through this expedition!"
"As will this!" laughed Bild, handing Thekk his halberd. A faint smile appeared on the weathered face of the old guardsman.
"Indeed" gleamed Thekk. "Now let us depart for our goal. Prince, give the order."
Gloin nodded and flashed a hearty grin. "The time is now, kinsmen, onwards to Heartridge, for Karsiz!" The group entered the mooring boat, lowered into the icy waters below and set out towards the shore.
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The party wearily headed back to Heartridge. Gloin's burden was hard for him to bear, though he got strength from Moradin to carry his fallen kinsman, Genar, back to the possibilty of clerical aid. He hoped Finn and Ginnar had arrived in the town so that they could restore his friend to life or at the very least give a decent burial. Having just met up with Mathias after his conversation with Rakhir; a kinsman he had no knowledge of; he becan to feel that once again the party faced more questions than answers but more than that, he had made new friends since he had returned to Heartridge and that was most definately a blessing!
Jarnor the barkeep shall deliver it to you.
It is a wax sealed enveloped with the crest of a greatsword and a wildcat; the symbol of Mathias Grey.
The seal is unbroken, and safe.
It reads:
To those of my esteemed association:
I apologize for my absence and lack of contact with you, but circumstances have forced me to lay low until now.
It has come to my attention that you have involved yourselves with the organization known as the Shadowblades.
I myself have had a run in with this notorius organization recently, and wish to have a meeting with you in the upper levels of the inn, in the meeting hall on the first door to the left.
I will explain a few things to you, and bring you up to date.
Make sure you are not followed.
-Grey
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The brown haired man sat in the corner of the meeting room, his greatsword beside him, leaning against the wall.
He waits patiently, his eyes never wavering from the the doorway; the only way into the room.
He had sent a message to his companions earlier that day, and he awaited them, but he also feared that his message be intercepted by the Shadowblades.
His side ached at the thought of the Shadowblades, and his hand reached for the freshly healed wound below his heart.
The memories of that night were hazy, but he remembered waking from a dream suddenly to find a man above him trusting a knife towards his heart.
He had no time to dodge the strike, instead he glanced the blow to miss the killing mark.
A blinding white pain sheared through his body, and his vision went black.
When he awoke, he was laying on the floor in a pool of his own blood.
The knife had missed his heart and he thanked the gods that he was still alive.
The assassins had made off with his old armor and his old sword.
His armor and sword were sentimental piece from his times with Cin's mercenary company.
He was sure that they took it as proof of his demise.
"Ha, the fools" he thought, "I am sure they think me dead, but soon they will find out otherwise."
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When the group returned to Heartridge, Alisha was still pondering over the recent events. She had thanked Sorentho for holding onto Mathias' armor for her and immediately took possession of it. The only reason the young woman did not keep it together with his sword was simply because it would have been a heavy burden on her. Alisha prided herself on her speed and ability to use an enemy's force against them, but she was never exceptionally strong.
Alisha refused to believe that Mathias was dead. The thought of such of skilled warrior falling to the Shadowblades was too depressing. She had little time to dwell on it when the messenger came with the letter. Alisha's first thought was that this might be another trap from the organization. She had already been targeted before in a similar manner and perhaps they thought she would fall for the same trick twice. However, the more she thought about it, the more she realized the improbablity of that, We took care of the Shadowblades in the eastern plains and their leader will have only just returned with new troops...there is no way that they could reorganize so quickly...but...I would rather not wind up in a cage again.
Alisha spoke softly to Rose, Sorentho and Haldinmur, "This seal...it does bare the mark of Master Mathias...but...I am still concerned. I plan to follow the instructions. Please give me a head start then come. If it is a trap, I will flee or hold off the Shadowblades long enough for you to come. If not...you will finally get to meet the man I speak so highly of." With that, Alisha bowed to her allies and made her way to the inn.
Despite her minor hinderance from the armor, Alisha was very good at remaining stealthy when she put her mind to it. She could remember all those times she snuck around the dojo trying to spy on her father's martial arts lessons. It was not her best skill but she was competent. The main reason the shadowblades got the jump on her was because she was not expecting to be forced to sneak around Heartridge.
