[User]
 A shadow sped over the Earth Spine, east from Tzalteclan towards the Kapital of Lanteroc.  It was a shadow never before seen in the dominion of the Saroc, and its vast darkness moved with terrible speed.

Nezetkhamun landed without ceremony in the courtyard of the Megadeth Khaboss, the same courtyard where his disgraced grandson had met his fate all those years ago.  His baleful golden eyes raked over the guards atop the walls like a bolt of lightning, and the exhalation of his breath was as thunder.  Eventually locating a leader amongst the rabble, his neck coiled until his mammoth head loomed over the warrior.

   "I must speak with Megadeth Khaboss Stormskull.  Now."

[User]
 The arrival of Nezetkhamun in such a manner was most unorthodox and further rather frightening, even to the hardened Khas and Khabosses who had seen Ahmes take his draconic form during the war. What they had seen was nothing in comparison to this. The Kha who was addressed by the elder dragon obeyed promptly the order and disappeared within the great palace built in Monto style but now swarmed with Saroc and bedecked with banners of Stormskull's heraldry and racks of weapons taking the place of benches in the courtyard turned proving grounds.

Within minutes the massive, in comparison to the other Saroc if not Nezetkhamun, blue form of Urindak Stormskull appeared followed by the Kha who had went to fetch the Megadeth. He was dressed in the fur he often wore, draped loosely across his body and held no weapon though his stance and face betrayed a readiness for battle.

   "My friend! What so demands this urgency!? Who might we need to crush? I shall ready the  hadnik  and we shall be mobilized by dusk! Send runners to Ahmeskarras, inform Ahmes his men need to be readied for battle,"    the Megadeth ordered the Kha who had brought him to the courtyard.

[User]
 Nezetkhamun breathed heavily from the speed of his coming - for unbeknownst to the great Khaboss he had flown straight and true as an arrow from the shores of the Sea of the Golden Sun.  His breath sent ripples of heat through the air, and with every inhalation the red fury of his being shined forth all the brighter from beneath black scales.  Yet at the appearance of Stormskull, his breath halted, and he turned to look at one of the few beings truly worthy of his respect.

   "Peace, Urindak.  It is no new enemy that demands my haste, but a doom from the depths of time.  I fly from Kemuliaan, where the dead gift enlightenment to those found worthy.  I fly, for in that enlightenment came a name of senseless dread, a name of the deep desert from which your mighty people arose."

Nezetkhamun's head moved closer, until he was staring Stormskull full in the eyes and abolished all else from his sight.

   "I must know, my friend, of the Kazul."

[User]
 At Nezetkhamun's words he raised a hand to halt the Khas scrambling to prepare for war and as the last word left the great wyrm's voice Stormskull straightened his back and his eyes narrowed. He took a deep breath and with a deathly whisper he responded.

  "Do they come for us Nezetkhamun? If they do, contact the Frosten in the north, the Planin, the Imperium of the Salterri, any who will listen. Our  hadnik  is strong but the tales speak of the terror brought by the force of full Kazul. Holy Ilistik spoke of a time when they would follow, but if it is now we are not ready."

[User]
 Nezetkhamun listened, and as Stormskull spoke the terrible tension seemed to leave the great wyrm's limbs.

   "No, they do not come.  Not yet.  But they will, Urindak, of that I am now certain.  I live the existence of the timeless, yet in their name resounds an end to all things.  If what we have built is to endure, we must make ready.  I must know, my friend, everything your people know.  Even the merest whisper may prove the difference in weathering the coming storm."

[User]
 "This is good they do not come,"    Stormskull said with tension leaving his body though still his eyes betrayed a wariness of the subject.

   "I was not Megadeth when we Saroc still roamed the great desert. My predecessor, the Megadeth Holy Khaboss Ilistik Bonecarver was our last Megadeth to retain memories of the wandering times in the desert and with his death so too came the end of any Saroc having living memory of that waste. But stories endure Nezetkhamun. Our history is muddled and much has been lost as we have been forced into subduing the lands of the Monto but the stories of the Kazul do not leave the circles."

"Most common told is the story Rise of Kruvik, Megadeth before Ilistik, and his death to exodus us from the great waste to the Thumping Plains of the south. It is said that for many decades the Saroc wandered the great waste, surviving by raid and by wit. It is not only Saroc who wandered in these times. Others make paths through the sand though stories not speak of who, only know them as prey. They make water of the ground and live within great desert. They sustain Saroc as grass to bison. In these times Kazul unknown to Saroc or the prey. It is said Saroc hunting party sent by Megadeth-name-forgot to track prey was readying to attack when great beasts rise from the sand and drag the screaming prey under before silence."

"This hunting party led by not-yet-Kruvik does not know what it has seen, goes and tells Megadeth and is not believed. Bad Megadeth not listening to his Khaboss. Saroc are continuing on and are attacked by these sand rising beasts, these Kazul as prey say to call them, and Megadeth-name-forgot dies. Kruvik becomes new Megadeth and organize Saroc. Train us to track and hunt Kazul. They are beast, same as prey only harder to kill. Kruvik  hadnik  become legendary. They kill Kazul in many numbers, but even most powerful  hadnik  dies from Kazul and the fight cannot sustain."

"Megadeth Kruvik knows Saroc can not last in these great wastes. Prey is thinning, Kazul growing stronger, Megadeth Kruvik leads Saroc west until nearing the Thumping Plains. But Kazul not want to lose Saroc because Saroc prey to Kazul and they try to stop Kruvik, try to stop the Saroc. Kruvik leads  hadnik  and opens the Kazul up from inside out, breaks the biggest Kazul ever seen in half and Saroc arrive in the Plains. Kruvik dies that the Saroc live. Then comes Megadeth Holy Ilistik. Ilistik says Kruvik breaks Kazul for now, that they near the Saroc, they that chase Saroc are gone. But, warns Ilistik, Kazul are not gone. Only a broken hand was Kruvik's slaying, the Kazul body still intact. Need to build strong for when they come."

Stormskull took a breath, this was clearly a story well known to the Megadeth.

   "Kazul not come to the Plains, not follow Saroc, and as we focus on Plains and Monto a lot of Kazul gets forgot. But not the terror. Not the power. They are reason the Monto must be tamed. If Kazul stir again for Saroc blood they will find it not easy to take but they will still take what they may. Kazul is bad. Only Megadeth Kruvik known as badder. But they are dumb without big Kazul and Kruvik kill big Kazul so make them dumb for long time. Give Saroc time to prepare, but also time to forget. If Nezetkhamun hears of Kazul from corpse of Kemuliaan it may be they not as broken as believed. This means much bad."


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 47:  Aramail  vs  No
 Map

 Spoiler

 XP Reward:  300 XP
 GP Reward:  300 GP

 FF fanboy - Aramail
 Bayar - No
 All Gladiators, please declare final purchases (if any) and roll initiative.

[User]
 buying 10 iron shafted masterwork arrows, potion of divine favor (110GP out of 324 from last round leaving me with 214 GP.), and a potion of shield of faith. (leaving me with 164 GP.) lastly I'll sell my old long bow (giving me 50% market for 37 Gp bringing me up to 201 GP.) for a Composite long bow with a +1 strength bonus.
1 Gp, and 5 Sp surplus when it's all said ,and done.

After purchases have been done
Here is my intiative

 Spoiler

 (1d20+5)[ 11 ]

And here is my starting pos for you refs only.

 Spoiler

M2

 *Note the pos is subject to change based on Bayar's purchases.*

Anyways, starting with

 Spoiler

Poition of shield of faith in my off hand, with the composite bow with masterwork arrow clamped in the other.

[User]
 Initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 22 ]

Let me think of ways to end your existance.

[User]
 bumping this to remind bayar to make his purchases, and to do his crafty thing. (Although he can't have THAT much of a reserve left.)
also, made edits to my own purchases.

[User] Who said i need my reserve ? I eat my own XP to make my items.

[User]
 Just buy your items.
I want to pwn you again.😛

[User]
 Originally Posted by FF fanboy
 Just buy your items.
I want to pwn you again.😛

You didnt pwn me the last time. I quit because I got bored of you making so many damn mistakes

[User]
 Originally Posted by bayar
 You didnt pwn me the last time. I quit because I got bored of you making so many damn mistakes

Jeez, sensitive much?
It was a sarcastic joke.

[User] Thread bump for easier access for Bayar.😩

[User]
 Yeah, internet connection unreliable unfortunately

And I need to update the sheet since I forgot to do it the last few times.

[User] Take your time Bayar, we don't want any errors like last time (on my part), so I know I will be double checking everything I do with the srd.

[User] Come on now Bayar, I said I wouldn't push, but you've had 11 days to do your  post...

[User]
 HighRef PsiDog
 Aramail is the Winner!


