Author Topic: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]  (Read 13701 times)

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #40 on: May 31, 2014, 03:58:23 PM »
"The pain, the pain, I'll never feel the same... no, wait, is it your brain that's lame?" Alex wondered, smarting but not exactly... you know, about to keel over dead. She didn't want to give him chance for anything nastier, and that meant trying to bisect the bastard.

Unlike her previous showings in this complex, it worked, and, barring divine intervention, the spellcaster was cut in half at the waist.

Offline Libertad

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #41 on: May 31, 2014, 04:36:15 PM »
The sorcerer wordlessly fell to the ground.  No shouts of pain nor gurgles of oncoming death escaped his lips, the only sound the thud as the two halves of his body hit the floor.

The sorcerer beneath the rags was a pale white, like the creatures from the pit in the northeastern room.  A belt pouch originally around his waist (but now hanging off a pants leg) contained 40 silver pieces and a small square of bluish-gray metal.

The mirrors surrounding the room warp and distort the light in the room, making the plant in the center appear larger, smaller, straight, twisting, all manner of odd shapes and sizes.  Regardless of whichever mirror is peered into, the root almost looks like a hand of some kind, grasping towards some unknown object.

The key in the root has a bit of wood grown over it, but is otherwise trivial to remove with a sharp object.  Once taken, the familiar voices from the room with faces carved into the walls pick up again.

"Yes!"

"That damnable thing is dead!"

"The key, take the key back to us!"

"So that this nightmare will finally end!"

Offline oslecamo

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #42 on: June 02, 2014, 07:02:54 AM »
There had been another magic user lying in ambush, a flash of blue light barely missing her, then Alex rushed forward and it was allover before Kana understood what was happening. Still with a suprised look on her face, the elf adresses her companion:

Hmm, thanks for that. I guess it makes sense for you to go first. That... Thing didn't hurt you much, did it?

Then Kana investigated the room, and upon finding the key and voices starting to talk, she started playing with the item in her hands and asked Alex:

So, do we go back to the first room and try using this?


If Alex didn't say anything in the contrary, Kana would return to the room with the souls sealed in the wall and look for a keyhole or something where to insert it. Letting the warrior take the frontline once more of course.

Oh, and you can have this-says Kana handing the pouch with the silver pieces to Alex-I already got those magic scrolls from the other room but you didn't get anything, so only fair you get the full treasure from this room.

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Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #43 on: June 02, 2014, 07:20:37 AM »
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"I think, perhaps, that we should take our time; who knows if they were imprisoned for some crime? For the release, we should be wary--things might get a little hairy," the blonde answered, pocketing the coins and shunting the split sorcerer aside. After stretching, she readied her sword once more and prepared to follow to the room--expecting that they were about to release some unimaginable horror that would feast on their guts if they slipped up the slightest bit.

Offline Libertad

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #44 on: June 02, 2014, 06:17:21 PM »
The room with the facial engravings was the same as when the pair last left it, except that the eyes emitted such bright red lights that they bathed the chamber in a blood red aura.  Amid the scarlet haze shone a starry trail to the goat-headed statue, its chest moistened with sickeningly wet key-hole shaped wound.

"Please, you must complete the ritual."

"We desire to be slaves no more."

"The statue is our jail, the subdwellers our wardens."

Offline oslecamo

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #45 on: June 03, 2014, 07:14:16 AM »
The elf inhales deeply, and slowly approaches the instrument to the keyhole while starting a deep chant:

The key that hides the powers of darkness!
Reveal your true form before me!
I, Kana, command thee  under our contract.
Release!



And with the last word the key is inserted and turned.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #46 on: June 03, 2014, 07:26:59 AM »
Alex prepared to chop heads, looking around the room in case something appeared... well, behind them.

Offline Libertad

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #47 on: June 03, 2014, 06:11:23 PM »
The statue's "wound" healed over the key almost as soon as Kana inserted it.  Whether by illusion or trick of the light, the statue's eyes seemed to brighten a little in recognition of the elf's words.  The red light dimmed immediately, plunging the room into darkness and silence.

Crack!

One of the engravings on the wall exploded in a shower of stone.

Ka-chunk!

Another one followed.  In a manner of mere seconds the entire chamber save the alcove was erupting in shattered pieces.

(click to show/hide)


"Thank you!"

"We're free!"

"Now you must escape!  The cavern's stability is gone!"

Just as they say it, a tremor ran through the complex, upsetting the broken stones on the floor and overturning the chamber's table.

