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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted June 01, 2006 01:28 PM |
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Hathar was sitting still in front of Mark, finally calmed down, but still grinding his teeth. He was starting to get frustrated by the consequent questions of his mates, yet he felt relieved whenever he told someone of his worries.
" You see, " Hathar sharply eyed Mark. " The evening of the day before today... "
He warily told him (not told him, whispered to him) what happened on the hill, about his and Richard's conversation and about the latest event with the foreigners. Never did he thought of mentioning the disappearance of the letter and of its existence at all, but Mark continued Hathar's speech including the letter. Krull, who was standing next to Richard, was lazily leaning towards the tree, yet interested in what Hathar had to say. On the other hand, Hathar was speaking extremely silently, as he was still wary of Ike, who always managed to appear exactly where Hathar was talking, so only a part was to be heard.
" ... You know, I always trusted in this runemaster, but now that fellow proved to be a strange one, knowing so much about us all, especially those who are now here... " The dwarf gazed for a moment at every one of them and smiled. " The tricks of fortune, eh? "
He fell silent and stood up. He was as still as that boulder. Whatever was on Mark's mind he did not know. He did not dare to even try to extract Mark's thoughts and emotions, knowing full well he was a powerful magician. But somehow, Hathar believed that Richard and Mark shall find the answer. He felt like it. He desired for it.
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TNT_Addict
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Beautiful Liar
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posted June 01, 2006 10:13 PM |
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Frustration and dissapointment started to build up inside Krull, it is only the first step in their quest to land their hands on the keeps treasures and they can't even get inside it. The damn door is giving them trouble, what would they do next then, when the things are going to get really hectic...? All of his hope concerning the magical traps and inconviniences were intrusted in their mage, this mark fellow, if he is not able to get them inside what good was in taking him along?
I would choose power over magic anyday, we should have taken another blade with us, maybe we could have broken down this door together... With this thought he took out a nicely folded old parchment, he lifted it up to his nose and took in its scent. Unfolding it caused him pain and agony beyond all else, a tear slowly fell on the ground. It was a beautifully painted portreit of Sugdiana painted by a very talented elf artist back when they were together.
Suddenly he felt his strengh returning to him, filling him with renewed energy... He could not understand this at first but he felt all of his old skills returning to him, he could sense smells that he couldn't before, see a lot better in the dark and hear sounds like Ikes breathing far away... Yes he knew, he was back at his best shape of his life like at this same day 10 years ago when every battlefield was his home and he was its master, sharper than ever.
"I had enough of this magical things for tonight, runes - shmunes... I don't care what you say, I cannot suffer anymore, the pain is just unbearable, even to me. Password you say... I will give him a taste of my password!"
Unsheathing his sword, gripping it really tight in his palms, he rushed towards the entrance door screaming his guts out...
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Please
click and help me out!! Thanks!!
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Gom_Jabbar
Promising
Famous Hero
Revealer of Truth
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posted June 02, 2006 12:20 AM |
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Things tend to be so quiet in the shadowplane, maybe just because not many things walk it anymore. So peacefull and yet so unconfortable for those not acustomed with it.
Shadow: Greetings Master Planeswalker!
The response from Marks side was as fast as a blink of an eye. Switching planes that fast requires a great deal of knowledge and mastery of magic.
Mark: Who are you beast? said Mark while he prepared a banish spell.
Shadow: Ohh... nobody called me a beast in a long time. I quite forgot the sound of the word. I havent come to you with bad intentions magician! I come with only the best intentions, that is to help you in your quest. If, of course you will accept my help. For now I am only revealing myself to you, with the request of presenting my case to your fellow adventurers. I know you all so good, especially you Mark, even though none of you remember me. You know... I look much more beautifull in the first plane. I'll be staying here until you will return with an answer. Oh, and by the way, you can call me Usul.
...at least for now my old friend
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted June 02, 2006 08:30 AM |
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While Hathar talked to the mage, Krull, his friend, jumped forth in a savage rage. Screaming something that sounded like a mumbled curse at the door. Watching as he neared it with his sword in hand, suddenly, without warning, a thunderous boom occured. A flash of brilliant white light filled the area and the next moment, Krull could be seen flying though the air, landing roughly 40 yards away, breathing heavily.