[User]
 High-speed bearing characteristics are two, one is a, precision ceramics. If under the leadership of high-speed bearing is higher than the precision bearing, ball bearings in the economic perimeter inner high temperature is applicable. They set up a high-speed bearing, also should consider bearing organized play holes.
Additional set up high-speed bearing should also consider 2 hardness change when the temperature rises; High speed rotating centrifugal force of subject changed!
Ball maintain behind the set of the combination of heat and excess also cannot pass this weight is too high, high-speed   SKF 61904-FANADE Bearings  centrifugal force or hot heat expansion pressure, always with the surface of the method. With aspects of the contradiction or measure also should consider two factors such as the premise of carefully often speed of calculation is more effective at room temperature the amount of the possibility of a high-speed bearing is invalid.
The ultimate contradiction is calculated (usually is high speed, can only compression static and Yin on this legislation of the law at the same time using double done to prevent the atrophy of anxiety. DMN bearing price breakthrough 3 million won for the first time.
Heat expansion of high temperature and pressure always consistent with the surface of the method. With aspects of the contradiction or measure also should consider two factors such as the premise of carefully often speed of calculation is more effective at room temperature the amount of the possibility of a high-speed bearing is invalid.
The ultimate contradiction is calculated (usually is high speed, can only compression static and Yin on this legislation of the law at the same time using double done to prevent the atrophy of anxiety. DMN bearing price breakthrough 3 million won for the first time.
The necessary condition to the E-mail address.
1. Try to clean the dust assembly scene.
2. To avoid inc bearing paste dust and pollutants or moisture - environment affect the service life of bearing start mass.
3. Tee prosecutors cooperate with shaft, bearing cleanliness face = geometry and dimension accuracy.
4. The fourth bearing in coordination with the facial oil, and in some places.
5. Shaft bearing and 10 tee actor ~ 15 degree judo.
6. , unreasonable cooling of the bearings: the words occurring in the course of moisture, bearing, bearing and effects of corrosion.
7. After setting: inc bearing loading deployed bearing check whether the normal operation of lubricating oil.


[User]
 After they finish recuperation, both contestants are signaled that they will arrive to the shiftbay in six seconds. Then that happens, again through unknown means: the characters simply appear 100 feet from each other, on the brick-and-mortar ground.

The 200' square brick arena is featureless, except that a pattern of bricks in the center of the arena is black, and has changed:

  □ ■ ■ □
■ □ □ ■
□ ■ □ ■
□ □ ■ □
Describe what one another sees (if you guys don't want to just check the matches in the previous round), roll initiative, then fight for a victory point towards getting the shiny!

[User]
 The first combatant appeared with a flourish, stepping out onto the battlefield with his red cape billowing majestically behind him. He was tall himself, around 6ft in height, with a muscular build. Easily seen due to his chest being completely bare. On his arms and part of his torso, blue tattoos could be seen, simply stripes with a single flaring spike. These tattoos matched the colour of his hair, whilst his red eyes were obscured by orange glasses. He wore no armour, and through his arms were crossed in front of his chest, a shortsword could be seen in his off-hand.

 Spoiler: Kamina
Buffs: Henshin. True Sentai means it lasts 36 minutes, plus an additional 28 rounds after that.
Dual Stance Mastery: Stance of Alacrity and Aura of Perfect Order

Using the Aura of Perfect Order on my Initative roll. 11+114 = 125

[User]
 You see a hulking insectiod creature, with 10 arms, chains hanging from each arm. He seems to be in a metal body suit of sorts, steam spraying from multiple points along the suit. He looks ready to fight, his chains whipping back and forth, obscuring parts of his enormous body.

You go first.

[User]
 Kamina studied his opponent with a small smirk on his face, thinking to himself.   'Now THIS guy looks like he'll actually be a challenge!'   Before quickly launching himself forwards, closing the distance between them in an instant as he skimmed across the ground. Moving so fast that the giant would have no chance to respond to his sudden movement.   "I hope your ready to face the one and only KAMINA!"   He yelled right to the insect's face as he launched himself into an almighty uppercut, hoping to knock his opponent off-balance as he swiped at its legs with his sword, trying to trip it up, before twisting round to launching a devastating kick at the opponent, finishing off with another slash with his blade, again attempting to trip it up if he hasn't fallen already.

 Spoiler: Turn
Using Robliar's Gambit. You gain a +4 bonus to attacks and damage vs me, but attacking me provokes an AoO.
Move Action: Moving 100ft next to enemy. Combat King means I do not provoke AoO's
Swift Action: Gentleman's Duel. Whenever you do anything that isn't moving towards me or attempting to harm me, uou provokes an attack of opportunities. In addition, your skill checks, attack rolls, AC, Saves and ability checks all take a -41 penalty. Oh and I can always use my sneak-attack damage on you. If you are immune to precision damage, I still do half.

Standard Action: Diamond Nightmare Blade. Two-Weapon Fighting allows me to make an attack with my Shortsword, with High Sword Low Axe (aptitude) allowing me to make a trip attempt on you. Using Hamstring, Sacrificing 5d6 sneak dice to stagger you for  (1d4+1)[ 4 ]  rounds.  Ignoring 35 DR, and is Epic/Good/Lawful/Chaotic for Regeneration purposes. Flurry of Steel lets me deal an additional 2 attacks for a -2 penalty to all attacks. Snap Kick means I can make another unarmed attack, at the cost of -2 to all attacks this round, with TWFing allowing me to make another Shortsword attack. Any fire damage I do ignores ER up to 50, with Immunity counting as ER 50.

  Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+186)[ 187 ]    Concentration  - (1d20+68)[ 74 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2544 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 21 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 13 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 20 ]
Automatic critical hit. Staggering Critical means that you are slowed. Half damage if immune to crits. Crit modifier: x4

  Sword attack  - (1d20+183)[ 185 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 338 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 39 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 32 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4

Touch Attack for Trip:  (1d20+175)[ 189 ]
Trip Attempt: Using Aura of Perfect Order on this. 11+32+4 (Improved Trip) +20 (Deft Tactician) = 67. Due to Size Doesn’t Matter and Skill Over Size, for each additional size you are above medium, I gain an additional +4 bonus to the trip, and you do not gain any size bonuses yourself. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Flurry of Steel:
  Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+186)[ 195 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2567 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 31 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 22 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 33 ]
  Sword attack  - (1d20+183)[ 197 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 335 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 52 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 28 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4

Touch Attack for Trip:  (1d20+175)[ 186 ] . Trip attempt:  (1d20+56)[ 59 ]
  Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+186)[ 189 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2574 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 33 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 16 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 37 ]
  Sword attack  - (1d20+183)[ 190 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 343 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 51 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 29 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4

Touch Attack for Trip:  (1d20+175)[ 191 ] . Trip attempt:  (1d20+56)[ 68 ]

Snap Kick:
  Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+186)[ 199 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2571 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 35 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 14 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 29 ]
  Sword attack  - (1d20+183)[ 185 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 348 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 48 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 33 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4

Touch Attack for Trip:  (1d20+175)[ 182 ] . Trip attempt:  (1d20+56)[ 75 ]

If I successfully trip you, I can perform two attacks of opportunity on you thanks to Improved Trip and Sly Opportunist. Which, thanks to Perfect Combat Reflexes, allows me to perform a full attack on you, to which Lighting Flurry allow me to deal an extra attack with each weapon for a -2 attack penalty each for a total of 7 attacks each, x2. (Flurry of Steel still in effect)

First Full Attack:
1.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 190 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2569 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 20 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 26 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 18 ]
2.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 190 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2629 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 20 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 11 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 31 ]
3.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 204 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2554 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 26 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 18 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 33 ]
4.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 199 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2583 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 35 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 19 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 25 ]
5.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 199 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2517 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 32 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 22 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 28 ]
6.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 197 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2484 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 27 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 17 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 28 ]
7.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 186 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2581 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 28 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 26 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 28 ]

1.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 182 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 333 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 37 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 27 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
2.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 184 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 345 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 43 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 34 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
3.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 183 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 347 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 38 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 24 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
4.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 184 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 339 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 52 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 25 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
5.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 187 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 346 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 37 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 49 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
6.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 198 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 344 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 42 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 30 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
7.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 199 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 328 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 57 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 42 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4

Second Full Attack:
1.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 191 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2554 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 31 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 18 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 38 ]
2.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 199 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2564 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 21 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 15 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 34 ]
3.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 200 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2589 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 26 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 22 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 27 ]
4.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 200 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2518 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 25 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 19 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 31 ]
5.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 197 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2494 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 28 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 12 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 38 ]
6.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 185 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2565 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 20 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 19 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 39 ]
7.   Unarmed Attack  - (1d20+184)[ 185 ]    damage  - (513d8+254)[ 2621 ] +  sneak attack  - (8d6)[ 22 ] +  Explosive Punch, Fire Damage  - (4d8)[ 15 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 32 ]

1.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 186 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 329 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 47 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 29 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
2.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 189 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 342 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 43 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 31 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
3.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 191 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 328 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 48 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 36 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
4.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 193 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 343 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 42 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 23 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
5.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 189 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 341 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 43 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 31 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
6.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 194 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 330 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 52 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 39 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4
7.   Sword attack  - (1d20+181)[ 196 ]    damage  - (24d6+254)[ 326 ] +  sneak attack  - (13d6)[ 46 ] +  Strike of Justice. Fire/Sonic  - (9d6)[ 31 ] . Critical is 13-20 and is x4


[User]
 Sucheta had never visited the heart of the Radurjic faith before, in fact few Raaneki ever did except for those that joined the monasteries. Most, whilst they supported the religion, preferred to stay within their home nation. The outside world, for all that much of it was welcoming, was also a strange place, and not all of its nations were accepting of the peculiarities of the Painted Diarchy's culture. More, why would you ever  want  to leave? There was little that the prosperous nation did not have already, and even less that its people would desire. But Sucheta was not wholly a product of Raaneka, something she knew well, and the years of her rulership so far had left their mark as she grew from an exuberant teenager into an equally exuberant young woman. And a mark, or the feeling of it, was what had led her onto the road to Miji Mkuu.

