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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 15, 2006 02:26 AM |
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Richard lowers an eyebrow at the man and looks at him with a discriminating eye. He reaches into his pocket and fumbles through it for a second or two. He raises his eyebrows ever so slightly and pulls his hand from his pocket in a fist. He opens his hand straight as he slams it down on the bar. He pulls his hand back to his side and looks at the hooded stranger.
Several gold coins lay upon the table with very unique markings. A castle on one side and flames on the other side.
"Ever seen any gold coins like that. What you see there is pocket change to me. And will be so for you as well should we return as planned. My last party was my first to make it safely to a room full of treasure. We couldn't possibly carry all of it. I returned myself since then twice. But in this journey, gold and treasure is simply a side note of what I plan to go for. There are books and artifacts of magic within this keep. That is what I plan to go after."
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Go Red Sox!
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Shadowcaster
Honorable
Supreme Hero
Shaded Scribe
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posted January 15, 2006 03:10 AM |
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(OOC: I know this is long, but keep in mind that I am the only one on my side right now, so I have to do this both to make up for lost numbers and to give anyone who might be interested in being a Guardian an idea of what my vision for these villains entails. I hope someone else decides to join my side, as two or three heads is always better than one.)
Many adventurers had wandered into the Keep, some seeking fame, others hoping to gain great wealth from the mysterious depths, but few were crafty enough to return in one piece. Sure, certain crafty rogues had made it through before, into the treasure room where great riches lay, but not before His magnificent traps had taken from the party enough weight in life to repay back the stolen gold a hundred times over. He had been appointed to watch over the Cauldron's Keep, to guard its secrets and to divert attention from the true nature of this place. After all, the treasure was a mere tool to distract would-be adventurers from delving deeper into the Keep. Thankfully, intruders had always stopped there, hoarding the wealth they naively assumed to be the weightiest of content within these hidden ramparts.
Yet, there was one who always returned, bringing more foolish adventurers with him each time. He had disarmed every trap, eluded all danger each time, though not without physical and mental cost. This rogue grew weary of his constant struggle against the Keep's vast secrets, but his persistence always led him back to discover what else lie beneath the mysteries that He, the Guardian, had lain here to rest. This place was forever lost to time, and greater peril lay beyond that blinding treasure room than that rogue could ever suspect. Of course, He was not worried that Richard could find his way past the treasure, but he had been the first to try. This worried our Guardian, but He would remain unseen for as long as was necessary. After all, his power lay in mystery and all the fear that it entailed.
He stood and walked to a smoke vent in the room, fueled by powerful magic and bent to the will of each Guardian that had presided over the fortress.
"Show me our rogue," he commanded it. The mists swirled for a moment, then a picture flashed before His eyes that showed a tavern. That rogue was preparing to strike again, yet this time, something was different. He could see within the faces of all interested that they had some great secret of their own, a secret that had led them to Richard and that bound them to Him as well. Of course, He was no psychic, so those secrets remained such. The Guardian waved His bony hand, which had seemingly formed out of the thin air beneath His cloak, and dispersed the smoke into the air. Before replugging the vent, He stared down to the source below, a giant cauldron that was an enigma even to Himself, which boiled ominously within the depths where it lay. He knew the mysteries of the cauldron within the keep, as well as the secrets of those who were set to invade His home yet again, would be laid bare to Him before His time as Guardian was up.
He left to reset his traps, taking extra special care to ensure these visitors got the welcome they deserved.
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>_>
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted January 15, 2006 08:27 AM |
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"Do you know of whom that places belongs? Or...what some of these rarity's are?" I asked him crooking my head to one side to attempt to keep my face as hidden as possible.
For I have heard of this particular Keep and there was one artifact that was of particular interest; especially to me. The gold was nothing, I had chests full already. But this trip...could prove extremely beneficial.
"Despite what your answers may be, sir. I would like to accompany you on your journey, if you would have me of course. I shall supply myself so there's no need to support me in any way, shape, or form good sir."
Already my mind was working plans of how to get my hands on 'IT' without the others knowing what this particular 'IT' was and can do. To some it's nothing overly special, but to one such as myself it's the greatest thing imaginable. Already I was planning what to take on this journey, the estimated time it'd take to get there. The days, the dangers, I was ready to prepare for any and everything imaginable. And had the means to do so.
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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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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 15, 2006 09:25 AM |
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Richard sighed. He closed his eyes and scratched his chin breathing deeply for a moment.
"I do not know what these artifacts are, or even if they do exist. My gut tells me that this treasure room lies in merely the outer sections of the keep. I tried to convince my party to seek out rooms beyond, but they were too distracted by the gold. They ended the discussion at that, packed their bags full and said they were leaving with or without me. I returned again by myself and discovered several secret passages within the keep. Each is heavily booby trapped and I have a decent idea of how to get past them, but I couldn't get through it alone."
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Go Red Sox!
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 15, 2006 10:10 AM |
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After everyone finished Annunhalion stood up.