(click to show/hide)

The ceiling of the cavern gives way in the northeastern corner, sending tons of rock and dirt tumbling forth to fill that section.  The distant sounds of rumbling indicate that this isn't the only room to suffer this fate.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #48 on: June 03, 2014, 06:27:35 PM »
"Just a light, and nothing to fight? Time to go, not to be slow," Alex wondered, turning tail and running. It was a good thing she'd spent the time making the map--at least she could remember the way out now, and with the elf behind her... well, they should make it, and not be crushed and die.

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Offline Libertad

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #49 on: June 03, 2014, 06:59:19 PM »
The entire complex was falling apart.  The southern half of the room with the gorge caved in on itself, falling rocks broke the eastern bridge in half.  A tremor, this time more violent and jarring, ripped through the cave as Alex and Kana sprinted towards the entrance.

Alex and Kana managed to get past the door just in time.  A few seconds later the entire roof collapsed, the other side of the doorway now a collection of crushed rocks.  By the time they climbed back up to the surface, the sight of several more collapsed holes surrounded them in a half-circle.  The villagers of Redstall dared not come any closer, not wishing to meet the same fate as that of the hunter.

The adventurers received a cold greeting back in town, and the villagers seemed much more talkative than before.  "You were down there!" one of them pointed accusingly at Alex.  "What happened?  Did you have anything to do with this?"

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #50 on: June 03, 2014, 07:29:26 PM »
"We found a sorcerer--he had a key. Everything collapsed, as you can see. Gone is what e'er evil lurked in yonder deep--surely that should help you sleep," the blonde answered, taking advantage of the respite to work on maintaining her sword. She didn't want it to rust. Horrible, really, "I assume that none of you knew? I'd hate if you shared his fate too."

Offline oslecamo

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #51 on: June 05, 2014, 10:03:05 AM »
You should really thank us for this. The sorceror was rallying his underground monsters, and it would only be a matter of time until they came for you. Let this be a lesson for you, just hiding in your homes won't make the problems outside disappear.-adds Kana, a little out of breath due to the sudden run they had to pull, sweeping the dust out of her clothes.

Recovering her composure, the elf would then pull the human a bit away from the villages where they could get some temporary privacy:

My dear Alex, you probably would like rest after all this hard work, but remember that  Lord Ascarious promised us a nice bonus if we reported to him first about any threats to the region. And this diary certainly counts as that. The underground race that lurks down there will probably find a new way to the surface sometime in the future. And we wouldn't want some smart villager to pull our leg on that.

Also, should we give the Lord the book of names that we found near the shrine? I feel like it should still be useful to us in the future.

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #52 on: June 05, 2014, 10:47:49 AM »
Wordlessly, Alex handed over the (a?) remaining blank book, giving her answer to the 'hand over the book of names' question. Copy it, give one to Ascarious.

Offline Libertad

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #53 on: June 05, 2014, 06:22:53 PM »
The mention of monsters filled the villagers with dread, who reflexively took a step backward from Alex and Kana as a group.

"That...you killed them all?" the first villager who accused them said.  "I'm sorry, I did not know.  I-thank you for saving us."

"What will we do now, if there are more of them?  We can't stay here while monsters live below us!"

"I do not know right now," Alhorst said, parting through the crowd.  "But it is something we must debate upon, whether to stay and stand our ground, or take up our belongings and leave.  We will gather in the clearing on the north side.  Until then, hold your opinions and suggestions."

The villagers were too preoccupied with the future of their village to notice Alex and Kana's removal.  Night was fast approaching, and even now the last orange rays of dusk were sinking below the horizon.  Travel to Vornheim was possible, although it would be a very cold journey.

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The Return to the Gray Maze


The looming towers of Vornheim, its summits lit by many handmade fires for the warmth of its inhabitants, could be seen as a dim orange glow to the travelers of the northern plains.  The wind howls in eerie pierces as it cuts between the myriad bridges and spires, carrying a light layer of snow with it to blanket the city in the first call of winter.  Its gates now open for travelers during the day, the silent, sullen guards nod in approval as Alex and Kana pass into the city.  It appeared that their arrival was expected, as their entry into the East Exarch's Quarter was met with another messenger eager to escort them to an audience with Ascarious himself.

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The estate was just as cold and eerie since they last left it.  This time the grand hall had nobody but Ascarious and Archibald, no attendant lords and ladies of the city or other community leaders convening for meetings of import.  The Lord sat reclining in a red throne, a sheathed sword within arm's reach propped up on the right side of the seat.