"It seems apparant that brute force won't work." I said calmly, then turning to look at Mark I asked, "Have you thought of a 'password' to open this door yet? Perhaps if Hathar took a closer look at the door, the runes along the siding of it would provide some sort of clue if he's capable of translating them? It's merely a suggestion, but it just might work."
Knowing fully well that like an old legend of a man and forty theives, saying the words that opened the door to treasure's untold was exactly like the legend. The only difference is the words were clearly written right before their eyes. I couldn't just give myself away and simply say, just go to the door and put your hand here while saying this in dwarven. That would be far too obvious, and I was possibly already in danger of giving myself away.
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When all else fails... Take notes.... ALL the time... ESPECIALLY when playing D&D.... or Pokemon in my case
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted June 02, 2006 11:14 AM |
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Mark switched back to the first plane.
Ike was talking to him, indicating something on the walls, where Krull had tried to pound. Such brutality in his soul, that it glowed bright even on the Spirit plane.
Mark would laugh at his stupidity, if his courage did not render it obselete.
But Hathar had finished his story.
They were all standing as if nothing had happened, but they had not seen her.
She was there... somewhere. Mark gazed off into the empty halls around them, lost. How she had disappeared from the first plane entirely was inspiring, a brilliant illusionist could bring about such trickery, but Mark knew that she was not merely unseen, but rather, was not there at all, and for that, she had Mark beat. She was not a planeswalker.
"Mark?!" Hathar grunted.
Mark cast his gaze back down to the dwarf. Usul... would have to wait.
"Hathar. There is something you're holding back. You know the password, I can see that much. It is in your blood, and your vision holds the clue. Please, think."
Mark turned to Ike.
"These runes... from what age are they? Didn't you say something about a runemaster, Hathar?" Mark asked, searching Hathars words in his mind.
These people knew nothing about magic, expecting him to just be able to say a spell and the door will fly open. No one can manipulate matter like that... it was impossible, a myth come rumour through false trickery and illusion.
True magic energy was much more complex; but for them to try to understand it would destroy their minds, so Mark would have to take the blame of uselessness for now.
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John says to live above hell.
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Gom_Jabbar
Promising
Famous Hero
Revealer of Truth
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posted June 02, 2006 07:17 PM |
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Alone again. The thoughts started crossing his mind in such numerous numbers, that if a human ever experienced that he'd surely go mad. Glimpses of the past and of the future started crumbling around him, in flashes of light and colors, visions of Grenth's tortures and of Dwayna's healing hands. How they changed him... beyond recognition. They say that some things leave scars that never heal. If that is so, then he was nothing but a walking scar. But then again some say that what doesn't kill you makes you stronger, and he's seen death in all her splendor so many times. They didn't kill him, or should I say didn't let him die, but they stripped him of all his humanity.
Ages have gone past him, mostly full of dark secrets and deeds. "Beast", that's how Mark called him. And he's was not wrong, for he is one. The beast of all beasts, which only illusion can help making it look good. On the other hand illusion became long ago his second nature just like planeshifting did.
"Maybe the time has finally come. I know you can hear my thoughts Grenth, but you know it as well as I do that the day when You will have to let me go is fast approaching. The rules apply even for You. For what I can figure they are all worthy and powerful enough to succeede in their quest. Strong hearts and wills they are. Dwayna's watching too, and there's nothing You can do. The Guardian, even if he doesn't know it yet, will purify their spirits. As for me, I will help them as much as I can, although sometimes will not seem that way."
The chains that Grenth used to enslave his spirit were long gone, but their scars are still burning his soul. All hope now laid in the hands of a group of adventurers, that are to become a group of brothers if they want to get to the end of their quest.
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted June 03, 2006 01:40 AM |
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Things were falling into place. The drow were no doubt mobilizing at this very instant to hunt the Ulindiel that might still be able to aid Richard and his companions in their direst time of need. Those Highfolk were hardly as ruthless as their fallen brethren, so there would be no trouble in eliminating them. The problem lie in finding them. An elf who wished to remain hidden would do so under any duress. Yet, the Guardian remained sure the drow would not fall short of their goal now. They had been faithful allies to Him over the years, and they hardly failed at any task they set out to do. Their will had made them an asset to the Keep over the years.