When she reached the door of the meeting room, her actions were swift. She turned the doornob quickly and kicked it open hard. She then hopped back and took up a defensive stance as if she expected someone to attack her. Needless to say, she was relieved to see Mathias in the meeting room and immediately lowered her guard. She bowed and with a smile spoke, "Master Mathias...I am so glad to see you. I...was worried...perhaps put on edge by everything that has happened in your absence."
She made her way into the meeting room and closed the unlocked door behind her. She smiled apologetically, Forgive me for that moment earlier. I...when the Shadowblades targeted me, it was through an invitation similar to the one you sent out. There are three others who should be arriving soon. I do not believe you have met them, but they have aided me during this affair with the Shadowblades.
The first person is Rose, a cleric woman who has been aiding me over the last month. There is also a dwaven wizard named Winterbeard who aided me for that same amount of time, yet I have not seen him lately. The other two, Sorentho and Haldinmur, I only met three to four days ago. However, they fought alongside me when they could have simply washed their hands of the whole affair. Haldinmur is an elven druid who wishes to assist with calming the undead that goblins awoke a month or so ago. Sorentho...he will likely introduce himself before anyone else. He has stated...repeatedly that he is a wandering savior who would have taken care of the goblin problem if he arrived here a month ago. He is a decent swordfighter though. Everyone else who comes, you would already know.
Although there is something I wish to ask, did you know this person Master Mathias?" She reached into her pack and set two objects down on the table. The first was Mathias' Armor while the second was his sword. Finally, she pulled out the head of the Shadowblade Lieutenant who was parading around in Mathias' equipment before he was killed. She hoped to get a response soon so she could put the head away before the others arrived. Truth be told, she hated holding onto it at all.
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Mathias eyes widen, and his lip tighten at the site of the head that Alisha placed upon the table.
"Beamus Serealius!"he exclaimed, as he moved with a pantherish speed to reached for the severed head with his rugged hands.
"I would have never thought this of him."he muttered, as he was lost in thought. "Indeed, I once knew this man."
He takes a deep breath and exhales before continuing. In another life, I once worked with this man, not as a Shadowblade, but as one of Cin's Blood Wolves."
"I use to work with a band of mercenaries years ago, which is where I got this armor and sword." his fingers caresing his old gear.
"The leader of the band was Cin Morto, a powerful elven spellsword, with a sharp mind, and a sense of charisma that drew people to him".
"I learned from him how to manipulate magical items and a bit about arcane lore, as well as the use of tactics in battle."
"I owe my life to that man, he was the one who saved me and trained me to be a warrior. When I was a young boy I ran afoul of his companions, and it was him who spared me and taught me the ways of the sword."
"I had the talent to learn the arcane arts, and a natural aptitude, but I prefered to focus on my martial skills, and I latered learned how to use the greatsword from his righthand warrior, Artier Rivenshield."
"But, I also worked some of the more "delicate" jobs that Cin needed done."
"Artier and his warriors were known as the right hand of Cin, and Bartholmew, Beamus and I, and a few others, were the left."
"Bartholomew was a master assassin by trade, and I ran a few killings for him." his face indignant as he says this
"Usually Beamus and I were used to do recon, and set traps before the main troop arrived. look of fond memory clouds his face momentarily
"But, I left the group after it faced defeat seven years ago, at the hands of an army of frost giants, eighty-five miles outside of Luskan."
"Its why I ended up here really, I took the first ship out of Luskan to the Moonshae to start a new life."
"I wonder what this means? Was there anyone else there? Could he still be working for Bartholomew? or even Cin?"
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Alisha bowed her head towards the vetran warrior as she spoke softly, "I...am sorry that you have to see a former companion like this. When we encountered the Shadowblades in their forward camp, he was overseeing the camp while wearing your armor. Even when we dealt with the guards, he continued to fight. I believe he thought we were weakened enough to defeat by himself. If I did not find the armor on him, I would not have brought back his head." She slowly realized that starting from the middle would not really help the situation, "Perhaps it would be best if I told you my accounts first. The others have heard and experienced most of them anyway."
Alisha sat down at the table and sighed, "This all started about four days ago. I was planning to head to Heartridge Graveyard with Rose to help stem the tide of undead. The goblins had disturbed a great number of them as I said previously. I met Sorentho that day and persuaded him to help as well. Just before we left, I recieved a message that Yin Lee, a friend of my father, had come to Heartridge and wished to speak with me. When I went to his room, I found his dead body and myself surrounded by Shadowblades. I was not expecting an ambush and was caught unprepared.