It had been more complicated than she had imagined, but she had the Council's trust and they had hers, so it was less of a difficulty perhaps then many other rulers might have found it. Yet as she moved day by day closer to the Radurja's heart,, and moved swiftly, for the Nadanada was an excellent waterway, she found that the feeling that had prompted her decision to undertake the pilgrimage grew steadily stronger. In her dreams the last few days before reaching Miji Mkuu, she began to see black behind the fins that she kept wrapped around her arms, instead of pale bronze that she knew should be there. She'd visited the holy library in Avaya, read the Illuminated texts that recorded her families history, yet it had only given more questions. She'd even delved deep into the fragmentary journals left behind by her predecessors, searching for...something.

Yet nothing had materialised out of those records, even the miraculous illusion histories of Illuminations had left her almost aimless.

She knew herself, and because of that she knew her actions at the Coronation had not been like her. The her that she knew could not have spoken so coldly and without consideration, even in the knowledge that it was needed. It just hadn't been in her. She wasn't really sure that it was even now. Yet she knew the doctrine of her faith, and the weight of possibility - and the black that she still remembered from that day almost ten years ago, in a hall full of smoke and death - had led her to this place.

She arrived as any other pilgrim, dressed in simple clothing - the only difference being its quality - and walked slowly down main street of the city towards Unification Square, where she knew the great temple lay. She took her time even then, almost as if she didn't  want  to take the final steps that brought her across the threshold of the temple. But she did it in the end, passing through the vast square - a smile flickering upon her face at the sight of the vast spire of Raaneki sandstone towering fit to compete with the vast trees around her. It was a welcome sight, the familiar stones centering her as she crossed to the great temple. For all that she was dressed as a pilgrim, it was easy to identify her if one looked - the fins curled around her forearms gave it away - and she knew that she was expected.

[User]
 Unification square was full of people. Children played a ground based version of kudaka * , and families picnicked in the gardens. It was a pleasant day to say the least. As Sucheta crossed the square she saw the temple resting on the banks of the mighty Nadanada. The watafiti tending the gardens in front of the temple looked up as she approached. None recognized her, but an elder greeted her.

"Are you alright, my child?"

*Kudaka was played at the third Raaneki games, and at least one other time in fluff with Raaneki, so Sucheta might be familiar with the game. Originally it was basically treetop rugby and the ground was out of bounds. Ground kudaka is just rugby pretty much.

OOC: also, sorry you waited almost 2 weeks for this short post : P  I'll be for the rest of the week though.

[User] " I'm honestly not sure, " Sucheta said quietly. " Every step I've taken has only made my questions louder, and yet a part of me is scared of what the answer might be. " She looked across at the elder, and her eyes were terribly dark as they stared into his. But then they cleared, the shadows seeming to flow back into the liquid depths from which they'd come. " I'm sorry, Shahidi, I am not really myself. I...have an appointment with the Shahidi Gozzolo, " she flexed the fins around her forearms. It was a gesture of nervousness, actually, as movement like this always seemed to help her clear her head. Not something she needed very often... Yet the gesture would also probably identify her. Merfolk hybrids weren't necessarily rare, but they weren't particularly common either.

[User] "Ah, Shahidi Gozzolo is in the primary chamber. Head straight up through the steps through the main door." He pointed, but it was unnecessary. The doors where massive.

[User]
 " Thank you, Elder, " Sucheta murmured, and then she moved on towards the doors, slipping through the vast portal into the chamber beyond. She seemed to hesitate before stepping through, but the moment lasted less than an eyeblink, and then her foot touched the floor of the main chamber of the temple.

It was, in a word, awesome. Sucheta had been in temples before, she had visited shrines, but there was something different about this place that stole her breath away. She walked through the place as if in a dream, her feet leading her of their own accord across the floor, and she let them walk her where they would, towards a man deep in meditation at the far end of the temple chamber.

[User]
 The main room of the temple was a marvel of architecture. The whole thing was lit by natural sunlight yet the skylights were all obscured in such a way that they could not be spotted. A very curious, or perhaps clever, person might find that the light is brought in with mirrors and focused on to glass water jars that almost seemed to glow as if by magic.

There were quite a few people in the temple, some in meditation, and others just there to view the frescoes. The back wall had the tell tale signs of Ayavan Illumination. The still image depicted Shahidi Mkuu Mosi II standing on a balcony overlooking the ocean and a cresting wave of light. Activating it let one experience the First Revelation as Mosi remembered it. Beneath it sat Shahidi Gozzolo on a small cushion. He did not notice her approach until she was almost upon him. From behind she could see his balding head was speckled with liver spots. Once he had worn dreadlocks as was common in the church, but now he kept his hair short. Balding led to too much upkeep, which was very much the opposite of the point. As she got closer Sucheta was almost certain that she heard faint snoring.

When Sucheta was but mere steps behind him he awoke and turned to greet her. " Good day my dear! " He stood up and reached out to hug her. " I've been waiting for you! Come sit down with me. Have you eaten? We can move to the dining hall. We've just harvested a wonderful mango crop. " He spoke with the demeanor of a well meaning grandparent.

[User]
 Sucheta marveled at the beauty in the chamber, running a hesitant hand across the intricate frescoes as she passed them, to feel the texture beyond the pictures. Yet she accepted Gozzolo's hug easily, returning it fully, and at his question she folded her legs beneath her and dropped gently to the floor cross-legged.

" Before I leave, certainly! " She said brightly - she'd come to love the fruits of Genivana as a girl, and nothing had lessened that affection. " I am afraid that food would only help me distract myself, and I do not think that a wise idea right now. " She looked up at the elder, and her lips turned in a confused frown. " I know my letters have not been illuminating, but in the end it is quite simple. I need your help, Shahidi. "

She rubbed her forearms as she admitted it, and although she did not see it, black showed beneath her fins as her touch displaced them.

[User] Gozzolo sat back down slowly, and took on a more serious tone. " Of course. Anything you need, my dear. " Her fidgeting drew his attention to her forearms. Through his osuro bleached eyes he could see the strange changes in Sucheta's hands. " My, my... That is  peculiar . " He reached out to take her hand that he might examine it more closely. " Is this visible under the lingine as well? That is... can you see these markings? "


[User]
 Go away, go away, goawaygoawayGOAWAY!    Asami runs down the street, glancing around for any opportunity of escape from the four chasing her.  It started so simple!  One of them just asked for tutoring after school, and when they reached the classroom...   No.  No, we can handle this.  Can't be friends with everyone, no matter how hard we try.    There was no reason to think it was an ambush - she'd been asked for tutoring plenty of times at her old school, and it was always fine then!    There!

Finally reaching a part of the city that she's already been out on a run in, Asami turns the corner, running off the wall into the alley to preserve speed.    Now for the easy part... if I can climb-   "Oof!"   The collision is completely unexpected, running past a corner that goes back onto a main street, but that doesn't change what happens from it.  Asami is sent into a spin, *almost* losing her balance before she manages to reach a wall and falls against it.   "Sorry!  Didn't see you in time."

[User] There's sort of an odd thunk as Yumiko is bowled over by the unexpected collision, landing squarely and painfully on her tailbone, and she winces and groans as she says,   "Ugh...What happened?"   still dazed from impact.

[User] I was only about 15 seconds ahead of them, but...    Asami moves to help the other girl up.  She didn't want to leave her here, knowing nothing about her pursuers and their motives... or morals.   "Really, really sorry, but we've got to go.  It's not safe here, and I don't want you dragged into... err... this."

[User] Yumiko nods as she's helped up, thinking   Oh gods oh gods, what did I get myself into...   but saying,  "What, exactly?"

[User] "Four men, unknown intentions, likely malicious."   As soon as the other girl is up, Asami seems to be debating between the low wall at the end of this alley and the main street.    Introductions can wait...   "How crowded was the street you came off of?"

[User] Yumiko blinks and says,  "Yeah, there were some people. Follow me,"  as she starts jogging towards the main road.

[User] Asami smiles slightly at the initiative and follows.    And with two seconds to spare!    She waits until they emerge back onto the road and slows her pace.   "Good job keeping calm and making the quick decision.  Sorry again for the suddenness of it all."   She gives a smile and small nod.   "Kimura Asami.  Nice to meet you."

[User] Yumiko bows and says,  "Yamada Yumiko. Nice to meet you. Look...If there really are people after you, then we should get back to my dorm. We can talk there."

[User] "Ahh.."   Asami blinks a couple times in surprise.    Befriend everyone you can, wasn't it?    She winces a little with a sheepish smile and shrugs. "Sure, let's... let's do that.  Thank you.  Are you sure it'll be okay?"

[User] Yumiko smiles outwardly, saying,  "Absolutely not a problem at all,"  while thinking,   Not really, but if people are chasing you, I'd rather risk it than let them beat you up...

[User] Asami glances backward over her shoulder, listening intently and stills her expression when she hears a few shouts from the alley.    Good, seems they've lost the trail.  I didn't want to lead them to where anyone might live, in case they mistook it for where I did...    Her eyes dart around, the only outward sign that she's still wary (or maybe just learning the lay of the land), but as the walking goes on the glances become less frequent, less obvious, and don't linger quite as long, as if she knows the area.   "It's starting to look like we might be neighbors, or very nearly.  My dorm is in about this direction too.  Have you been in the area long?"   I don't think I've seen her walking to or from school before...

[User] Yumio shakes her head and says,  "No, I just moved in...My mom pulled some strings so I could enroll this far into the school year."