"Welcome back," Lord Ascarious said.  "I'm eager to hear about your progress and discoveries."



If Alex or Kana present any texts or findings, then Archibald will come forth to take it to his Lord.
« Last Edit: June 05, 2014, 08:39:35 PM by Libertad »

Offline oslecamo

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #54 on: June 06, 2014, 12:13:47 PM »
Kana clearly felt tired. But nor for her dungeon delving as an outside observer may thing, but because she had spent the last day madly copying the Book of Names they had found into the blank book offered by Alex, without getting even a wink of sleep. Not that the barn where they had spent the night at Redstall was particularly confortable mind you.

Making a bow in sign of respect, Kana starts telling their tale:

Thank you for receiving us so quickly Lord Ascarious. As we descended into the caverns, we found a wooden oak door, built into the side of cave wall. Engraved in its frame was the sigil of an eight-pointed star with a smoky spiral in the center.  The doorway opened into a massive chamber, with a huge gorge in the center.  The pit dominated the room, with narrow passageways circling it around the walls.  Various passageways shrouded in darkness were interspersed around the room...


From there Kana did her best to give a resumed version of what had happenned, but conveniently forgetting to mention the Religious book they had found, the copy of the book of Names Kana made, and the part where they released the trapped spirits.

... When we tried to pick up the dead sorcerer's key, the whole dungeon started trembling and then collapsing. We barely managed to escape without being crushed by the falling rocks. But we managed to bring with us both the diary and book of Names. Alex also made a register of the exact layout of the rooms that we managed to explore. Here they are.

And Kana would hand the volumes to Archibald.

Offline Libertad

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #55 on: June 06, 2014, 10:59:16 PM »
Lord Ascarious listened silently as Kana recalled the series of events in the underground complex.

Finally he spoke.

"This is discouraging to hear," he said.  "At least you managed to destroy one of their fortresses in the area, although I can't tell if that's a major blow or minor inconvenience to them.  Unfortunately, that makes the set of maps useless to me.  However, for reporting on this incident you shall receive a reward of 125 pieces of silver, each."

He took out two large satchels tied to his belt and personally handed it to Kana and Alex.  "I'm afraid that my next set of plans will not need you.  I must inquire with the villagers of Redstall as to the fate of their town."

The noble paced around the hallway.   "If the dangers are as bad as you say, many will want to leave.  But taking up roots and moving elsewhere will be difficult, with winter so close.  And if they stay, they'll be subject to more potential attacks.  Gah, I can't move until I raise the issue in the next noble assembly!  Who knows what the Von Klaws or Lady Skorgen will offer or debate in response to this..."

Realizing that the two adventurers still stood in the room, he stopped his fretting.  "Lady Kana and Lady Alex, you have it on my word that I'll summon you when I need your services again.  For now, I can allow you to remain for a while in my estate as honored guests, though you'll have to leave by tomorrow.  Archibald may show you to your quarters if you desire to stay."



Sandbox Mode

Now that you've completed Lord Ascarious' quests, it is up to you as adventurers to seek out the next great journey!  East Brendor is your oyster, and you can travel wherever you want!  Just keep in mind that not everything in this world will correspond to your level, or that the journey will be a safe one.  Careful planning, forethought, and research on interesting people and places can do wonders.

For the time being, I'll provide you with a few adventure hooks, of things you happen to hear on the streets of Vornheim, the tavern halls, social gatherings, all of which comprise the network of contacts and hirelings that attract all sorts of adventurers!



Akris Belker's Lab:  In a rickety section of tower in the southern end of the city is a collection ramshackle tenement.  Wooden platforms and houses on stilts add onto the stone foundations as more and more of Vornheim's poor lose their old homes to age.  Virtual layers of woodhouses and lack of urban planning lead to strange domiciles, with doors in the ceilings and networks of horizontal ladders connecting houses together.

It is here that Akris Belker lives, the most famed alchemist of Vornheim.  Many of his concoctions have effects ranging from the great to the terrible, and he's always in need of assistants to help him gather ingredients, make deliveries, and put down rogue creations.

Red Murmurings: The lands of West Brendor are give over to the monolatrist faith of Anerman, the Red Hierarch, and in this land there is no dissent.  The Crimson Faith makes great demands of it citizens to resist the dark entities of this world and others, and a small circle of church elders enact policy which can affect the entire nation and beyond.