The smoke from the Cauldron hissed quietly as it escaped from its chamber below, reminding the Guardian that the meddling heroes still lingered outside. Richard knew the answers they sought, so why did he wait? Perhaps this test would, in his mind, forge the party and solidify their cause. He stepped to the vent and wove an image from the mist so that He could keep an eye on Richard’s activities.
The party had gathered around the dwarf, and Hathar was telling them a story of all he had seen. Shadows in the night? The Guardian sighed to himself as He realized that His visitors had been detected. They had grown sloppy after a long and tiresome hunt. He wasn't worried, however, for the party would never guess the purpose to which they owed this venture to the Keep. Even if they did, they could do nothing to stop the events that had been set into motion. The dwarf now knew the password as well, but he would choose not to reveal it either, it seemed. Perhaps he hesitated for the same reasons as Richard, or maybe something else held him back. Something of a more personal nature.
The Guardian had not seen the letter from the runemaster, Torn, that bore word to Hathar of the possible existence of a guardian, but He had seen the party’s silent and secret member following in the night until the night of the Keep’s assault. Those goblins in the forest had been meant for Torn as well, but there were too few left to even pose a threat to him after Richard and the others had finished with them. The runemaster had since disappeared, somehow learning that he was being watched and escaping the gaze of the Cauldron. Hiding, it seemed, was the greatest asset to all enemies of the Keep. Hopefully the drow would find him in their quest to eliminate their brethren, but He would not count on it. This matter would perhaps require His own attention very soon, an unwelcome distraction with Richard once again at His door.
Yet, if both Richard and Hathar were keeping hidden the key to entering the Keep, then perhaps Richard’s plan would backfire and the united would divide once those secrets came to light. If not, then perhaps it was time for Him to pay the party a personal visit and destroy the morale that they so diligently wished to preserve. Only time would tell.
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>_>
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted June 03, 2006 12:00 PM |
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Annunhalion was up again on his feet. His sleep was over and it seemed that he would not go back to sleep. He looked around at his companions. He could sense something happening...
What was it that woke him up?? Some noise...It was someone from the group. Ah, yes the dwarf. He recognized the voice. But what was it?? What was the cause for this shock, that stirred the dwarf? Pehaps he ought to take a closer look at the short fellow.
Mark was allready talking to him. Annunhalion sat down next to them and took out a pouch of herbes. There allready was some boiled water, so it was no problem to make a tea.
He sat and listened. The dwarf had a dream, an important, yet scary. Did he see something that was to come? So many questions ran through his head. It was best to let the dwarf talk, or help him talk.
"Here drink this, my friend," He said handing the dwarf a cup of herbal tea, "It should help you think."
He watched the dwarf drain the cup. Good... Annunhalion smiled.
"Now listen to Mark, and tell us what you saw..."
He waited for the tea to make it's effect. But still Annunhalion had a feeling of action in him. He felt that there was alot to be done and it would be best to get moving. He didn't know why, but he felt they had to get up and head forth. But this seemed important... But first, the dwarfs words were important...
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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted June 05, 2006 05:25 PM |
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Edited by TDL at 17:26, 05 Jun 2006.
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The dwarf sighed, as he drained the cup. Annunhalion was again asking him the same questions as Mark has just asked. Yet, the tea the elf had given seemed to make an effect on Hathar's mind, so he wasn't so much against answering to what he wanted know.
" And then again... "
He repeated what he had told to Mark just a few minutes ago. He thought he did not skip anything, yet how Mark and Anu reacted to his speech was somewhat he did not expect from them. They were so moodless, regardless of the fact that Hathar explained anything word by word, stating each letter so clearly that everyone could understand.
" Hathar. There is something you're holding back! Think, think! "
The dwarf slowly turned his head as he heard Mark muttering repeatedly the words he had just told to Hathar. How on earth could he know the password? The foreigners he saw that morning entered the keep so easily, but he had not seen nor heard them muttering any words or doing any other action, unless they were doing something with their hands hidden in their dark clothing.