[User] "That's..."  this is starting to sound remarkably familiar.   "Interesting.  I actually got moved in a couple weeks after the school year started too, but I think it was because of working out details on scholarships rather than just moving.  My family isn't here with me."   A fact for which I'm very glad.    Asami mostly seems glad that the conversation is flowing so easily so far, despite the rather sudden introduction and coincidence of circumstance.   "Oh!  You must have been going somewhere when I ran into you!  I completely forgot in the moment, I hope I didn't make you late for something or change your plans!"

[User]
 Yumiko shakes her head and says,  "I was just headed straight home, actually. Hence why I offered."

((They can arrive whenever you want, Kioku.))

[User] "If you're sure..."   Asami says quietly as her concern subsides.  She gets a small smile when the dorm she lives in comes into view, the pair still moving in its direction.    We may be closer neighbors than I thought, but I didn't know there was another dorm around here.  Unless...    She turns toward Yumiko with a strange look between concentration and concern as they get closer.   "Wait.  Is  this  your dorm?  But then that would mean..."   Tamamo's aura flares momentarily, but it's enough to see the superimposed image of Asami's persona for a few seconds.  Since they're only visible to other persona users unless fully manifested, she considers it a safe gamble.

[User] Yumiko shivers briefly when she sees the aura, but says nothing, writing it off as just another flare of paranoia, this one coated with a hard-candy shell of hallucination. Instead, she nods and says, " Yeah, it is...What does it mean? Other than that we're apparently neighbors."

[User] No comment?  Then maybe she hasn't met hers yet... I don't think the instructors would put someone in this dorm if they didn't at least have the potential.    Not betraying her thoughts, Asami grins and starts toward the door, taking out a key card and spinning it between her fingers a few times in front of Yumiko.   "Closer neighbors than I thought.  It means that your  room  is probably right across from mine."

[User] Yumiko smiles widely and says,  "Really? Cool. I'm glad I saved you from those people chasing you, then. Well...It was nice meeting you, I suppose,"  as she lets herself in with the keycard and heads towards the stairs.

[User] That... sounds like a farewell?  I thought we were going to talk once we got here...    Asami looks a little put out, but heads in, takes off her shoes, and starts toward the stairs as well.   "Ah... do you need any help moving in?  I don't think we expected any new arrivals until tonight or tomorrow, so the others might not have prepared..."

[User] Yumiko shakes her head and says,  "Nope. Mostly I just need to unpack everything and get it all put away. I mean, I guess you can help with that if you want, but I'm not sure there's much of a point."

[User] Huh.  Must have gotten here while we were all at school then.   "Nnmh, I wouldn't want to invade your privacy like that.  I'll be around if you want to talk though, and I get up about an hour before dawn most days to go running if you feel like getting outside or something."   I'd better make sure Soga didn't leave out his evoker or something.   "Most of the people in the dorm are pretty nice, so let's get along!  See you around, I guess."   Asami waves as they reach the top of the stairs and dashes down the hall to check with the aforethought Soga.


[User]
 Jonas waited patiently next to the campfire. In the time it took to deliver the news they could have already been to speak with the King of Glazfell, but Mosi wanted to respect their request to stay. Also they didn't know the way. Frosten were curious creatures, able to navigate the nearly solid wall of falling snow with relative ease, and while Jonas' winter coat was thick enough to make the cold tolerable he did not relish it at all they way they did. He half suspected the fire was only built solely for his benefit. Mosi on the other hand exuded a warmth all his own. He had once heard that monks at the Temple of Fire could enter a kind of meditative state to stay warm, but he'd never really had a reason to learn. Now he wished he had.

As Jonas clung to heat of the fire Mosi paced the camp. His wide paws had slowly melted a rut nearly a foot and a half deep into the snow. He stopped suddenly and sat down looking off into the distance. " They will be here soon, brother. "

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC
Sorry for the wait and doubly sorry for the sloppy writing. Been surprisingly busy and distracted. ☹

A break of Saenzskarot eventually arrive, bearing arms, armor, and the Heraldry of House Daan. Four of the five are armed with Darkstar Iron Glaives with a sword at their side, while the center rider wears an ornamented mace. All five are armored in plate and tabard. At any rate, as the group approaches the pair of Mashahidi, the central figure removes her helmet, revealing (as is likely obvious by now) her identity as King Ghalle Daan. Normally she does not come to meet with religious figures dressed for war, but this is a special case. After all, how did she know that they were not simply clever beasts claiming to that which they were not? Surely some caution is in order!

 "Greetings, Shahidi Mkuu Mosi and Shahidi Jonas; I am Lady Ghalle of House Daan, Firstborn of King Khyne, King of Glazfell. I was told that you wished to speak with me, and while the manner of meeting is most unorthodox I cannot rightly deny either of you my audience."

While Ghalle was not one to chill at the sight of spirits and magic, there was nevertheless a sense of discomfort about her. After all, she had watched both of these men die in Tzalteclan, and there was no natural creature she knew that could so simply spring up once more after such a fate. She knew that Mosi at least had done so twice before, as Shvedrishti and Xochiconetl, but nevertheless it is a very different thing to hear about such a happening than to meet the same man twice.

The Honor Guards at her side keep their weapons relaxed with the lack of any overt threat, though they too are clearly somewhat nervous around such magic.

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC
Sorry, I didn't meant to guilt trip you. I was just being impatient, and dramatic 😛  I'm pretty excited about this, and I think you'll like it.

Mosi stood then bowed low, bending his forward pairs of legs to the point that it almost looked like a stretch. " Salutations, King Ghalle Daan. The years have been kind to you I see. " He sat back on his haunches as he spoke. He was a powerfully built and regal looking beast. A mane the color of Raaneki wine wreathed his almost human face. His mouth seemed overwide though, and there was no hiding the rows of razor like teeth when he spoke. He had an unfamiliar accent, but it was hard to tell if it was because of his form or a distant culture he'd been born into.

" Please let me put you at ease. I understand this is an unusual meeting, but your men insisted I wait here. I have much to tell you about what is brewing over the wall in the east. You may wish to sit down for this. " He motioned with one paw to the ground in front of him. With another he clawed rifts across the snow sending flurries into the air between them. The flurries did not settle though. Instead they continued to swirl and drift through the air, as if waiting for something.

" We were born to a she'er tribe south east over the mountains. They are a nomadic tribe that roams the steppes of that land. "  As he spoke images formed in the swirling snow. They were vibrant and full colored. One could almost feel the heat of the steppes as they were described. " We left our tribe early, as is their custom. The men are expected to go out and find their own family, either by forming their own or claiming another's, very interesting, but that's not what you're here to hear of. "

He raised a paw and swatted at the swirling image in front of him. The scene changed suddenly to one of frozen lands not unlike where they currently were. " The she'er were having trouble with northerners poaching from their lands, so we did what came natural and went to investigate. " The image shifted, showing the two of them traveling across the frozen lands. " Unfortunately we were captured. The northerners are... like you in a way, but whatever magic allows you to survive these frozen lands runs much stronger in them. They answer to one they call Marmora. " He appeared before them. His skin was as white as fresh snow and he was dressed in armor that looked to be plate of true ice. Frosten were gathered around him. Their skin ranged from white to a pale blue. He called out to the sky in a language they were unfamiliar with then touched the bound forms of Mosi and Jonas. In moments there were frozen under nearly a foot of ice. At that the image faded away.

" Unfortunately we do not know how we came to cross over the ice wall. Perhaps Yphine took pity on us. It coudl have been another, but I do not believe it is coincidence that we awoke in your lands. "

[User] A young woman - barely into her twenties, if at all - had come on the request of King Ghalle, and was accompanied by her own guards. The young woman was clothed plainly but bore herself with an unmistakeable regal air. She seemed untroubled by the cold, and in fact the air seemed even colder around her. She didn't say anything yet, simply observing.

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC
Okay, so I must have rewritten this like five times because it just seemed out of character, strange, or inappropriately confrontational. And then I had to go to class, so I ended it sort of abruptly.

 " Marmora ...the Marbled One?" , Ghalle mutters as she listens to the tale, and she gasps in surprise as the figure in the vision wields magic not dissimilar to that of the High Priestess who just arrived.

 "You have both been through much. If you wish, I can provide you a ship to Grizzland, so that you may return to your homelands."

[User]
 " You would know better than I. Their language, to me at least, seems similar to the native tongue of these lands. " At the king's question Hushyarr only shook his head. " We have more places to go before heading home, though we would appreciate food and escort to your western border, if you were willing. But before we part ways I have one more thing for you both. A gift from the gods. " Hushyarr looked into the sky. His shoulders went slack, and his mouth fell open revealing row upon row of teeth. From somewhere deep within him a voice welled up, wholly inhuman.

  " Across wall of ice and sheet of snow
Where wandering souls dare not go
Sleep, cold Marmora

Waking from her rest she does arise
With deathly glare and frozen eyes
Rise, cold Marmora

Long lost her heart, but once more unearthed
With hateful sight sees foe rebirthed
March, cold Marmora

Endless snow her blessing leaves behind
Where, southern creatures much maligned
Slay, cold Marmora "


[User]
 The sound of clanging of steel echos through the streets of Youdon, today is the Aniversary of the Kings Corrination and they royals are having a celebration. Princess Melissa has been instructed to have a catfolk at her side throughout the night, as it is thought that the rebels may take this time as an advantage. As rebels you know that this is what is happening tonight.