They took me to their camp and I met their leader, a snide man who wished to hand me over as a prize for Vracknor. He is connected to the Shadowblades as an employer, I believe. As for the reasons...I...am not truly sure why they would want me." She produced a letter out of her pack which appeared to be marching orders for the Shadowblades in the area. The orders seem to include creating a task force to capture and interrogate Alisha as well as wipe out the remaining Hammerhelm Bloodline, "There is more...my father sent a note with Yin Lee. It was torn in the struggle...so I do not know what he was trying to tell me. He said...that there was another reason why he was so reluctant to teach me more than the theory behind martial arts...that it was related to my birth parents and a history they were trying to ignore. I am one of the last. The last of what, I have no clue. The Shadowblade leader seemed interested in finding out whether I knew something or not...but this is insane. My birth parents were simple farmers, nothing more! They were killed in the crossfire when Elmwood keep errupted into civil war! There is nothing special about me."
Alisha shook her head as she tried to calm herself again, obviously this fear of not knowing her true past was getting to her, "I...I am sorry for that. I should continue. The leader headed off to contact Vravknor with the intent of returning with him in three days. During my first day, the guard assigned to my cell freed me. He said he was from Corwell Keep and part of a faction working against Vracknor. He knew full well that if he did this and was discovered, the shadowblades would kill him. Once free, I met up with the others and told them about everything. We launched an assault on the Shadowblades camp and managed to rescue the man undercover. I did not ask him name...I thought it would be safer not to. Before we parted ways, he mentioned another person, Genar who might have more information on Vracknor."
« Last Edit: on: Oct 18, 2008, 7:56PM » I.P. Logged
Ward
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"I see" said the middle-aged warrior, as he descended into his chair.
"I know this Genar you speak of, he was a client of mine a month back, he hired me to retrieve his "fishing kit", though I assumed he had other reasons for retrieving it, or for him being in the Hills of Goth to begin with." he strokes his beard in thought.
"I will seek Genar out as soon as possible, but first I have something for you to know.
I have been changing the dynamics of my company, and now I am investing it in this endeavor against Vracknor and the Shadowblades.
I have been putting some funds into suppling Miko with the tools he needs, as well as keeping an eye on the forces surrounding the lands."he chuckles slightly "I know about your companions and I know about the ambush that befell you, and I am sorry that I could do nothing about it, but I have been in hiding since the Shadowblades made an attempt on my live, and nearly suceeded." he lifts his tunic, to reveal a month old dagger scar beneath his heart. "I am a lucky man, and they thought me dead, so I let them believe that. But, I still never knew till now the Beamus was a part of this." he sighs.
"It seems that Vracknor has many connections, and the town has spies everywhere, I now know that the assassins were sent not only because we destroyed the goblins, but because I have been running my business towards finding out who he is, and now it would seem that it is personal as well."his eyes ablaze at the thought of the implications this could have.
"The reason I sent the letter was to ready you against the Shadowblades, but it seems it came to late, and you have suceeded without my aid." he chuckles softly."But, I also sent it to inform you of Miko's progress, and I am informed that you shall have some answers within a few days time."
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Alisha rubbed the back of her head as she commented with uncertainty, "I do not believe we have dealt with them completely. The attack on their camp though successful only hinders them. By now, their leader and perhaps Vracknor himself have come to this region with fresh troops. They just lack a base of operations to support them now. In my opinion we gave them a black eye. They are hurting but will heal in time."
The student of the gentle way commented, "From what the spy told me, Vracknor was a being too powerful to face alone at this time. Especially with the leader of the shadowblades and several bodyguards around. Hopefully, they will remain on the defensive for some time thanks to this blow. This would give us the opportunity to learn more about our foes."
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"I concur with your assessment, and from my understanding, this Vracknor seems to strike fear in all who are connected to him, but there is no solid description of what he is, just that he is a master of arcane knowledge."gently sighs.
