Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Vergil1989 on 29-09-2011, 04:50:05</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vergil1989</strong> on <strong>29-09-2011, 04:50:05</strong>
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				(http://images.alphacoders.com/656/65619.jpg)<br><br><em>The Crusades against the monsters of the world had garnered much success, some would say too much success.&nbsp; Even so, the Heroes are being called again, along with new ones from other worlds, other places, to help finish what the Crusades began.&nbsp; The Royal Family, mainly the Queen of the surface world that resides over this beautiful and bountiful place, has asked that heroes old and new gather to prepare and train for the new attacks into the dark chambers, vaults, and lairs that still hold many a creature in one massive complex deep under their feet where their scrying magics as well as their teleportation spells have no sway.&nbsp; Some dark force is holding their powers at bay, making it almost impossible to see what lies in wait in the deep darkness below them without physically going there in the flesh.&nbsp; A small group would best be able to penetrate the places below since it would take but a single trap to wipe out a large force of men and women.&nbsp; Thus, the heralds have gone ahead at the behest of her Highness and have sent messages to every corner of this world, and the mages under her control have also done their part in bringing the best other worlds have to offer, all in the hopes of making sure evil cannot find a way back for another blood soaked conflict like that the Crusades had seen.&nbsp; The people cannot suffer such war again so soon after the first despite restoration efforts being well on their way by now.&nbsp; Thus, the decision was unanimous among the royal courts and the people themselves to ask the aid of old allies as well as new ones in this endeavor.</em><br><br>(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_9CkwN1P9tlU/TMQ3uZ8DsgI/AAAAAAAACZQ/ScsRcIbs7Ak/s1600/Standing_Stones_of_Callanish_%28Callanish_I%29_%289605427%29.jpg)<br><br>Giselle Daermon N'a'shezbaernon, or Do'Urden for short, rode hard down the winding dirt road that lead to the castle, having been called in to this world in a circle of stones a day's ride to the west.&nbsp; She didn't bother to hide her face, no longer bothered by the fact that her skin was as dark as obsidian, marking her in appearance only that she was a member, half blooded member to be precise, of one of the most vile and evil of all the races back on the Prime Material Plane of Toril.&nbsp; A messenger from this world had found her in the City of Sails when she had been visiting her brothers, celebrating her own birthday rather than her twins.&nbsp; 300 years old and at the top of her warrior path, the dark skinned woman's face was lit up with a smile as she felt the sun beating down from above, the horse underneath her responding to her smallest movements.&nbsp; Pure white save for a couple of splotches of brown along her flanks, the horse was doing wonderfully so far, but from what she had heard, she wouldn't be needed for long if her new path truly went into deep underground vaults under her feet.&nbsp; Her race would be quite adept at navigating the darkness since the Drow were creatures of shadow and deceit by trade, easily outranking even the most deadly of assassins in their abilities in stealth and striking from shadows that knew no limits in their lightless world.&nbsp; She hadn't been born in such a place herself, but Giselle was almost as good in that area, but she preferred a much more straight forward fight than sneaking around like a common thief.<br><br>The massive iron gates that were part of the outer stone walls that protected the city and the castle itself swung open the moment she was spotted by the guards stationed along the parapets and towers, orders having been shouted down to open the gates as she approached them.&nbsp; Slowing her mount down to a comfortable jog, Giselle ran a hand over her mare's head and whispered in elven that she had done well.&nbsp; The ranger earned a happy neigh in return which brought a twinkle to her brown eyes.&nbsp; Her long silver gray locks had settled against her back at least, but it'd need some work if she wanted to have it under control before the next stage in today's affairs, which would be meeting the Queen and her royal court most likely.&nbsp; She wanted a whole bath and time to prepare, but if she didn't get it Giselle would make do since in all honesty it might be better to meet the ruler of this land as is, as well as any other heroes she might be working with since first impressions were always the most crucial.&nbsp; Regardless, the half Drow was able to adapt, and her small arsenal of weaponry and gear was a testament to that.&nbsp; Taulmerial the Heartseeker was slung across her back along with her pack, as well as the enchanted quiver of arrows that would never run out of the arrows it used, which were also enchanted with electrical energies, making each shot all that more deadly since they could punch through solid stone with relative ease.&nbsp; Her twin scimitars, Icingdeath and Twinkle, were also present on her person, both blades about as famous as her father himself.<br><br>Icingdeath had been found in an ice dragon's hoard of loot, and it had the astounding power to absorb fire of all kinds.&nbsp; Shrapnel as well as any explosive force generated from bombs weren't effected perhaps, but the flames themselves would never hold sway over Giselle since her blade would drink them up like a camel drinks up water, although such power came with a price to her own energy reserves if it came up against anything too strong for it to handle on its own.