You have disscussed with your grandmasters what the plan is. During the dinner at the great hall a bloodpact captin is to make a raid causing a distraction, it should last long enough for Agrylon to sneak in and poison the Drinks of all the royals other than the Princess who is to be the successor. But to remove susption her personal Bodyguard is to knock her drink off the table and onto her cloths giving her leave before the deaths.

We have men disguised as guards just in case the situation goes raw.

Everyone knows there place and is moving into position, cover must be maintained at all costs.

[User]
 "Help, Help, the Bloodpact they have bombarded the harbour and have soldier moving towards the Keep."
You can hear the explosions of the docks as they get louded, and as some of the men muster at the door the soldiers bust in and start slicing at the Guards.

INITATIVE
 (1d20+1)[ 6 ]
 (1d20+1)[ 11 ]
 (1d20+1)[ 11 ]
 (1d20+1)[ 21 ]

21 is taken


[User]
 It was a hot day on the middle continent. A balmy and humid 97 degrees. The sweat pours off the condemned man. Less than twenty four hours now and he was to be beheaded. He sat rather quitely with a calm grin upon his face. Then in walks a tall blond haired man with piercing blue eyes. He throws a magical bag at the condemned man's feet and says gruffly,  "Open it. Get dressed. You are coming with me."  Then he chants a few words and reaches out to touch the forehead of the condemned man, a purple-silver glyph raises out of his forehead and fades away.

 Spoiler
Inside the bag is a set of mithril breastplate that you recognize as your own, and the rest of the few belongings you had when you got captured. IE a spellbook and a scroll case filled with  (5d4)[ 16 ]  scrolls. The case is magically locked however if you try to open it.

[User]
 Harkon raises an eyebrow, but obeys none the less, donning the clothing and armour with practiced ease.

 " Well, this is something of a surprise. " he says smoothly, tightening the last few straps on his armour. " Unless my execution has been converted to death in the arena, I cannot see much reason to give a condemned man such treasures. "

 Spoiler
Spellcraft roll to identify what he just cast on me. I suspect it's a Mark of Justice or something, but might as well check:

 (1d20+23)[ 35 ]

[User] "Much to my chagrin, the emperor's oracles have something else planned for you. Now get moving."  he motions towards the door where two more guards are standing with manacles.

[User] " Oh? Should be interesting. " The captive says with a small smile, willingly extending his arms so the other guards can secure them with manacles. " 'To your chagrin'... I take it what I did personally offends you, then? They do say a man can be measured by his enemies, but I'm afraid I do not know your name, sir. "

[User] "My name is unimportant. What is important is that you make up for your crimes against the Empire. You killed good men, some of them my friends."  he shoves you out the door as the two guards take up their positions in front of you as you walk down the corridor. The blue eyed man follows close at hand, hand near his blade's hilt, just in case you try something.

[User] Harkon debates the merits of prodding the man some more - there are so many ways he could antagonize or insult him - but eventually he decides to just remain silent for the rest of the trip. Wouldn't want to tempt him into using that sword just yet, after all...

[User] The little procession takes you into a judicial chamber; it is scantly decorated and high, thin glass windows circle the room. A matronly looking woman sits in the judge's pulpit. She waits for you to come to a stop as you approach the bench. She clears her throat and begins to speak,  "The prisoner known as Harkon, step forward."  She waits for you to respond as the blue eyed man shoves you roughly towards the judge.  "For your crimes against the empire, including slaying the heir apparent, seven imperial guards and three imperial steads, you were found guilty and to be beheaded at noon tomorrow. We have determined it is in our best interest to keep you alive, and see if we cannot use you to find whoever it was that hired you. Through magical means it was determined that you were approached by a man through a sending spell, and contracted to kill the Emperor's son. We have determined this man is the same man that contacted the paladin of the court that brought you here today asking for a large ransom. I am rescinding your execution and releasing you into his care. A powerful spell has been put upon you linking the life forces of not you to him. If you stray from him by more than a mile or two, you will become seriously ill and hardly be able to move. The rest of your equipment has been taken and is to be auctioned off to raise funds for the family of the men you killed."  She pauses and glares at you.  "If there is anything you would like to say, speak now."

[User]
 Harkon is silent for a long moment, considering the offer, before smiling thinly.

 " An unusual contract. Find, and then deal with a mysterious shadowy figure, while remaining near to Sir Morally Offended over here. And in exchange, I get to live. Hmm. "

 He looks over at the paladin, emerald green eyes assessing. " I take it there's some kind of clause built into that spell that will make it unfortunate for me if you should suffer an untimely demise? " He asks mildly.

[User] "Your blood will boil and your bones turn to ichor."  he says grimly, staring you straight in the eyes. He blinks and continues to stare at you, getting kind of unnerved by the way his piercing blue eyes dig into you. A few moments pass before he speaks again,  "Now, I trust you won't try to escape again, is that right? Cuz the blood and the ichor thing sort of applies if you stray too far from me as well..."  he says with an ever so slight grin. The two other guards unlock your manacles and tentatively step back, waiting to see what you will do. The judge slams her gavel and hollers,  "Court dismissed!"  She gets up and exits back into her chambers.

[User]
 " My my, how very ruthless. " Harkon says quietly, carefully rubbing his hands where the cuffs once were. " I think I've seen this sort of thing before. Let me think... a contract between someone with all the power and someone without other recourse. Terms that most assuredly favour one over the other. And all of it enforced by a threat of inescapable agony and death. "

 One hand rises to his breastplate, and an extended finger taps lightly on a small rune inscribed there, over his heart - the inverted pentagram, symbol of the Nine Hells. Harkon smiles, the expression radiating seemingly-genuine amusement.

 " I approve. So, lead on, oh noble paladin. Do not worry - your tame murderer shall be right behind you. "

[User] The paladin chuckles as you make your gesture, the spell activating it's "behavior monitoring" feature. You feel an intense pain in your skull as the glyph brightens then fades away just as quickly. You fall to your knees as the pain washes over you, then the other two guards pick you up and carry you back out towards the cells.  "We forgot to mention the other part of the spell... Entertain less than favorable thoughts and the spell... Well, you felt it."  He offers you some water.  "The spell only zaps you if you think about it for more than a few moments, so whatever you were thinking... Try not to."

[User]
 " Remove it. "

 With an effort of will, Harkon forces himself back to his feet, raw strength rendering the best efforts of the guards useless at holding him. He glares at the paladin, and where up until this point his eyes have held only mockery and amusement, now they are filled with an icy cold rage.

 " That aspect of the spell.  Remove it.  " He says again, every word ringing with deadly threat. " You would seek to bind me to your purpose with pain and threat of death? Fine. But do not take my Faith from me, for I would suffer an eternity of torment before I relinquish it. "

 He flexes one hand, and smalls arcs of raw magical power leap between his fingers. " You do not want to see what happens if you deny me this,  paladin . "

[User] The paladin purses his lips then sucks his teeth.  "It will have to wait until tomorrow then. I do not have the spell required to disperse the magical effect currently."

[User]
 " Acceptable. "

 And, as though a switch has been thrown, suddenly Harkon is smiling and casual again, back to enjoying the novel situation he finds himself in. " So. What's the first step? Do you have any leads, or are we planning to just wander around the country looking for mysterious individuals in dark cloaks? "

[User] You make your way to a guard house where you are shackled to a bed and given a decent meal and some grog. The paladin stays in his private room leaving you in the common room with various other guards. The morning comes and the paladin wakes you.  "I have the spell of dispelling readied. Would you like me to use it now? ... You aren't going to try anything are you, Harkon?"

[User] " You wound me, sir. " Harkon says, though a faint smile indicates he does not feel any true insult. " To attempt escape now would just be foolish. I might not know the exact specifics, but I am quite sure there are a remarkably large number of soldiers nearby with very personal reasons to want my head on a pike, not to mention your good self. "


[User]
 no over top powers or god-moding. different races and dimensional beings aloud, use of psionics also aloud along with any other magics or powers. only last person to make an entrance can attack on entering

A number of world have joined through a tragic event the strongest warriors from each world are made to face off in a world against world survival of the fittest, WHO WILL SURVIVE.

[User] * thick long black hair, pale complexion, tall and skinny. you've woken up in a strange place not knowing what to do or where to go you get to your feet and walk in to the distance. you stumble across a small hut and ponder what could be hiding inside of it*


[User]
 The River of Time
 Link to OOC Thread
 A cold wind blows through the mountain peaks that the Masters of Ki call home. Each sensi informs his students that the river of time is changing. The steady stream flows ever downward, but faster now than before. The white peaks of the rapids will cover the heads of the unwise, and drown those who refuse to swim.

Magic, once elusive and mysterious, now is commonplace in the castles of the kings. They thirst for it's power, and are using whatever means necessary to get more. The kings wizards and wise men, accompanied by small armies, lead droves of settlers and miners into the hearts of the mountains in search of gold, diamonds, and precious magical gems. Their lust for the gems and the magical power they might offer threaten the peaceful ways of the monastery and surrounding villages. Something must be done...


[User] Waukeen's Promenade, one of the largest trading centers in Fearun. Settled in the center of Athkatla, it is a veritable paradise for those with coin. Everywhere you look there are stores and wares scattered about. The beauty of your surroundings surpasses even the splendors of Waterdeep. Even the ruins of the sorcerers dungeon fail to spoil the beauty of Waukeen's Promenade. However, they are successful in reminding you of your situation, as well as your companions. This people that you have never seen, apparently your brothers and sisters. Now, when you are out of immediate danger and basking in the warm daylight you can't help but feel that this is not the end of your journey together, but only the beginning.