"Well gold isn't why we do things like this. Gold is unimportant to us. We do it moer for the, let's say, fun. Right Robin?" He siad looking down on the dog. Robin returned his affirmative gaze and gave a small nod of his wolfish head.
"So the question is, what do we find there? What is inside that place that makes you need us, that makes you need a group? What dangers and evils lie inside this 'keep'?"
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 15, 2006 10:45 AM |
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"Well there's one room which contains a Blue Dragon. And blue dragons happen to have a weakness. There's a certain type of powder that when they inhale it, they become intoxicated and disoriented. There's another room where spikes will shoot out from the floor, the walls, and the ceiling seemingly randomly. But there's a very easy way to get through it, so long as you are patient and careful. There are dozens of rooms however that are more difficult to get through even if you do know how to get through." Richard took another gulp of his ale.
"But I know you want to know why I need your help. I'm a jack of all trades, but I am a specialist of nothing. I know some magic. I can do basic healing and herbalism. I can pick locks, detect and remove traps, I can track. But I'm a master of nothing. I don't have the expertize to make it past the treasure room. One room is sealed by magic which I cannot break. One room has a door which I cannot pick. And I'm almost certain that another room has a trap which will cast a polymorph spell upon any who enter. But I have no knowledge of how to counter such a spell."
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Go Red Sox!
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 15, 2006 11:13 AM |
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Annunahlion eyed the man carefully.
"Even though I do not completely belive your words. It sounds to easy. But snice we two are...hmm...adventurers, I think it is worth taking a look at it." He took out a long curved knife and tested it with his finger if it is sharp enough."When do we set out?"
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 15, 2006 07:13 PM |
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"If you can convince the others to join, I'd like to leave by tomorrow. Oh and I never said it was easy. I just said that for some parts of the keep, it's a lot easier if you know what you are doing," said Richard. He took another big gulp of ale and finished off his glass. "I grow tired of these questions. There will be plenty of time to discuss the nature of the keep. Does anyone here specialize in magic? We will need magic to get past the treasure room."
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Go Red Sox!
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted January 16, 2006 10:01 AM |
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"Magic?" Mark grinned to himself. It had been a long time before he had heard that word.
"I know of such things. Perhaps what you speak of is different to my views on the subject... the keep seems more of subtle trickery and illusion than my trade."
Mark laughed at himself again, almost in pity.
"Was. Was my trade. Not any more. But that was a long time ago. Look at me now! Why do I even think of going on such 'adventures'."
He mumbled, half to Richard, but mostly to himself.
"I was a spellweaver."
He finished off his mug again.
"I don't know if you have heard of these.." Peering around the room at the band of adventurers Richard had attracted with his notice, Mark pointed two intertwined fingers at each of them quickly and subtly, from underneath the bench, and found out the experience of each. Some more than others, but all potent. He doubted any knew of his abilities, which was what he was really trying to find out.
"Perhaps. A form of planeswalker, the most ancient and skillful form of mana control, or.. 'magic.. But look at me now." He said again.
Mark didn't know why, but although it had been so long since he had come anywhere near danger, or had to use his power, he felt the need to go, feel the threat once more, and the lure of treasure to keep him off the streets for life. Although he knew it was out of the question, the possibility lay in the back of his mind, a sleeping beast waiting to be awoken.
"I wish you good luck in your travels, and I give you my blessings." He forced a smile once more and went back to his drinking.
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John says to live above hell.
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 16, 2006 06:08 PM |
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Annunhalion was still sitting comfortably in his chair, looking aroudn the room and not paying attention much to the going ons around him. Nowhere to hurry. The only thing he seemed to do was bend down to the dog and mutter something that the other either didn't hear or couldn't understand.
Robin slowly got up and streched his front and back paws, shook himself off and started to walk around the room his clear blue eyes glancing from one person to another. He finished his lap around the room and layed back at his friends feet. He looked up at Annunhalion for a brief moment. Annunhalion petted him on his side and the dog layed back down again.
He then leaned back into his chair more than before with a brief and sattisfactory smile...
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted January 16, 2006 07:52 PM |
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Sneaking away from the group of adventurers I made my way back to my hovel to gather the necissary supplies. I found an old bag and put in rope, a blanket, food, waterpouches, a knife for food, as well as other small necissities. I then went and found my stash of weapons. I strapped a knife to each leg, my main small sword, a dagger I kept lashed inside my shirt as well as the knives on my legs, and a small bow with a quiver of arrows. Hoisting my pack I went back to where the troupe still waited to leave.
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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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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 16, 2006 10:57 PM |
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Richard felt a slight sensation at his elbow. He went to scratch at the odd sensation when he felt it on his fingertips as well. He pulled his hand back and suddenly the sensation was gone. He glanced over at Mark who sat at the bar staring at his newly filled mug of beer. Richard raised his voice slightly as if to make an announcement.