&nbsp; Twinkle on the other hand was sharper than it appeared and glowed with the power of the stars and the moon it had been imbued with, revealing danger to the wielder when it did so, making hidden enemies a thing of the past although it also made sneaking around conversely as difficult since the light could be seen by any that had eyes.&nbsp; Besides a small assortment of throwing daggers scattered about her person, Giselle wore form fitting mithril chainmail armor that bore the standard of Clan Battlehammer, that being a foaming mug.&nbsp; It had no enchantments of its own, but it had saved her life many times in the past and allowed for a great deal of acrobatic feats that platemail or anything heavy like that would prevent, enabling her to keep her awesome speed and abilities up to snuff.&nbsp; Hopping off of her horse when she finally got to the castle among cheers from the townspeople she had passed, the half light elf half Drow smiled warmly upon the gathered crowds before turning to the castle gate guards.&nbsp; "I have come at the behest of her Ladyship and ruler of this land.&nbsp; My name is Giselle Do'Urden, daughter to Drizzt and Megan Do'Urden.&nbsp; Ranger to Mielikki, come from Toril, my home plane of existence, to this one to aid in the new Crusades."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Syene</strong> on <strong>30-09-2011, 04:05:37</strong>
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				Beautiful and charismatic Luminita, revered across the kingdom as a holy woman and named by the church as one of it's Apostle's, had been among the first to answer the call for heroes. She brought a group of devoted pilgrims and holy warriors to the city. They settled in a tidy little camp just outside the city walls. Luminita divided her time between healing the sick and speaking against the evil that lay beneath, vowing that she would be among the first to venture into the tunnels. It was her holy duty, after all. <br><br>Accompanied by four of her most capable followers and a considerable number of well-wishers, she made her way through the city to hero's gate, pausing frequently to speak to the citizens who greeted her. <br><br>They made a very pretty picture. Luminita was a pure and beautiful blonde woman in white robes, carrying only a simple staff. She was accompanied by two knights, a man and a woman, their armor covered in pure white surcotes; a slim girl in brown leathers with a silver holy symbol hanging around her throat and fervor in her eyes; and a bespectacled woman wearing dove gray robes and carrying a staff. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vergil1989</strong> on <strong>30-09-2011, 04:19:59</strong>
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				While Giselle (and whoever else joins her,) was entering the castle, Luminita was being stalled by two heavily armored knights that guarded one of the few Hero Gates that were anywhere near the walled city and castle they called home.&nbsp; Standing on either side of the door, having let through seven other adventurers since they had no orders to stop anyone from going down save for children and criminals, they would still keep a record of any and all that tried their luck in the dark caves below.&nbsp; "Halt!&nbsp; What is your name and purpose for wishing to enter the dark caves and vaults below through this Hero Gate?"<br><br>((Feel free to either head right for the Hero Gate that's guarded by the knights that patrol the city or to head to the Castle as I have Giselle doing.))
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				Title: <strong>Re: Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Rhaegar14</strong> on <strong>30-09-2011, 08:43:33</strong>
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				Edgar, the Darkslayer, strolled casually up to the gate, oblivious to the spectacle of Luminita's approach. The knives stowed in his long, forest green coat tinkled softly as he walked straight through her procession, stopping to stand before the two knights, his icy blue eyes brimming with arrogance. He'd heard their earlier declaration. It was familiar; sweet, sweet music to his ears. "They call me Edgar," he said casually, "and I'm going down to leave a trail of monster corpses in my wake. Satisfied?"<br><br>Without waiting for an answer, the demon quarter-breed strolled right past the two guards, his hand going past the straight white curtain of his hair to rest on the hilt of his well-made sword, leathers appearing darker and darker as he journeyed into the blackness.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vergil1989</strong> on <strong>30-09-2011, 16:51:28</strong>
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				((Sorry for the delay guys and gals.))<br><br>The guards at the castle gates pointed Giselle to the Hero Gate first since they had already sent several heroes down.&nbsp; "Her Highness wasn't prepared for this many arrivals at once Lady Do'Urden, and has requested that until the current crisis is avoided down below that we not allow anyone to see her just yet.&nbsp; My apologies for this."&nbsp; The dark elf woman merely shook her head before bowing respectfully before the two.&nbsp; There was no need to apologize, and besides, her respect for this land's queen grew since she was more worried about her people than holding this meeting she had originally called for to gather the heroes before her, to judge whether or not they'd be able to handle the enormous task before them.&nbsp; Without a word the woman ran back to the Gate just as the two guards parted ways for the two that were already there.