[User]
 Schakriarytiss looks around the Promenade
 That man will pay. But for now, I could use a stiff drink.

[User]
 Cal'al Ouss'mtor ,  Drow Ardent  Cal stood next to the dragonborn watching the people pass in the streets of the Promenade.    Look at these fools, knowing nothing about what is going on in the world around them.  They are but sheep, following a Shepard they do not know.  They follow him to their deaths, not knowing that a drow holds the knife to cut their throats and feast on them.    Cal'al smiled to himself, knowing what he is now.  He always knew he was different.....tended to have a violent streak about him, but now he understood why, and he loved the power.   "Of course he will pay, my friend.  He locked me up and tortured me......something my family did for many, many years.  He did that, and he will get the same treatment tenfold.  He shall get what is coming to him, and more."   Cal has been taught the ways of torture by his family.  How to keep someone alive almost indefinitely until they were begging for death.

 "All we need to do is bide our time until the opportunity arises.  Then we shall seize it,  and  him, and do what we will with him."   Cal'al gives him a wonderfully evil smile,  "Now, let us get a damned drink.  I need one after all of this excitement."   He then heads to the nearest bar for a drink.

[User] "You're lucky you didn't end up in the Smoking Snakes' Pit, mate. It was roughly on the same level as that, just every day, nonstop. Lost some good friends in there. I guess we could all use a drink, it might clear our minds."

[User]
 " You guys are a veritable font of cheer, " the Tiefling sighed.

Lempi was irritated. She had had no idea that Javan had consorted with Bhaal, so in a way he had betrayed her twice. It seemed even in death, that monster was screwing with her. Yet she knew what revenge did to a person. She knew that Bhaal's blood ran through their veins, coercing them to seek violence and retribution... She had taken her revenge on Javan after all, hadn't she? ...and she would be lying if she said she hadn't enjoyed it, in some perverse way. This worried Lempi the most and exacerbated her irritation. Was she only playing into Bhaal's hands? No, she was no one's puppet. Not any more.

" Perhaps a trip to the circus will brighten our faces. " Lempi suggested, " Watching people make fools of themselves never gets old. "

[User]
 I agree with the dark elf, for once. I think a stiff drink is called for after all that we've been through. Does anyone know where this is? It certainly isn't Neverwinter.
The warlord follows the drow in his search for a bar.

[User] Cal'al Ouss'mtor ,  Drow Ardent  Cal stopped in his tracks when he heard mention of the circus.  His ears perked up and he spun around to face the Tiefling.   "That sound like a wonderful plan, my dear.  We can drink ale there and watch people make fool of themselves!"   Cal'al gives her a big smile and a small bow.  He holds out his arm for her to take, and then leads them all to the circus.

[User] "It'll probably be better than standing out in the rain, that's for sure."

[User] " Oh why, sir! " Lempi giggled, feigning the innocence of a farm girl, before returning the bow and taking the drow's hand, " I would be  delighted  to join you. "

[User]
 The dragon snorts at the behavior of his companions, but follows.
  I spent my entire life wondering about family, and now this is what I get?

[User]
 Seraph
Sera looks around at her companions, still traumatized from the recent events. How could one man be so devoid of love? Pondering the thought for a few seconds, she tries to come up with a reasonable explanation... Not being able to reason out the man's cruelty and she takes a confused guess and mumbles under her breath "Maybe he wasn't loved enough as a child??" Noticing the awkward position she put herself in, she blurts out an anxious response "Er... Sure! A drink would be great. Preferably somewhere with a bard." She looks at and follows her companions, not knowing what to think of them just yet...

[User]
 As you approach the tent located in the center of the promenade, you find yourself face to face with an armed figure. You notice a strange markings on his armor, a fist engulfed by fire. His posture and the way he wields his lance indicate that he is a soldier, but you don't really recognize his style.
"Halt citizens, the circus is off limits! There are strange things happening, and I will not let anyone else go in there."
You can tell by his stern look that he is serious, but perhaps there is a way to convince him to let you go in.

[User]
 Cal'al Ouss'mtor ,  Drow Ardent  Cal'al smiles and speaks up,  "Of course you are just look out for our safety, and we do very much appreciate that, but we came for merriment and ale!  We came to laugh at the clowns and smile at the animals!"   Cal'al gets a shocked and worried look on his face,  "Whatever has befallen this wonderful place of frivolity?!"   Cal sneaks a wink at the group behind, turning back to the guard with the same worried look.

 Spoiler
Do I recognize the emblem on his armor?

[User]
 Scharkarytiss narrows his eyes at the armored man.
 Is it normal for a circus to have an armored guard telling people to go away?

[User] "Depends on what does the 'circus' does. In some cases it's just to put out those that are pissing everyone off. In other cases, it's better to have someone telling everyone to go away."

[User]
 "Get your mind out of the gutter boy, this is a respected establishment. If you are looking for frivolities you should visit Copper Coronet, there are a lot of shady dealings going on there. Not that I would know anything about that."
The last sentence makes the guard blush slightly, and a sharp eye doesn't fail to notice it.

[User]
 Schar looks at the guard.
 And do they serve drink at this "Copper Coronet"?

[User]
 Cal'al Ouss'mtor ,  Drow Ardent  Cal'al being of sharp mind and eye catches the guards embarrassment.   "Look, we have all indulged in some frivolity once or twice in our lives, there is nothing to be ashamed of."   Cal pats the guard on the shoulder and leans in a little close, as if he didn't want prying ears to hear them.   "I know you are meant to guard this door, and you are doing an amazing job at it.  Your crest is highly known and regarded as one of the best around.  I  would just ask you to look the other way for twenty seconds so my friends and I can take a look in the circus.  I promise if anything shall befall us, you will not be blamed."   Cal'al takes out 20 gold pieces from his pouch and holds them out to the guard.   "After your shift you can relax and enjoy some,  frivolities  with this, compliments of myself and my party."   Cal smiles at him, as genuine a smile as the guard has ever seen.

 Spoiler
Diplomacy  (1d20+11)[ 14 ]   Cal is, obviously, trying to get on the guard's good side.  The gold is there to sweeten the deal.

[User] "Ive been in your place before. I know what you've been trying to do. We here are just looking for a place to clean our minds from what we've gone in the past 6 months. And honestly, I think this establishment isn't the kind of establishment that'd be problematic to anyone. Mind letting us in?"

[User]
 Schar starts to walk away.
 If they don't want our patronage, I feel we shouldn't give it to them. Let's just go find a bar. This "Copper Coronet" sounds good enough.

[User]
 Right from the door you already notice what kind of place is Copper Coronet. With shady dealings in dark corners and many illegal activities happening in private rooms, Copper Coronet is a pit of corruption and a perfect place to gather information. But before you have a chance to start your search an armored figure appears before you. You can see by the scar on his face and the dents in his armor that he has seen battle. However, there is something about him that simply screams arrogance, and his accent doesn't really help him make a good impression.
"Strangers! Perhaps you have more courage than the worms that frequent this pit of corruption. I am Anomen, warrior priest of Helm. What is your name?"

[User]
 Schakriarytiss, warrior of Torm, captain-
He swallows back the phrase.
 I suppose, former captain of the forces of Neverwinter, at this point. What is a priest of the Watcher doing in this pit of corruption?

[User] Cal'al Ouss'mtor ,  Drow Ardent  Cal'al starts to walk right to the bar when a large, armored man steps in front of him.  Cal sees the scar on his face and the dents in his armor and immediately knows that brute force won't get him to his ale.   "I am Cal'al Ouss'mtor, Ardent and controller of the mind.  Now, if you don't mind, can we talk at the bar?  My throat is parched and needs refreshment if we are to talk any more.  My companions and I have been through a lot as of late, and a drink is just the thing we need."


[User]
 Joint bearing additional sealing device of the efficient shaft will not be detained external invasion of sewage can work normally under the condition of good, but these additional sealing mechanism will increase. "Institutions for the bearing on the use of axis and the size of the set for the inconvenience, at the same time, additional sealing device sealing performance and the neck is always the most ideal processing and high precision brother position tolerances, prepared for strict parts, sealing.

General heating method.
1. Version of electric heating placed in method of bearing power version of the temperature of 100 ℃, the simplest after a few minutes, in turn, the waiter several times, so that the bearing heating, high efficiency, joint bearing can be used to the size of the method.
2. The electric furnace heating method in  SKF Bearing Outer Diameter  in enclosed automatic air conditioning electric furnace heating heating, air conditioning, heating the correct as soon as possible, a lot of bearing heating climbing the occasion of the guards.
3. Thermal induction and induction heater using as soon as possible to get rid of credibility, clean the joint bearing the temperature needed for 8595, specially suitable for the position of the running-in, so I rarely just heating power, the outer ring is heated, it can predict the women's football is also difficult to packed in factories.