" Visions! What of the visions? "
Someone asked him about them, yet he did not recognize whose voice was this, as he was still navigating through the rocky barriers in his mind. The visions, yes, they showed him the Keep and how to enter it, but how on earth he could transform into a bird and enter the Keep. Unless... there was a way for the crow to enter and open the fortress from inside. But nay... That seemed impossible.
Uggh... He sighed again, letting go off various grumpy sounds out of his bearded mouth.
" Richard! " suddenly he shouted, even though he was just behind him. " Do you remember me telling you about the letter, the boulder and the vision? "
The dwarf's face changed its color supposedly every second. It blushed or went pale and none could distinguish what was happening. Yet, the old wizard had a small grin planted on his face, as if saying "That's m'boy!".
" Hmph... " Hathar turned his face towards Anu and Mark again. He could see that something was changing, even though the tension thickened. " You see, one thing I was keeping hidden was the letter. " He noticed the listeners go grumpy once again. " You remember all the shouting yesterday when I as out exploring the surrounding area of the Keep. No, I am not referring to you Annunhalion, as I think you were still resting. Oh well, I better not mix this up. "
The dwarf blushed and smiled, with his eyes "bent" down. Mark was as still as a rock, yet he could sense something was happening - he was supposedly getting frustrated as he sensed something strange happening. Hathar did not care, yet he surely left a mess in his mind.
" So, yesterday, I received a letter from the runemaster Torn. This bird here, " he pointed to the crow, " was following us all along, as he was runemaster's bird and helped me to remain in contact with that old man back in the city. The circumstances of how I got ahold of this letter were even stranger than the receival of the letter itself. I was checking my rune-belt and took it off to check the surroundings of the Keep. However, one of the runes suddenly gave off a bolt into the sky and I could not control it. The energy had its vines mixed so I could not reach the source of it and shut it down. "
No one understood what the dwarf was telling about the runes, but each word was heard "eagerly".
"... In the crumbled letter Torn had written his instructions on what to do with our group and whom to trust. " He eyed his mates carefully, seeing they were astonished by what they had just heard. " Yet, there was what I did not heed. I wanted to tell you about the letter, but he forbade me to do this. I did not listen and went straight off to our encampment.
Suddenly, out of nowhere, a boulder appeared and stopped me in mid-way, knocking me down and back and tearing me out of my consciousness. I dozed off and saw a vision of some kind, where I was a bird flying inside the Keep through the top tower over there and getting struck by a red bolt of energy at the end of a strange hallway.
But that was not the whole thing. When I regained my consciousness, Richard was sitting next to me. I kept everything secret as of yet, but later on, I told him everything that was troubling me. "
" True. " Richard grunted.
" Then, the other morning - today - when I woke up, I heard someone near the Keep. Vague silhouettes were to be seen, but being drowsy did not help me with that. I took out my rune and lit the way. Five hooded men or elves were standing next to a plain wall, doing something. SNAP! Nothing there. According to my deductions, they entered the Keep by using some kind of a portal. I do not know what they had done to invoke it, but I sense they used runes as well... Or some kind of telepathic speech. "
Everyone fell silent. Hathar could hear himself breathing densely.
" That is everything I have to say. For the remainders, I might as well ask Richard to explain us something. I am not a magician, but when I was talking to you, I could clearly see you were troubled as well by some kind of visions, and those were clearly not mine. You better tell us about them too, as I think we two might be those holding the key to the Keep. "
The dwarf smiled and turned to Richard. He could not foresee how he is going to respond, but what had been done was done. Nothing to change.
" And I thought the Keep would salute us and try to exterminate us all when we are inside... Tricks of fortune, tricks of fortune. "
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted June 06, 2006 12:23 AM |
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Richard sighed, he didn't want them to rely on his knowledge so soon. He had opened this door on his own countless times. How would they be able to open up the doors within the treasure room if they could not get past so simple a door.
"I've been through this door many times, however each time one enters the door, the password changes. It's never been the same. However there is always one thing that is the same. The password is always the answer to a riddle, that only one person would understand and be able to solve."