&nbsp; "Very well Edgar and Luminita, you may proceed, but watch yourselves down there."<br><br>"Edgar and Luminita huh?&nbsp; It's a pleasure to meet you both.&nbsp; My own name is Giselle Do'Urden.&nbsp; Let us proceed together since strength in numbers will likely see us through this trial we now face."&nbsp; The dark elf half breed said aloud, turning to the guards as they asked her the same question.&nbsp; "I'm here to make sure as little life is lost as possible on our side while making sure these creatures do not gain the upper hand again.&nbsp; I will not stand idly by while they manage to grow strong again from what I have heard of the last Crusades against them.&nbsp; Better to destroy them now than risk more open bloodshed and war."&nbsp; That got a surprise look or two for a few reasons, the most obvious being the color of her skin since even here Drow were hated, but the Queen had asked for this woman by name and it matched up on their list of heroes to watch out for.&nbsp; "Well, what are you waiting on?&nbsp; Let's move out!"<br><br>((Continue on the other thread I do believe.&nbsp; &nbsp;;D))
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				Title: <strong>Re: Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Syene</strong> on <strong>30-09-2011, 22:08:33</strong>
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				Luminita smiled pleasantly at the guards, answering their questions with good will -- her intentions and those of her followers were completely pure, after all. <br><br>She smiled sweetly at Edgar as he brushed past the guards, her hand briefly touching his shoulder and glowing with white light. The magic in her touch warmed and energized his body. "Blessings upon you," she murmured.<br><br>Having heard Giselle's name mentioned in the queen's call for aid, she kept her suspicions to herself. She smiled and replied, "A wise suggestion, undoubtedly. I am glad to travel with you as long as I may, but know that my holy mission may draw me elsewhere..." Holy mission, or the promise of either too much danger or loot she didn't want to share -- either way she would abandon her companions without a qualm.<br><br><br>She clasped Giselle's hands and murmured a gentle blessing, white light glowing around their hands and warming her.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ramael</strong> on <strong>30-09-2011, 23:26:53</strong>
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				<strong>Kirrilim the Raven Prince, the prince barely in title if not in reality, fifth in line to the Throne of Feathers</strong>, and probably the first of his name, stalked the stone pathway to the castle ahead of him.<br><br>Bearing the strain as he had his own unlikely ascension, full of dark humour and bitterness, the supposed-royal walked by himself, without entourage or attendants, or even a bodyguard.<br><br>He had become so used to not needing one anyway.<br><br>He had spent so long away from his family, the King, his brother-princes, and the nest of a city he'd left behind, that it was almost strange to behold another castle now.<br><br><em>And what a castle. Now THIS is what being royal's supposed to be about.</em><br><br>The heady climb was making Kir's heart beat faster and his breath came steadily underneath his wrought iron raven mask. The mane of feathers bobbed with each heavy step, Kir's powerful thighs straining underneath the bolstered leather leggings. <br><br>He was given the Raven moniker partially because he and all his family had to take aviary-themed names, given that they were in line to rule on the Throne of Feathers. But also, given Kirrillim's sour attitude in light of his unreal chances of ever making the throne when he had five older brothers all vying for the spot when their healthy, virile, warrior-father King finally died, Kir was given the moniker as a result of his dour attitude.<br><br>Which was understandable, really.<br><br>But Kir had launched his own expeditions, touring wide and far, searching for spheres to cast his own influence on, peoples that the Raven Prince wouldn't be a joke to, but instead a name to inspire awe and fear. <br><br>Kir had found them. <br><br>And now, after years of training, living, eating, loving, and practicing strange arcane rituals with them, they were ready to be his. Kirrillim, the Raven Prince, a lord in his own land, the mighty commander of a massive army of loyal shaman-barbarians.<br><br>All he needed was the gold. And a few enchanted items. In fact, he almost had a shopping list of magic knick-knacks his people wanted him to snatch from the jaws of darkness.<br><br>There was the infamy, too. He needed to be one of the mighty heroes to purge the dark caverns below, not only to give his new people stories to weave about and songs to sing about their ruler, but to give his old family a shock and wake-up call.<br><br>But first, he had to purge said caverns. <br><br>Reaching the top of the steps, he looked out from underneath his ornate metal mask. There were guards ahead of him.<br><br>Kir thought there might be. He had expected as much. With such a castle, there ought to be.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ironwolf85</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 03:49:23</strong>