4. Bubble heat lamp 50 w use method, electric light bulb around 100 ℃ heating temperature heating ensure bearing joints to less direct bearing on the bearing of large bulb, a dramatic fall sharply in the bulb cover cover defense heat bulb, enliven the dissipating heat evenly cover sharp Shanghai stone all adapt to heat the other size of bearing certain limits, if applicable, tianjin light bulb, pay attention to the light bulb direction down the mercy should avoid conducive to people's eyes radiation infrared light bulbs saving this hot method plus the number of Yang, less often does not apply to light bulbs for; Should be heated bearing position in peacetime also has a light bulb with a small, and there is no any equipment.
5. Too hot addition this is a very traditional heating method is applied to 50 ~ 70 mm from the underlying Thai new metal net, in the online world bearing comfort hooks to direct bearing, bearing can reduce in order to prevent the ball of the slot on the ground floor groove contact local site or too high, heat in the bedroom sewage tank on the ground of bearing heat method, pay attention to the main point is this. Decay heat corrosion good stability of mineral oil should be used, it is best to transformer oil, oil, and courage, should maintain clean's heating capacity and the size of the joint bearing and leakage, if determining oil manipulation on continuous small vessel, Windows bearing loss decreased, if no effect is not ideal.
And the choice of shaft and bearing and control = bearing rotation crushed no flexibility ship to pieces. Has a significantly rotation is not flexible, if the size of the axis of trying to fall. Bearing more sexual hand is obvious "sasha vujacic" axis of the sense of the probability of high turned to rounded or wet too much tolerance is not good. Good control chamber and the bearing on the shaft is poor and round, so also should suppress degrees.
Ball bearing assembly model = is ultra precision products, such as improper assembly, channels are easily damaged bearings, bearing damage. Bearing is defeated not only must set the assembly model of special ability little spin opinion is broken, the stress the significance of one party. Congress, requires the use of gas pressure in hydraulic or Shanghai, for national level, if remove channel inclined continuation rate of bearing damage, left guide bearing points of production.

Found foreign body turn to set the bearing assembly = to prevent child dynamic equilibrium, it is easy to have dross dynamic moving work before bearing set inside, so the balance back into balance. Bearing is the conference room or lubricating base oil spills the management role, but can't control the situation also has a lot of the story in the face oil or oil bearing, southeast Asian indoor easy to follow bearing in internal rotation axis. Ball the best or not than greasy control, cloth in bearing conspiracy.
Paint melt = 7 rust prevention is characterized by sealing all kinds of competition is electrical type electric ear up good, but as time goes by warehouse, the motor is very abnormal sound less imports bearing serious rust. Many manufacturers as a front bearing problem, the main power plant, the question consciousness of varnish. The main problem is I never paint edge "calendar day of the temperature, humidity and corrosion protection of metal corrosion corrosion material and formation of the channel on the bearing corrosion is not enough. The question now is the only choice good varnish the dry air in a certain period after assembly.
Ball bearing life is closely related, manufacturing, assembly, use, must make each ring, operating the meaning of the use of the best extend bearing life of bearing.


[User]
 For the past several days, you have been traveling a road that winds lazily across the rolling grasslands of the Greenfields. Sundown is approaching when you top a rise and see the town of Greenest just a few short miles away. But instead of the pleasant, welcoming town you expected, you see comlumns of black smoke rising from burning buildings, running figures that are little more than dots at this distance, and a dark, winged shape wheeling low over the keep that rises above the center of the town.
Greenest is being attacked by a dragon!


[User]
 Defending choke
 (2d6+2)[ 4 ][ 3 ](7)

Atacking old man
 (2d6+2)[ 2 ][ 4 ](6)

Old Man attacking
 (2d12+8)[ 4 ][ 2 ](6)


[User]
 For months now there has been a threat in the air. News spreads quickly in the great city, and all heard it when the distant colony on Trister came under attack almost a year ago. The small city fell before reinforcements led by Panarius Drusus could reach them. He refused battle against a numerically superior fleet, and withdrew his two squadrons to safety. Reinforcements were sent to the east, but several other colonies and client cities were sacked before they could be relieved. The whole cities were burned to the ground, and all valuables taken. The attackers were identified as orcs, but normally they wouldn’t take fortified cities, especially not that quickly. The raids came ever closer to Clusium, and there has been talk of defection by several allies who feel ill at ease with the apparent lack of protection. Deciding that they needed to act the Pentarchs chose one of their own, Manlia Iulilla, who was given command over the combined fleet and set out to destroy the attackers in a cataclysmic battle.

Earlier today you were in the marketplace, where you heard about the defeat. The majority of the Clusian navy had been crushed by the barbarians, and extreme measures were being taken by the Curia. They had decided to buy up slaves and to offer citizenships, just to make up the numbers of recruits. As a freedman, you would have received the sum of fifty denarii, a considerable sum, and more importantly, a citizenship at the end of the term of service. Of course, it wasn't mentioned that the term was twenty-five years, which most would never live through. And this money would have to be used to purchase ones own equipment, although a part of it would come through loans from the state. Despite your current lack of money, this doesn't seem like the best option.

You were speaking to some of your colleagues, independent actors, always lookign for another part, another role, another few days of food. It is forbidden for citizens to perform on the stage, and there are actors who are rich, but you are not one of them. You have not signed up to any troupe, those tend to be owned by a playwright who uses trained slaves. However, there often is a need for other parts, and that is the purpose of the free actors, to fill those in.

Today there is a sense of depression and foreboding, with the war going so bad, it is likely that less actors will be needed. One of your friends has even signed up for the army. But perhaps fortune does shine on you. Lepidus, a moderately-famed master, has come. He is the head of a small troupe, and often hires extra actors. He looks anxious, almost afraid even.

[User]
 Calvus Tristerius was many things, military man was not among them.  He often wondered what had possessed his friend Marcus to decide upon joining the Clusian forces.  Rumor had it that those boys were going to the front … and rumor had it that the front was no place to be.

But still, it was not entirely inconceivable.  Marcus had fallen on hard times, and hunger somethings drove men to make poor decisions.  To be honest, Marcus had probably been won over by the promise of three regular meals a day rather than the fifty denarii he'd been promised for his service.

Calvus, on the other hand, was not yet in such dire straits.  He had a little bit of money left over from his last engagement.  Not a lot mind you, but enough to keep the idea of enlisting in the Republic's service still seem like a foolish idea.

Trouble was, the money Calvus did have would not last him long … a week at most.  He needed to secure some work, and soon.  That was where Lepidus came in.  Calvus set out to meet the man, keen on inquiring after any positions within his troupe...

[User] As always, Lepidus was sitting in the Winged Whale, a small tavern at the market square. He is a balding, slightly overweight man who has several scrolls in front of him. Nearby are several of the freelance actors you know. Anchises, the veteran of a hundred plays who claims that in his youth he worked with Musonius Livillus, the famed playwright who wrote several plays that are still widely performed. There is Fabia, a young woman who received her freedom when her old master died, and has taken up a carreer in acting. She isn't a very good actress, so she finds it hard to hold down any good positions. And of course, as always, there is Marcellus. You used to share rooms when you only just arrived, but he secured a good marriage, with a shopkeeper, and now he has several meals a day. He greets you warmly:  "It is so good to see you again, Calvus! And in this place no less. You've obviously come here for tonight? Ah well, I guess that you should speak to Lepidus there first. I don't want to spoil the surprise."

[User]
 "Marcellus!  You old so-and-so, how have you been?"  Calvus says, putting on a cheerful face when he greets his old friend.

"Yes, yes … you have found me out," He continues, loud enough to be overheard. "I am here to secure a position with this fine troupe."  He stops himself just short of lavishing praise on old Lepidus (although did not necessarily rule it out for later).

Approaching the table, Calvus clears his throat to get the old playwright's attention.  "Master Lepidus?  Greetings."  The young man says with a quick little bow.  "I am Calvus Tristerius, actor … poet, and gentleman.  I hear tell that you may be interested in taking on a few of us actors that are worth their wages?"

[User] Lepidus swirls his wine around and looks up from his scrolls:  "Greetings. I indeed am looking for those actors who have skill. Have you ever heard of Tarpeius Semplonius?" , he drops a short pause,  "Well, I didn't know him either. But it seems that he was the brother of Tarpeia Drusilla, who sits in the Curia. He fancied himself a playwright, although I had never heard of him, and to be honest, his works weren't good at all. They are downright horrible. But he has apparently died in battle, and his sister wants to commemorate him by having one of his plays performed  for her and some close friends. Normally I wouldn't touch that kind of drab, but she is in the Curia, and on the rise as I heard it. So, if you don't mind playing a fisherman, in a downright terrible play, and saying the dullest lines ever written, but do fancy a chance at winning the favour of an important politician, I strongly encourage you to accept my offer."

[User]
 Calvus nods along as Lepidus lays out the plan.  Calvus knew a thing or two about the nobles and their penchant for being told how great they were.  As long they paid, Calvus didn't mind … he'd acted in worse.  And he was desperate for the money.

"Can I play a fisherman!?"  Calvus says in mock indignation.  "My good sir, you are talking to Calvus  Tristerius .  I was gutting fish long before I knew my letters.  It might even please my dear old mum, gods-rest-her-soul, for her to know that my lout of a father might actually have prepared me for something!"

He chuckles and pours himself a small glass of wine, leaning in conspiratorially.  "As long as their coin is good … I'll act as their bloody fisherman, eh?"

 Spoiler: OOC
Calvus has both Knowledge (local)  (1d20+7)[ 25 ]  and Knowledge (nobility)  (1d20+7)[ 16 ] . (for familiarity with Tarpeia Drusilla)

[User]
 You recall that Tarpeia Drusilla is one of the rising stars in the Curia. Her family was in a decline, no longer one of the great great families and supported by the Manlii. A few years ago she took over the family, and has caused their fortunes to imporve again, gaining some sort of independence from their patrons. Her younger brother has always been very full of himself, being well-known not only for his complete lack of taste, but also for aspiring a military career, to enter politics. It appears that such a promising career has been cut short by the cruel hand of fate.