"This door is called the Door of Insight. It looks upon the past of a single individual and creates a riddle that forces that one person to answer a question that is still unanswered today. The riddle is coded and seems to pertain to absolutely nothing whatsoever. Yet the answer always lies somewhere in the past of the one who was chosen by the door and no one else."
"We cannot get through before Hathar can answer the riddle. The riddle can also come as anything. It could be written above the door, it could be a hallucination, it could be a dream. Yet each time the one who was chosen always speaks of a vision or dream of entering through a door or portal of some sort."
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Go Red Sox!
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2XtremeToTake
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted June 06, 2006 05:33 AM |
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Devin sits in a tree above the camp restlessly...so close to his goal, yet so far. These mortals had no idea what they were getting themselves into.
'But what if they did somehow get into the keep...the treasures there would be stolen and looted. Somehow...' the thought nagged at the back of Devins mind. These mortals intrigued him. If they did get into the Keep...then what? His entire life would have been wasted. All for nothing...He would have failed his family's name.
No! The more he thought about it, the more it angered him. He couldn't let it happen. No...the Keeps defenses had failed. It was up to him to stop them. He studied the party, assessing the strong and weak points of their group. Their numbers were definitly an advantage. The ogre was nothing but a slow mass of muscle, and most likely their weak point. The fire mage could easily be taken care of as well. The ones that intrigued him were the planeswalker and the dwarf. But something that also made him curious was their leader. He seemed to be nothing but a plain human. Why would a dwarf with his runes, a fire mage, and an ogre follow a simple human?
After a couple hours of formulating a battle plan, nightfall approached. The ogre was on guard duty. Silly mortals, believing strength is the strongest point in this world. Now would be the time to act. Devin whispered into the wind...
"Hey Ogre! over here!"
The ogre, puzzled at the voice, lumbered over to the location of the voice, directly under the branch that Devin resided on. Devin grabbed a length of vines from the tree, and leapt down, wrapping the vines around the Ogre's neck. The swiftness of the assault and the durability of the vines quickly put the Ogre to sleep, but not before he could let out a loud bellow.
"Damn him!"
Devin quickly lept back up into the tree, as the others woke up and sleepily walked outside, noticing the unconscious ogre. Everyone began reaching for their weapons, uneasily looking around for the attacker.
Devin quickly leapt from tree to tree, then dived down and attacked the one closest to him, which happened to be the planeswalker. The agility caught him off guard, and he was sent to the ground. The fire mage caught sight of him, and conjured a burning sphere, hurling it at the target, but was too slow. Devin ducked the fireball and it skinned the planeswalker, catching his pants on fire. He phased out of this plane, then phased back in, effectively ridding himself of the fire. Devin ran and tackled the fire mage, pinning him to the ground. He grabbed his throat and gripped it as hard as he could, but leapt up, an arrow narrowly missing his head.
Then he felt a clubbing blow on the back of his head, and he stumbled to the ground, pinned by the human, his sword pointed at his throat.
"Who are you?!" the human angrily asked
"You're good, human...but not good enough!"
Devin kicked the human in the back of the head, and leapt up, grabbing the sword from his hands. He leapt back into the shadows, where he hid, looking for another vulnerable target. The group banded together into one circle, each looking out for each other. Something was missing though...someone...
"Forgetting something?" came a voice from behind him.
"Hello..Annunhalion"
The ranger held his blade tight to Devin's throat, barely piercing it. The others approached him cautiously, and carefully bound him to a nearby tree, so tight as to almost cut his circulation off.
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I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met.
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted June 06, 2006 10:37 AM |
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Richard had spoken well. The runes on the door must be in dwarven, perhaps the riddle directed at Hathar? Whatever it was, Mark knew that he had had the vision for a reason, and it was imperitive to opening the bound door.
Suddenly a noise, a dark stranger, violence, all in a blur as Mark spun around. They were being attacked again.
"Watch out!" Mark called, and they all backed together to form a circle, so that no one was surprised from behind.
With a flick of his wrists, Marks hands were burning with energy, ready to unleash.
"Show yourself..." Mark muttered. This was a bad time to disturb them, so close to opening the door; he would not stand for it.
"Forgetting something?" Came a voice from the dark. A familiar voice... Annunhalion had awoken.