"Hopefully Miko will have some answers, but in the mean time, I worry about this latest news you hae brought me, if Beamus was the lietiuant, then I am sure that Bartholomew cannot be too far, and if he is involved, we must be more careful."
saying this, he laughs a bit, then looks seriously at Alisha and says.
"He is far better at his job than I am, and what he does is kill."
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Prince Gloin Hammerhelm's heart pounded as he stood on the bridge of his ship, the Anvil, as it drove on through the huge swells of the Trackless Sea back from Karsiz, the Dwarven stronghold he called home on the isle of Moray, a few days travel by land and sea from Heartridge. Below deck were a handful of the finest warriors and clerics his Kingdom could provide. The Prince knew that the Goblin raids had not been kind to either Heartridge or his home, but with the quelling of goblin raids at Karsiz, he hoped his retinue could help turn the tide or, at best, slow the damage being done.
The Paladin's last re-collection he had of Heartridge was his friend and associate Mathias, overcome by some unknown assailant, lying in a pool of his own blood pouring from a wound he hoped was not fatal, by an assailant of unknown origin. The meager offering of simple healing salves and a Lay On Hands was all his power could muster at that time. He hoped for the blessings of Moradin to deem this a worthy cause.
"Go home, leave me here and get help! I will heal but I fear this place will be overrun if we cannot muster any more aid!" Mathias had said.
Gloin had argued that his would not leave his stricken friend's side until he showed considerable improvement, but his words came to nothing.
"Leave now and muster more help for us, otherwise there will be two casualties here tonight, now GO!"
That was two weeks past now and Gloin could still remember himself leaving town in the cover of darkness after saying a quiet blessing to Moradin for his injured friend.
He did not know if the salves and blessing had eased the pain in his comrade's eyes, or the prospect of seeing a return on some investment that had been made. Either way, a life was a life and Gloin swore he would do all in his power and status to help.
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"Even if Beamus was working for my old crew still, there are other issues that concern me, such as Gloin." the grizzled warrior said with a little concern.
"The last I saw him, he was on his way to Karsiz in hopes of getting some support for Heartridge.
Now all we can do is hope that he has made it, and that he will make it back in time with some aid" his hand unconsciously feeling the scar as he recalls the events that lead to Gloin's flight for aid.
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"Land Ho!" shouted Bild, the Anvil's lookout as headland came into view on the horizon.
"Aye brother, I sensed we were getting close." replied Gloin.
Turning to the unit of clansmen assembled on the bridge he continued "We near the hour brothers, let us give praise to Moradin and King Bruni that they will grant us victory!"
"I have every confidence we will succeed, Prince!" proclaimed Finn.
"Ah, ever the optimist, brother!" replied Ginnar, smiling.
The Anvil made good time, sailing swiftly towards the Northern shore and rounding some headland into a bay, ready to drop anchor.
"I wish i shared the confidence you clerics possess!" said Thekk, dourly. "I have seen more death and conflict defending Karsiz than any Dwarf should endure! I shall not be satisfied until the threat of greenskins has been wiped from the lands and we can return home!"
"We all share your concerns, brother." said Gloin. "However I chose you for your skill in battle and am sure the outcome will be favourable. We all took an Oath to aid both Heartridge and Mathias and I aim to deliver on both counts!"
"Your strength of faith is strong, brother." said Finn. "Your time as a guard in the service of the King has taught you well."
"Aye," said Ginnar "Moradin will see us through this expedition!"
"As will this!" laughed Bild, handing Thekk his halberd. A faint smile appeared on the weathered face of the old guardsman.
"Indeed" gleamed Thekk. "Now let us depart for our goal. Prince, give the order."
Gloin nodded and flashed a hearty grin. "The time is now, kinsmen, onwards to Heartridge, for Karsiz!" The group entered the mooring boat, lowered into the icy waters below and set out towards the shore.
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The party wearily headed back to Heartridge. Gloin's burden was hard for him to bear, though he got strength from Moradin to carry his fallen kinsman, Genar, back to the possibilty of clerical aid. He hoped Finn and Ginnar had arrived in the town so that they could restore his friend to life or at the very least give a decent burial. Having just met up with Mathias after his conversation with Rakhir; a kinsman he had no knowledge of; he becan to feel that once again the party faced more questions than answers but more than that, he had made new friends since he had returned to Heartridge and that was most definately a blessing!