Lepidus looks slightly amused at you:  "You will make a fine fisherman, nice and inspiring. And the pay is very good. Five denarii, for two days of rehearsal, and the evening of performance. Plus of course any bonus that the lady chooses to provide, if we are faithful enough to the original work. I recommend that you read through this very carefully." , he hands you three scrolls,  "For the first read I'll give you a free pitcher of wine, you'll need it."

The play is terribly sentimental. It is about a nobleman who was raised in the city, but doesn't know real life. He gets shipwrecked and dredged up by a fisherman (you) who offers a plethora of life lessons, delivered in lines like: "Fortune is like a fish, your net has to be fine enough to catch it." Your part is mostly in the second act, where he learns these lessons, although you also feature in the final part, when he returns to his palace, where his wife (Fabia) has taken up an affair with a dashing officer, and the nobleman butchers them all in a very bloody way.

 "Meet me at my theatre tomorrow morning, I plan on having a cast together, and enough wine to get through this monstrosity."

[User]
 Even though his coin purse was feeling awfully light, Calvus was of a mind to celebrate.  It wasn't everyday that a job like this landed right when you needed it.  He left Lepidus and the others and began to make his way back toward the shoddy boarding house he'd been calling home these past few weeks.

  As he wends his way through the various districts - each poorer than the last - he paused at a temple of Nurtia and supplied a beggar there with a few coppers (it seemed a good enough offering to the Goddess of fate, the young man thought).

  Arriving home, he gathers a few of his things and lays them out on the bed, trying to determine what he ought to wear to the rehearsal tomorrow.  First impressions and all that.

***

The next morning, he arrives at the appointed time wearing his finest robes.  Taking on this role was going to be a fortuitous turn for the young actor … he could feel it.

[User]
 The theatre is a modest place, not one of the huge ones that receive large audiences. Of course, those also aren't owned by common people. Performing is illegal for citizens, and especially for the nobility, but they can still own such places. There is a slave at the entrance, who lets you in after asking for your name. Inside there is space for maybe a hundred spectators, but everyone is standing on the stage, where Lepidus is getting them to say their lines.

There is only one person who is not with the others. A well-dressed middle aged man, who appears to be simply watching everything. Lepidus' own company is here already, but you are the first of the freelancers to arrive. He looks when you come in, and smiles:  "Welcome, my dear, dear Calvus! Have you had any time to look at your script?"


[User]
 Xanasyne
There was a small, young star, burning a bright and blinding white as it drifted along in it's corner of space. This young star bore it's own star system, but was unusual, in how it only carried a single planet. This planet, a gas giant which would one day be known as Leuk, was fairly small, only two hundred and fifty thousand kilometers around the equator. It was a cloudy white, as most of it's composition was water vapour, but it also contained amounts of pure phosphorus which, every five or ten years, would rise up in a cloud to the outer surface, causing a brilliant light show shaped like a hurricane for any nearby to behold. Now Leuk was also unique, in that it only bore two moons: a smaller, white moon which would be one day called Temeos and a large, yellow moon which would be named Xanasyne.

It was to these moons that powerful beings, known as gods, would stand in this universe. This is the story of how those beings who found themselves on one of those moons, the Dragon of Afterlifes, the Striking Lightning, the Blind Judge, the Friend and Father, the Muse of Doubt, the Master of the Sea, and He Who Thieves, would shape Xanasyne, and it's destiny.

  Rules Reference
 Out of Character Thread

 Spoiler: Map

 Spoiler: Map With Grid

[User]
 The world awoke, and with it, awoke a goddess. The land was empty, barren, cold. The goddess felt sorry, for such emptiness cried out. There was a world waiting to be birthed. So she decended to the vast, empty fields, and steped upon the soil. Whether or not the soil had existed first, or if it had spung into being so that the goddess had a place to stand, that was not something that could be said. Creation implies a creator, afterall. But the world was empty, so there was none to create. You could go mad, such thoughts.

And so, the goddess danced. She felt the music of creation inside her, and she breathed it into her motions. In the empty plane, there came new and wonderful things. The ground took shape, a spiral that twisted into the heavens. A great tower, a helix upon itself. And within that helix, came beautiful rivers and forests. Color, sound, disparity. These things had been absent, and now they were together. But it was still empty. There was none who dreamed. No thoughts.

So the goddess raised her hand, and gave shape to thought. First, she made a ribbon, for that was a shape that matched her mood. It flexed and twisted, free to change. Then, she gave it life. Her ribbon was born, it chirped and spun through the air. With satisfaction, the goddess watched it fly. The world was better now. She made more of these creatures, for loneliness was almost as bad as emptiness. She could not hold herself back, so she added more spirits to the world. More thoughts, which roamed the towering spiral, and out into the land. Beautiful flowers, and singing birds.

So, Rynn birthed life, and land, and thought into the world. Creation, and inspiration. Both were needed to turn the empty canvas of this land into something beautiful.

[User]
 Among the life, something...  more  formed. dancing with the flow of Rynn's ribbon, a figure appeared, lauching on the breeze.

 Such life, such beauty, such joy is there to be had! Ah, for it to be so for all time!

But the figure knew that this golden age would be brief, for with the dawn of a new world comes the dawn of darkness along with the light. He calmed himself, and found himself a seat beside Rynn, deep in thought at how to avoid his own failings and keep the world as joyous as possible.

He spoke a word of creation, and beside mountains and crags came hills, green with grass and trees, rolling in gentle waves across the world.  For something peaceful to thrive on,  the god muttered to himself.

[User]
 Water rushed down the mountains and into the rivers, spewing the secret of life across the world. Most went off into the wastes, followed by new fields and hills. Others settled down into lakes. And seven filled into a very, very large lake at the edge of the wastes immediately before all but one dried up completely.

This lake was the largest of all, and it wasn't going to be a lake for much longer. Though no streams came into it, water pushed out, and began filling the wastes, seemingly endless in quantity. The ground beneath the waves could barley hold back this mass of liquid, and was pushed deeper into the planet, creating even more hills and mountains just under the surface. Where grass could not grow, new plants appeared, swaying in the ocean breeze. Tiny organisms grew and became fish of all colors and kinds. Somewhere, far away, a fish and bird made beautiful union and conceived the world's first duck.

At the very, bottom of this expanse, where only the smallest or most durable forms of life could thrive, a god finally awoke. The final thrashes of the ocean finally calmed, save for a small area where seven silk-like strands of seven colors spun, then condensed. Whirlpools of sand and rock liquefied imediatly, then shot through the ball of shining string and reached towards the heavens, the shockwaves unleased from their sudden accent smoothing the features of the trench they escaped from. The walls illuminated and provided light for the humanoid form until it found darkness, and then light again, the light of the sun.

A grand chariot of coral and seafoam shot out of the deep and skimmed the waters, enormous narwhals leading it at incredible speeds. The figure of a young man was at the reins, his eyes reflecting the terrain he soared across, and his skin a mirror to what lied beneath. Other creatures were drawn to them, with only a small group of speedy dolphins able to barley keep pace with the majestic beings.

He spent a long time speeding through his domain, conversing with the wildlife and exploring the deepest trenches of this era.

And yet, when his fun was over, he found the time to revisit one of the streams that had given birth to him, follow it and come across the first two of his kind just in time to hear one say

 Originally Posted by JNAProductions
  Such life, such beauty, such joy is there to be had! Ah, for it to be so for all time!

Time was funny like that, for gods anyway.

He stopped and looked upon the happy, yet solemn-speaking god. The blue god's eyes shifted from navy blue to the colors of sunset.   And why would it not? What keeps the world from remaining the way it is, happy and wild?

[User]
 This was simply unacceptable.

Unacceptable! The noise! The chaos! That eyesore of a tower! Not that He could see the tower, of course, but He knew it was an eyesore regardless. The lack of order to it all was appalling.  T HIS HAS TO STOP ,  Ieos muttered. Or perhaps He screamed, very quietly; the end result was the same. But how was He to stop it? He would have frowned, if He'd had the lips to do it with. The first matter was an issue of numbers. Specifically, He didn't have them. That would be the first thing to change. Ieos flexed his divine will, and a host of Holy Guardians appeared before Him. The Guardians, He knew without looking, were tall, stocky beings, with metal skin and blank, featureless faces, dressed from head to boot-covered toe in blue, each with a golden shield held in one hand and a stout black club in the other, borne aloft on wings of light. That was how He had wished them, and that was how they were. They were the Law. They were the Law, and they would bring His righteousness.

With that done, Ieos descended from the perfect blankness of His Order and touched the world. Where He touched it, the land crumbled and twisted to become glittering, blank, perfect sand. Somewhere, He could feel, the other gods were gathering. He want to them.

  --keeps the world from remaining the way it is, happy and wild?   one of them was saying.

 I  DO,   Ieos replied.  W ILDERNESS IS NOT THE LAW.

[User] With a flash of lightning El' Karos arrived on the barren moon of Xanasyne just in time to see Rynn's Helix rise into the air, upon seeing Rynn's birds take flight El' Karos called one to his outstretched hand and examined it,  "It has Potential"  he said to himself, his arm glows a deep blue as he imbues the bird with his magic the bird transforms. Once Finished El' Karos inspects his new creation before   "Much better"  he says to himself as the Bird flies away.