Then the mysterious attacker stepped forward in surrender.
"Hello.. Annunhalion."
The elf had him at knifepoint. Mark was impressed.
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John says to live above hell.
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TNT_Addict
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Beautiful Liar
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posted June 06, 2006 08:26 PM |
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Krull swinged his sword at the entrance door with all of his barbarian might, any other door would be shattered instantly but instead of finding himself inside the keep a tremendous force had blocked his attack and sent him flying like an arrow for a good 40 yards. His adrenaline level now was probably at its maximum, he did not feel anything or hear anything falling down, no pain, no sound, it was only him and the door, the two of them in this whole gigantic universe. The door was the target, the target must be destroyed, that is just as simple as slaying a blind goblin. He quickly leaped to his feet, ready once again to try his luck, he did not feel stupid, he knew that the door is his salvation.
He began sweating from all of this tention, his palms that were holding the sword were all white, without even one drop of blood running through them at this point. Something was happening with the others, somekind of an intruder showed up at the camp and caused some comotion. It's not important, all that is important it's the damn door. A sudden flow of energy surprised him immensely, he felt his muscles and himself growing in size, becoming more powerfull with every second of the strengh transfer. It was pure and uncut pleasure, scenes of his past battles were running through his mind, people slaughtered by him without any reason during his pillaging.
"Do you like my present?" He was asked by the most horrible and darkest voice that he had ever heard in his life. "It's only the first taste of what I could award you with if you will do as I say and succeed at it, not to mention that you could keep your lovely princess to yourself. I could let you in if you would show me the true essence of a real barbarian, follow your fathers step, come to the dark side, it would be a worthy choice!"
By this time Krulls brain was no longer working as it had been working for almost 20 years, since his father died and he was free to choose his path in the world willingly. He was the true essence of rage, fired up he started walking towards the door. Shoving Richard and Ike aside like little bugs he reached the door and the former force this time did not push him away.
"I made my decission, I am now what my father always wanted me to be... I am Krull the destroyer, son of Drozhak the impaler!"
The runes were activated, the pass to the keep was open for him, he took his last step away from the light into complete darkness...
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Please
click and help me out!! Thanks!!
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TDL
Honorable
Supreme Hero
The weak suffer. I endure.
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posted June 06, 2006 09:20 PM |
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" STOP, I command you! "
Hathar leapt after Krull as he activated the runes and entered the darkness within the Keep. His voice was so commanding that no one dared to stand in his way as he tried to catch Krull. There was a catch to this, as was to most things that were happening around here. Yet, no one knew what was happening with Krull and why did Hathar run after him as he was about to storm into the fortress.
" Damn that barbarian! I always knew he was a mess for us! "
He was shouting in rage as he was tying the axe to his back. The mess in the camp was the same, but as the dwarf withdrew from the middle of the misunderstanding, he did not keep himself focused on the "meaningless" matters.
" Arrgh! "
Hathar spat on the rocky grass floor and stomped on the rock in front of him. His raging powers tore the rock into two parts, turning the middle side of the rock into dust. He could not help himself but think how did that foul barbarian think of such things. It was all carefully planned by the Keeper. He could not let Richard inside so easily, without tearing the party apart.
He was moving towards their encampment, his thoughts a mess once again. Krull turned to the dark side as did his father once. His friend, now his friend's son. The blasted family! Hathar was looking after Krull when he was a youngster, yet he wasn't an adult dwarf then. His father was such a nice man, a barbarian, yet with wisdom most of them lacked. Yet, the brutality and strength of his own body deceived him and made him join the Keeper with his befouled company, in his search for "pure greatness".
Right at the doorstep of the camp, he heard whispering voices echo around, yet could not distinguish who was talking. Hathar sniffed the air and sensed someone unknown to them had appeared. Or at least to him.
" One more of us has left the part... "
His speech was disrupted when he saw the foreigner. An elf or a human, someone similar to Ike, yet different, was standing in front of him, with Anu's sword tight to his throat. He must have been an elf as his face had the same marks as elves had only dwarves could notice.
