Griznuq Gaming

D&D Campaigns => Threshold => In Character Discussions => Topic started by: Johan on November 16, 2008, 09:44:17 AM

Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Johan on November 16, 2008, 09:44:17 AM
The companions made their way back down through the lower tunnels of the fortmount and towards the crypt. Maccabeus walked beside Wolf, having called upon Mahiya's strength to mend his companion's wounds. Maccabeus did his level best to help carry the body of his fallen companion: Ragner.

It felt much to him like a funeral march, and he was conflicted a bit regarding Ragnar's death. On the one hand, the noble Protector had fallen honorably, fighting the foul foe that was the shadewolf, and Maccabeus would miss his presence.

On the other hand, Ragnar had entered into the next revolution of the Great Cycle, and we now free of the fears that he had grappled with in this life.

Birth to a new death, death to a new birth he thought as they moved through the subterranian tunnels.

He found himself quietly humming a dirge from the Dale, celebrating the Great Cycle and his friend's part in it.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on November 16, 2008, 11:15:56 AM
Severen looked upon Ragnar's body as the troupe made their way through the old tunnels. He felt no sadness in the death but only joy. He had witnessed the passage of a soul from this world to the next.

It took great resolve for him to restrain the urge to bring him back under his image...the image of Takhisis. What a wonderful minion he would make! But his respect for the ways of the proper death rites held him in check. He had an understanding with Takhisis and it would not begrudge him the calling he felt he was to play as a steward of death.

Still, Ragnar would make a beautiful tool for what he hoped would come to pass. To see the dark light of his soul burning within the shell of what he was but only then purified to intention filled Severen with a hunger...a hunger that had to be quelled.

"Perhaps the shadwolves..." he thought to himself. He needed to feel a soul and grasp it within his fist. A smirk came across his face as he marched through the tunnels back to the cursed daylight. The shadewolves would do nicely...maybe even better than the crystal skinned Maenad. What better way to strike back at the heretics than with their own kind?

Severen feasted upon the delicious irony that would unfold. Now he only had to get back into the Keep to enjoy preparing the meal.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Griznuq on November 16, 2008, 11:35:23 AM
Bastian walked silently, scowling at the ground. Though he knew that death was a natural part of life, it'd been his job to prevent it as much as possible. Tonight, though he survived, he felt that he'd failed.

He took a deep breath and lamented the fact that he had been bested by his long time opponent: death. He swore an oath that one day, he'd be strong enough to undo it.

The thought made him a little uncomfortable in the presence of Severen. Bastions job was to prevent that which Severen's job was to celebrate and revel in. Bastion didn't miss the look of satisfaction and pleasure just below the surface of the dark priest's face, and he feared that their two respective jobs in this town would conflict often. He only hoped that they could allow one another to do their jobs with mutual respect.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Dray on November 16, 2008, 11:45:55 AM
The burden of the body was mostly his, and Aelath'ha felt the weight of it more in his heart than on his arms and shoulders. He barely knew Ragnar, at least, insomuch in comparison to his somber friends walking alongside their fallen comrade.

He could see that each of them were deep in thought upon him. He tried as hard as he could to carry the body with as much dignity as could be afforded what had to be a departure of haste.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Johan on November 16, 2008, 11:59:04 AM
Maccabeus clicked and clucked a moment as, moving along the long, long corridor that would lead them to the basement of the Cliffside Inn, he felt as though they had cleared teh more dangrous areas and were in a safer stage of their retreat.

"I think that I can be better put to use in flying ahead and getting Julius on-hand for a debriefing. Mayhap I can secure a sheet so that Ragnar can emerge with some privacy (I hear tell that tall folks value that sort of thing after they're dead)."

He hopped up on Wolf's broad, shaggy back and looked about for anyone who might prefer that he stay. Not seeing any objection, he thumped Wolf's neck and the great beast shot off towards the Inn in search of the Councillor.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Dray on November 16, 2008, 12:02:46 PM
Aelath'ha broke the silence left behind by Macc's departure.