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				<strong>Kassad 77th heir to the serpent throne of katapesh, Son of the Black Cobra seer, the Ruby Prince, and other long winded meaningless titles.</strong><br>The Ruby Prince ran his hand along the woman's body, kissing the nape of her neck in a darker alley outside the castle. "you were magnificent my dear" she straightened up "thank you masssster" the young barmaid repeated his words perfectly as he let her go. "now you're going to go home, not remember this except a feeling of wonderful happiness when you met me okay?" "yes M'lord" she bowed and walked off. she had a fine body, but her mind... such a waste, full of trival thoughts.<br>he straightned himself up, with a simple utility spell, he might not have had fire and the elements at his command, but he could remove hay and bodyfluids easily.<br>The Cobrafolk loved little townsfolk like this, just because he could use them like this didn't mean he didn't care. he looked to a wealthy land owner, "excuse me sir" the nobleman looked up as he met Kassad's eyes the serpant entranced him. "you should try drinking at the crownsman inn later this week, leave an excessively large tip for the blonde waitress." the nobleman nodded as Kassad broke contact "thank you for the suggestion good sir" as he tipped his hat and Kassad walked away.<br>as he approached the castle main grounds he chuckled to himself lightly "like mom always said, do it right and it'll just pop right in"<br>When the guard saw a large red and black cobra man approaching the gates, he leveled his pik, "what are you doing here monster" Kassad adjusted his white fingerless gloves, and pushed the spear aside. "I was invited" holding up the invitation for the man to see, who quickly returned to his post and opened the gates.<br>he'd never dream of dominating another ruler, aside from the magics they probably had protecting them, they most likely knew of the Cobrafolk's poisons and ability to dominate weak minds
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				Title: <strong>Re: Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>CarnivorousBunny</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 15:55:54</strong>
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				There were only three of them in the party, two warriors and a cleric, but it was as if they were an army on their own. They carried no crest, but they were otherworldly and&nbsp; wore the same mysterious armor, a metal that looked as if it was crafted from pure moonlight. The warriors walked ahead, their eyes focused ahead. The cleric followed, keeping in time with the steady footwork of his companions.&nbsp; He, however, did not show the same focus.&nbsp; <br><br>The voices of the forest elders were still very clear in Jiro's mind.&nbsp; Their instructions were clear: identify the dark power below, neutralize it if dangerous. The stoney look in the council' eyes sent chills down his spine.&nbsp; It was very rare for them to encounter any true danger, and even in the past he could not remember a time when they looked this troubled.<br>As the council looked down at their party the agitated rustling of the frightened spirits only darkened the shadows on the faces of the council.<br>Jiro could feel it as well, under his feet.&nbsp; There was a presence who's energy was wafting up from under the soil.&nbsp; It was something that he had never felt before, but he was more curious than he was afraid.<br><br>The party of three reached the entrance to the castle. Jiro was unimpressed by cold, lifeless stone and did not care to look at the castle.&nbsp; Instead he looked to the people.&nbsp; There were two parties that had arrived ahead of them, all waiting to be let in.&nbsp; From his pack, Jiro pulled out his summons.&nbsp; The two warriors turned to him, their eyes heavy and flashing.&nbsp; <br>They too were worried.<br>"I will be fine." The fox said, smiling at his companions. "If there is indeed danger, the forest will need you more than I will."<br>The silent second continued for an eternity,<br>"We will wait with you until you enter the castle." His brother's voice was hard. <br>Jiro nodded and approached the castle guard, waiting for them to finish their business with the other parties.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Dungeon Denizens;  Heroes of the Crusade.</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Vergil1989</strong> on <strong>01-10-2011, 19:54:53</strong>
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				The guards at the castle doors themselves would turn all that approached them to the Hero Gate since monsters were already attacking a weak group of adventurers and would most likely come up to take their vengeance if they weren't held in check first.&nbsp; With promises to see them after the current crisis was over, the guards would kindly turn the three newcomers away to lend aid to those already engaged.&nbsp; Giselle meanwhile received Luminita's blessing but she truly felt it wasn't needed.&nbsp; "I thank you but I've fought long and hard to get to where I am today, and so while your blessing is well received Madam Luminita, it is not required.&nbsp; Come, let us waste no more time up here in the light.&nbsp; There are others that need us if they yet live."&nbsp; Giselle said, disappearing into the Gate a moment later, only to pop her head out as she thought she heard another group coming up behind them.&nbsp; Her eyes found the newcomers as they too approached the castle itself only to be kindly turned away and steered towards the Hero Gate they were already at.&nbsp; "Three more?&nbsp; What is this, a Hero Convention?&nbsp; Still, the more we have the better our chances might be.&nbsp; They can catch up."&nbsp; With that Giselle disappeared into the darkened tunnels below and didn't come back up again.<br><br>((I'm having everyone head down to the Gate first since I'd rather us be together when we meet her Highness if that's ok with everyone.))
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