"I will retire to one of these booths and eat a hot dinner," he said. Several of the people he spoke to earlier turned their attention to him including Mark. "If anyone would like to join me, I will get you a meal and perhaps a drink on me as well." he said as he shifted eyecontact with several people. "I'd like to have some friendly small talk before with someone before we leave tomorrow." He waited until the others had withdrew his attention, before he stood up from his barstool. He nudged Mark on the shoulder.
"Care to join me?" he asked.
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Go Red Sox!
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mvassilev
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
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posted January 16, 2006 11:54 PM |
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Mvassilev the sorcerer was sitting at the bar. He was thinking about his project to make the ultimate fire elemental. He was interrupted from his thoughts by people discussing going to Cauldron's Keep.
"Cauldron's Keep... I've heard rumours about that place. If they're true, the blue dragon he's talking about isn't the worst of it. Well, should I go with them? Why would I want to? I have no use for them... Yet Cauldron's Keep might prove useful as a base of operations... I'll listen to what he has to say," he thought.
The man called Richard seemingly finished the discussion, because he announced that he was going to one of the booths to eat dinner. "It's now or never!" Mvass thought and walked over to Richard. "I'm sorry to interupt you, but I've read the notice about Cauldron's Keep and listened to your conversation, and that place interests me. I'm interested in going. What say you, Richard?" he said.
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Eccentric Opinion
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RedSoxFan3
Admirable
Legendary Hero
Fan of Red Sox
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posted January 17, 2006 12:04 AM |
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"Be ready to leave tommorrow. I'm glad to have another person come along," Richard said with a smile. He slapped the sorceror on the shoulder and walked over to his booth and sat down. He took another sip of ale and shifted his eyes toward Mark who still sat quietly at the bar.
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Go Red Sox!
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Dragon_Slayer
Honorable
Supreme Hero
toss toss toss
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posted January 17, 2006 02:45 AM |
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Isildur makes his way back to the group, after hearing all he had to hear.
Isildur: I am retiring to a room i booked for the night. Any who wish to join me are most welcome, although there is only one more bed. Any others may sleep on the floor if you like. I wish all good rest.
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Lord_Pc
Promising
Famous Hero
Groin-Grabingly Clever
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posted January 17, 2006 03:57 AM |
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Dan was still sitting at the bar, watching as Richard was pounded with questions about Cauldron's Keep. Richard had gathered quite a party in little time, truly a jack of all trades. But where they strong enough toto survive the perils of the Keep, he couldnt judge. Daniel walked over to the booth where Richard had just sat down.
"I think i might go to my room aswell. I will see you in the morning Richard"
And with that Dan went to his room. he packed his tools and went to bed, knowing the next chapter in his life would most certainly be the most dangerous
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Da-da-dada-HEY-dada-da-da
Two goldfish were in their tank. One turns to the other and says, 'You man the guns, I'll drive.'
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gorman
Promising
Legendary Hero
Been around since before 2003
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posted January 17, 2006 09:40 AM |
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After returning to the tavern I took a quick scan over the occupants. Finding the 'chief' whom I believed others had deemed the name of Richard I silently glided across the room and leaned up against the wall. All the while whispering too him before leaving.
"I'm ready to leave at first light of the morrow good sir. I shall be retiring to my room now. Knock thrice when you're ready to leave and I'll be quick to be by your side."
Having said all that was needed I deposited some coins and went up to the appointed room as was on the keychain number. Unlocking the door I set my belongings on a chair, locked the door, and retired to a restful nights sleep.
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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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mvassilev
Responsible
Undefeatable Hero
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posted January 17, 2006 01:46 PM |
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"Well, I think I'll retire too," Mvass said, "Don't wake me up, though." He went up to his room.
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Eccentric Opinion
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TitaniumAlloy
Honorable
Legendary Hero
Professional
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posted January 17, 2006 02:26 PM |
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Mark stared into his cup. He saw a face appear behind him in the reflection of the still alcohol.
Richard nudged him on the shoulder.
"Care to join me?" He asked.
Mark looked back at him. And back at the mug.
"I haven't eated since yesterday.. Thankyou."
Mark turned back, but Richard had already walked over to the table.
Mark stood up to follow him, his legs aching from sitting down for too long. He got half way and turned back, took his mug, and then sat down in the booth.
"Tell me, Richard. How long would it take for.. 6.. maybe 7, adventurers to travel to the Keep?"
Mark avoided eye contact at first.
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John says to live above hell.
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SirDunco
Responsible
Supreme Hero
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posted January 17, 2006 05:00 PM |
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Seeing it a nice time to get to talk a little with these strangers Annunhalion got up from his chair. He and Robin followed the two to their booth. He put his backpack down on the floor next to it and sat down at the end of the booth. Robin sat down at his side. Took out his packege of bread and cheese and once again devided it for him and the dog. Eating it slowly he looked around at the two men at the table.
Well, since we will be together I think that this will be a nice time to find out something about eachother. I haven't even properly introduced us. I am Annunhalion and him here," he said looking at the dog is Robin. And you gentleman, are?"
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