"The Protectorate are few in number. Getting Ragnar's body out of the public's eye as quick as possible will avoid worrying the public," he said.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Griznuq on November 16, 2008, 12:19:14 PM
"I'm not sure the public are aware that you or I are part of the protectorate at all. I think they think it's much fewer in number than it really is." Bastion said.

"Though, yes, I agree, keeping him concealed would be prudent. Perhaps there's a bed or something in the Inn upstairs he could... rest? I know there's no one staying here for the time being... I'm sure I could find safe haven for him in the Temple."
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Dray on November 16, 2008, 12:52:15 PM
"Your temple would be best Bastion." Aelath'ha responded with a knowing look at Severin. "I'm not sure the propietor at the Inn would appreciate the alternate idea, guests or not."
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on November 16, 2008, 07:05:16 PM
A silky smirk came to Severen's lips once again at Aelath"ha's distinction. They truly did not know his ways and he secretly enjoyed the caution that was generated by that. Still, there was a touch of resentment drawn from the elf's tone. There was trust enough to ask for his help through this whole thing but when it came to the dead, his domain...more than anyone else's here...there was then mistrust.

"No matter" Severen thought, "it will always be this way."

"That is probably best elfling. Ragnar bears the mark of a Xanthakos slave..." Severen stated revealing the eye mark on the back of his hand "...so I would hardly think that he was a follower of Takhisis. Besides, he didn't like me anyway."
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Johan on November 20, 2008, 08:28:17 PM
Wolf fairly flew through the corridor below the Foot, and in no time at all he was bearing Maccabeus up the stairs from the basement of the Cliffside inn in search for Julius Hawkhaven.

I expect to find essentially no one in the basement of the inn. There MIGHT be a few in the common room. If Julius isn't there, I'll head for the council house.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on November 21, 2008, 06:19:41 PM
The common room was empty. However, Maccabeus heard a cacophony outside. Through the windows he see could a crowd of people gathered at the crossroads between the Rosewalk and the Wolfsong bridges. From his initial assessment he gathered that the wolves howling inside the Fortmount made towns people anxious and kept Julius and some of the other council members busy answering questions.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Johan on November 21, 2008, 07:38:42 PM
Maccabeus grimmaced, took a deep breath, and gently let Wolf know that he wanted to go out to where the gathered townsfolk were.

There would be music to face, and Maccabeus gathered himself for the facing. Astride Wolf's broad fuzzy back, Maccabeus left the Cliffside Inn.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on November 22, 2008, 08:50:46 AM
Maccabeus opened the door to the inn to a large amount of people, some Maccabeus knew as townsfolks and others were travelers, gathered around Julius, Stormhunter, and Rainfire. He could hear Svenias voice but could not see her.

Random questions and comments came from the crowd. "What was that howl?" , "I think it came from the castle", "Are they going to attack again?", "This is the work of the Dark Priest!!", "What are you going to do about it?"

All these questions came at once and Julius found himself in the middle of all of it. The mass of people seemed more concerned than angry, save a few. The outcry of the people came as such a furious pace that Julius hadn't any time to address any of statements or inquiries.

Maccabeus then heard someone shout, "THERE!" and saw a middle aged man point in his direction. Wolf shook with a start and Maccabeus could feel the tension well within his brother. The crowd turned around and regarded Maccabeus....some with suspicion, others with accusation. What came to Maccabeus's attention straight away was that it was not he who was the focus but rather, Wolf.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Dray on November 22, 2008, 09:53:41 AM
RUN WOLF RUUUUUUHHHHHHHHNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on December 02, 2008, 06:16:38 PM
Bump...Dray, Johan, Griznuq?
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Dray on December 02, 2008, 06:47:38 PM
I am thinking Maccabeus is in the most peril...course, Johan is also laying down a hardwood floor right now and is most likely already dead, buried under the floorboards in Foxboro by his four children.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Johan on December 03, 2008, 01:51:42 PM
Thanks for the kind thoughts, Dray. My head's too fat to fit under that floor though.