Hmmm... The dwarf felt strange somehow. He thought he saw this one somewhere, yet he could not remember where. Maybe one of those who entered the Keep that morning... Oh well, they were only a memory now and their blurry faces forbad the dwarf to recognize if this is the one.
" Richard! "
He again called for Richard to come by. He remembered the words Richard told him just a few hours ago. HATHAR was supposed to answer the riddle. The blasted dwarf! That was what the runemaster wanted to tell him. That was why he received visions. And those coincidental events with outsiders... and Krull... Hmph, he wondered if Torn knew about him when he told him to put his trust in the barbarian.
" If I am to answer this riddle, I shall need to make a few preparations first, the first one being able to power up my runes. I will need the planeswalker Mark for that, as I have doubts if this is for me to answer only - concentrating and working together might help me try to answer this faster. His ability to switch planes or whatever the magicians call it might help me search for a hidden catch. And of course, I shall need your help when I find out the answer. You know how to use the password whereas we do not. Will you all, " he turned to others, except for Anu and that unlucky guy. " help me? "
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted June 07, 2006 08:03 AM |
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"So," I said calmly, "it appears one of our fair little band has already been corrupted by the Keep. Falling to his inner demon, not unlike a barbarian."
Turning to face the dwarf I asked him, "In what way may I be of service to assist you? I'm willing to help get into this keep just as quick as I'll be to get back OUT of it. In one piece of course."
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When all else fails... Take notes.... ALL the time... ESPECIALLY when playing D&D.... or Pokemon in my case
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted June 07, 2006 03:16 PM |
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The past few moments were a fast blur. A shadow lept from out of nowhere, treading his companions underfoot.
Annunhalions first reaction was jump from out of the fire and the light surrounding it... Shadows took him in.
Whoever this attacker was he moved with such agility like noone. It didn't take him long to realize that what was infront of him was an elf. And no special elf. Such abilities that this one possesed were tought to few.
It didn't surprise Annunhalion that he overcame Krull, but the way he got rid of Mark. Soon they were all rounded up. This single opponent had the upper hand. Annunhalion felt the confidence of his avisary grow. He made the deadliest mistake. Too much passion, too much confidence. The true path to victory lay in patience, awarness and being humble. This elf must yet be young, to forget about the back door. It was time to step out of the shadows.
"Forgetting something?" Annunhalion said calmly. There was no escape for the elf. What did surpise him was the answer. Whoever this was he knew Annunhalion, which brought up only more questions.
As Annunhalion tied him up, he eyed him carefuly. Many faces raced before his eyes looking for a match... He seemed...Familiar, but from where. The past few days changed Annunhalion and somehow this face still seemed familiar.
"I believe we have met." Said Annunhalion with a calm smile on his face, waiting for the answer... But what ever it would be he knew that it would not be enough to answer everything...
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2XtremeToTake
Promising
Supreme Hero
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posted June 08, 2006 02:11 AM |
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Devin eyed the party curiously after he was tied up. He had not counted on another elf being there, much less Annunhalion how could he not have noticed? Every time another walked by him, they eyed him curiously and suspiciously. The human leader walked up to him and gave him a cold glare.
"Who are you, and just exactly why did you attack us?"
"I will not answer to a pathetic human like you, you ignorant rogue." came the reply, smooth and cold.
The human pulled out his sword and held it to Devin's throat.
"Name just one reason why I shouldn't..."
"Richard, calm down," came a distant voice, "Let me speak to him."
Annunhalion walked up towards Devin and smiled calmly
"I believe we have met."
"No, not personally. But I know of you, and I'm sure you know of me."
"I see...come with me"
Annunhalion cut Devin's bindings, much to the dismay of his companions. Devin and Annunhalion walked into the forest, away from prying ears. Devin was the first to speak.
"When I was a young boy, my father came searching for this very keep. He never returned. I originally came from a very wealthy and powerful family. After my fathers disappearance, conspirators convinced the monarchs that he had stolen a powerful artifact - one that the king lent to him on his quest. After several months of turmoil, I was forced to watch my entire family massacred by the kings soldiers, and my family name banished from the kingdom and shamed."
"And you were the sole survivor...I do remember hearing something about this a while back. But what business do you have here?"