Within the last week, their templars have made their presence known in Vornheim.  They do not blend in well, with their iconic red robes and disturbing regalia of skulls and blade motifs on their armor.  A group's frequenting the Dragon's Head Pub, apparently on the lookout for someone or something.

Cathedral of Rust: Vorn, the Grim Gaunt God Iron, Rust, and Rain is the most powerful religious order in Vornheim.  The Eminent Cathedral lies in the city's center, across from the Palace Massive.  Every weekend hundreds flock into its ancient halls to hear the elderly Mother Brusca recite the sacraments and blessings for fair weather.  As ones who earned the trust of Lord Ascarious, your status as reliable folk reaches her ears, and wishes for the two of you to help her out with a spate of hauntings in the neighborhood.
« Last Edit: June 06, 2014, 11:16:48 PM by Libertad »

Offline Libertad

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #56 on: June 08, 2014, 11:28:10 PM »
Akris Belker's Lab

The Tenements

Even directions alone weren't enough help to find the infamous alchemist.  The layout of the tenements made it mandatory to cut between and into various homes, many of which were little more than single-room apartments and wooden platforms with walls and ceilings (most commonly known as "boxhomes") .  When ascending to a higher level was necessary, the climbing of ladders and maneuvering on rickety roofs was the expected means of travel.  As to the original stone foundations and bridges, they were off-limits to the regular inhabitants who were too "disreputable-looking" to mingle with what passed for Vornheim's respectable folk.  This edict was harshly enforced by Von Claw's tower guards, who rained crossbow bolts on poor people who tried climbing onto the restricted bridge-spires.

Alex and Kana finally found Belker's home, a boxhome surrounded by others of its kind.  Its entrance, a flimsy wooden door, was blocked by a large chest in the way, three mean-looking men, and two tough women.

"We've had enough of your 'accidental' experiments, Belker," the largest of the men said.  "So we're going to evict you."

"Oh, oh-oh no, that wouldn't be good," stuttered a voice on the other side of the door.  "I took precautions this t-time, I p-promise you it won't happen again!"

The man looked over to his fellows.  "When's the last time old Belker made such a 'p-p-promise?" he said.  The others laughed.  With a gesture of his hand pointing up, two of them, one man and one woman, climbed up the ladder onto the roof.

"Okay, Belker, here's the deal.  You can keep your house...all the way down on Vornheim's bottom.  Alright boys, get to work!"

The toughs, hammers and saws in hand, began hacking and smashing away at areas which one would assume to be the foundations holding Belker's boxhome up here.

"NO, NO!" Belker shouted.  "The chemicals, toxic fumes and s-substances will spread out!"

"That's for the folks below to worry about," the head man said.  "We'll all be safe right up here."


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« Last Edit: June 08, 2014, 11:34:37 PM by Libertad »

Offline Raineh Daze

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #57 on: June 10, 2014, 09:52:06 AM »
Alex rolled her eyes at the site: carelessly detaching a building... and to make it worse, this was where they'd come for work! Naturally, this meant that she and Kana would have to stop them... well, if they wanted work. Plus they might be able to get more favourable terms out of the alchemist.

So the blonde charged her way into the mess, putting her sword to use but trying not to hopelessly butcher people. Scratches, bruises, and humiliation were all good: enough that the thuggish lot wouldn't consider picking a fight.

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Offline Libertad

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #58 on: June 10, 2014, 06:18:58 PM »
Alex's hits the flat of the blade against the goons, sending them reeling.  The big man glares at the sudden interruption.

"So, looks like Belker's got some help," he said, brandishing a knife.  "Come down off the roof," he shouted to the other two.  "Take them all out!"

The other two goons came down to face Alex and Kana:

The leader swings his blade at Alex.

Attack Roll 1d20+5 : 4 + 5, total 9


Hammer Damage 1d6+2 : 1 + 2, total 3



One of the goons manages to reach Kana and uses her saw as an impromptu weapon:

Attack Roll 1d20 : 19, total 19


Saw Damage 1d4 : 1, total 1

Offline Libertad

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Re: Chapter 1: By Darkness, By Blade [IC Thread]
« Reply #59 on: June 10, 2014, 06:22:12 PM »
The hammer proves a poor weapon against Alex, as much of its forces dissipates from the armor.

The saw faced a similar fate, as Kana managed to get out of the way before she could properly cut through her elven flesh.