Maccabeus placed a reassuring hand on Wolf's neck. They both knew that a single spark might ignite a riot.

"Julius!" He exclaimed loudly, mustering what excitement he could. "We have success! We've rousted a den of Shadewolves in these very hills and killed them all. None got away. My companions are close on my heels, and we'll want to make a full report to you."
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on December 03, 2008, 06:53:03 PM
The crowd calmed to a general sigh of relief...though not completely. The accusing middle aged man shouted, "How do you know you got them all? Where there are shadewolves there are Shadow Riders! Did you kill any of the beasts' masters?"

Again, a worried look came over the crowd of townsfolk. Maccabeus could see the enormous half-orc, Stormhunter, move through the people toward the man. He lifted the axe- that was longer than Maccabeus was tall- from his shoulder and carried it in both hands. The people held their breath waiting to see what would unfold. Julius smirked.

Stormhunter stood not three feet from in front of the man and stared down. The top of the man's head just reached the mid section of the weaponsmith's chest. Maccabeus could practically hear the blatantly intimidated man gulp. In a deep but calm voice, Stormhunter offered, "Getty Coryndar, you would do well to be thankful the shadewolves were only in the hills and not in your house." Julius caught the reference as it was not too long ago Getty had some fine trappings lifted from his house and that the Shadow Riders had attacked the town.

After Stormhunter made his point, he accentuated it by casually strolling over to Maccabeus and stood next to him and Wolf. He rested the head of his axe on the ground and placed both hands on the pommel of his finely crafted weapon.

Any thoughts of blame toward the gnome and his wolf that the crowd might have held soon vanished at the sight of the massive haf-orc and his shiny weapon guarding the curious pair.

Julius quickly relieved the tension, "My good people! Threshold is safe once more...rest assured. Now, please, go back to your day and let not the darkness of foul beasts dim Kossuth!"

Satisfied, the crowd began to disperse.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Johan on December 05, 2008, 08:00:39 AM
"My thanks, Sire." Maccabeus said graciously. He slid down off of Wolf and stood tall next to the giant half-orc. "Mobs can be an ugly and dangerous thing, and emotions never balance a tense situation." Maccabeus stood about to the top of Stormhunter's thigh.

He nodded sagely and looked after the departing throng. "A-ya," he said. "You can't blame folks for being scared, but you can blame them for losing their heads. By the Great Tree, that's a big axe." He admired Stormhunter's weapon. "That would have been a great asset not but a hand ago, but I reckon that it'd be the axe that swings me, eh?"
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Dray on December 05, 2008, 12:14:39 PM
Is that the new and improved Ragnar?!
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on December 06, 2008, 09:19:44 AM
Nope...that's not Ragnar. Stormhunter is the Master Smith (black, weapon, armor) of Threshold.

The smith let out a hearty chuckle. In a smooth, rumbling voice Stormhunter replied, "Methinks you need no axe to do your good work Wolf Brother." Stormhunter reached down and patted the gnome on the head with a hand that was equal in size. As he did, Wolf casually sniffed the giant hand. After his assessment, the pack master licked it with approval. "I'm glad your brother likes me. He must indeed be a fine warrior in his own right." The half-orc said with a smile.

Svenia, Rainfire, and Julius approached the trio as the last commoner left the scene. "I hate to break up this moment of bonding" Julius said, "but we should talk inside."

Stormhunter lifted his gigantic axe and declared, "Julius, I must be getting back to my forge before Sully and Agar burn the place down."

"Heh...we certainly don't want that to happen, good friend." Julius said. Stormhunter turned to cross the bridge back to his armory but was quickly stopped by Julius, "Storm? Given the recent events, it might be a good idea to stock up...just in case."