"I believe that the artifact that my father had now resides in this keep. Those mortals are the closest anyone has gotten to the keep, perhaps even farther than my father. If they somehow accessed it...you know how easily mortals are tempted by greed."
"Yes...but my companions are all trustworthy, I can assure you of that."
"Are they now? Did you not just lose your troll to the will of the keep?"
Annunhalion seemed at a loss for words. He sighed and nodded his head
"Yes...but...well...nevermind. I suppose you are right. Their minds are somewhat more subject to corruption, but their intentions are pure at heart. Come with me back to camp. The others will not attack you."
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I almost had a psychic girlfriend but she left me before we met.
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted June 08, 2006 08:04 AM |
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As the two elves walked quite a distance away from the rest of us, I could nearly make out what they were saying to each other. The new elf describing his childhood. A family massacre. An unknown treasure. While the voice that resembled Annuhlion prodded with questions and sudden realization. As truely as they must have figured themselves to be out of earshot of the humans, I considered myself lucky of my ancient heritage.
But, just then, a thought suddenly struck me. What if this new elf was also one of the High Elves? Could there be more than just one? I thought for a moment of the possibilites and the new problems it could bring up if he, in fact, WAS a high elf. I figured before this intruder showed up that I could take care of Annuhlion when the time was right, but now it would seem nearly impossible. Hopefully the ever watchful Gaurdian would have an idea. All that dastard ever seems to do is sit in his room and watch and think of ways to murder people or send a party into chaos. Which he's quite good at. Alas, all I'll be able to do is wait for further instructions if need be.
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When all else fails... Take notes.... ALL the time... ESPECIALLY when playing D&D.... or Pokemon in my case
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TheSoviet
Tavern Dweller
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posted June 08, 2006 11:14 AM |
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Suddenly he felt a presence, a very familiar presence. He began
shifting in and out of planes until he saw her. Why was she here? Probably she
was trying to kill him. Again. Didn't she learn anything from the past?
Usul: "I getting tired of your petty games Alia. Escpecially in this
times of... great changes."
Alia: “I’m no longer the Alia you once knew, old silly foul, my power is now greater than you can imagine, and your time has come. You will pay for my teacher’s death”
I a blink of an eye, in a way only a plainshifter was able to do it, Usul had his hand around Alia’s neck preparing to kill yet another enemy. Nothing could prepare him for what was about to happen. Alia grabbed Usul wrist and began the lost memories ritual. Memories of tortures, pain and suffering began to haunt his mind and his body. This was no dream, the pain was real, just like… like he was there, reliving the past. His magic and trained mind seemed useless against this attack. Something was indeed different with Alia.
The ritual was more powerful than she could imagine. Her hatred fueled it making it almost unstoppable.
Alia: “You can’t stop me anymore my dear Usul. You will die now just like I dreamed all this years. You can’t even imagine how long I’ve been dreaming about this moment.”
But something was wrong, the old fool just didn’t wanted to die. She knew from past experience that nothing else would work.
Alia: “Damn you Usul, and all your powers, maybe you will not die, but now you will live forever like this.”
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted June 08, 2006 11:17 AM |
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Mark was not surprised by Krull's outburst.
"The door is unique to different people, as Richard said. Krull has found his way in. We must find ours. Hathar, I can help you however I can, but I believe that these runes relate to you... Ancient Dwarven magic radiates from them. I have not studied the Dwarven arts, and I daresay you know more about them than me."
Then Mark saw it. Each rune was on it's one stone, and some of the stones were different in colour to the one next to it. Looking closer, there was only two different shades of grey... now he could see why Hathar could not comprehend them. Runes were hard enough to read, let alone scrambled...
Mark flicked to the plane of air. To everyone else, he clenched his fists, and then opened them. He held them palm up, revealing a faint white glow enveloping his whole hand. He pressed them to the runes, the white, magical light swallowing them whole, and causing them to shine intensely. The stones shook in their places, as if a giant quake shifted them, before they all flew out of the wall about one meter, and flew back in as abruptly as they had retreated, but in a different order.
Mark switched back, and lifted his hands from the wall.
"That should hold the secret, friend."
He took a deep breath.
"I should have noticed that before."
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John says to live above hell.
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