Svenia and Rainfire looked at Julius curiously. They swiftly caught on to his meaning with an agreeing nod. Without turning back, Stormhunter offered, "Silly human, I have been for weeks." He was promptly over the bridge.

Julius smiled glancing at the others, "Must be that instinct of his."

Svenia's brow furrowed and she gave Julius a baffled look. "Um...Julius, it wasn't too long ago we were atta..."

Julius cut her off, "Enjoy the moment Svenia...we have people watching our backs..." he looked to Maccabeus, "...while we watch theirs."

Julius ordered, "Let's get into the Cliffside."
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Griznuq on December 06, 2008, 07:34:29 PM
Back at the rest of the group:

"I think your statement may perhaps be unfair," Bastion said in an empathic tone. "Severin's faith is in death, not trickery. Many things can come from death, be it afterlife, undeath, or rebirth. All of these things fall within the respect of one who makes Death his profession. And to think, our Ragnar may be fortunate enough to experience that which Severin holds dear twice!" Bastion let himself sound preachy.

"I heard tell that he performed the death rituals of other faiths for casualties Threshold has had in recent past. No, my friend. I think Severin deserves to be just as trusted as may I."

How long until we catch up to Mac? I'd imagine we'd see the mob disbanding first, no?
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on December 07, 2008, 12:14:55 AM
You guys would arrive just about the time that Juilus promts the group back into the inn per my last post. This conversation between Bastion, Aelath, and Severen is an interesting one for RP though. If possible I would like to continue it for a few more postings depending on it's potential for continuity.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Dray on December 07, 2008, 08:28:52 AM
I need to get some character background info from Wildfire before I can respond to Bastion.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Dray on December 07, 2008, 08:20:00 PM
Ael'Ath'Ha did not appear angry with Bastion, but his tone became a bit more strong.

"The elven homeland of Kaaryn'Zyth was caught in the middle of the Shadow Wars and suffered greatly. Xanthakos (The Shadow Riders) were merciless in their destuction of my people," he said to Bastion.

"Their vehicle was Takhisis," he finished.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Griznuq on December 07, 2008, 09:25:39 PM
Great, now I need information before I can respond.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Johan on December 08, 2008, 06:31:10 PM
Maccabeus followed Julius and the councilors into the Cliffside Inn.
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Griznuq on December 09, 2008, 10:42:37 PM
Quote from: DrayAel'Ath'Ha did not appear angry with Bastion, but his tone became a bit more strong.

"The elven homeland of Kaaryn'Zyth was caught in the middle of the Shadow Wars and suffered greatly. Xanthakos (The Shadow Riders) were merciless in their destuction of my people," he said to Bastion.

"Their vehicle was Takhisis," he finished.

"As with any vehicle, it's the driver who is at fault. I'd not ask that you change your mind, nor will I say you are wrong, though I do disagree," Bastion said. "I'd be happy to discuss this further with you if you should like in a more comfortable environment, I find it difficult to listen while traveling."

"I will say, if I were to hit you right now, which of course I would not, but you would not blame Sardior, or all who worship Sardior. Why then would you blame all who worship the same fundamental ideals as the Xanthacians, and not just the Xanthacians themselves?"

"If Severen were here to cause us grief, I wager we'd have little to say against it. We are alive right now in no small part because of his pressence," Bastion said trailing off, hoping he was not about to overstep his bounds. With a sidelong look at Ael'ath, he added, "Takhisis was his vehicle as well. It all depends on who is at the helm."
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on December 17, 2008, 10:00:21 PM
bumper
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on January 03, 2009, 04:36:30 PM
umm...bump
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Johan on January 05, 2009, 06:08:08 PM
I'm a captive in my own thread...

...how embarrassing. :(
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on January 05, 2009, 10:11:59 PM
*holds up shakles* I know just how you feel.

There is always the thread with Shankaria and Ashe....
Title: Victory at the Fortmount...at a cost
Post by: Wildfire on May 20, 2009, 06:36:18 PM
:)