Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Extreme =&gt; Extreme Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Mr Self Destruct on 18-04-2010, 14:25:52</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr Self Destruct</strong> on <strong>18-04-2010, 14:25:52</strong>
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				Deep in the recesses of the massive stalagmite structure that was House Qu'larrin, Matron Mother Ellysia Qu'larrin sat uncomfortably on a cold stone bench, her crimson eyes staring into the swirling lavender vortex of the scrying pool.&nbsp; Opposite her, standing over the onyx fountain that housed the pool of violet-colored liquid was her younger sister, Alin'raei, the second-eldest daughter of House Qu'larrin and a figure that was almost legend in the city of Menzoberranzan.&nbsp; Rather than be one of Lolth's chosen disciples, a high priestess, she had turned away from tutelage at Arach-Tinilinth, the school of the divine teachings of the Spider Queen that every female was expected to tutor at when they came of age.&nbsp; Instead, she focused on building her burgenoning psionic abilities, and came to master them with the tutelage of a long dead illithid that had been a battle captive of the ruling house.&nbsp; <br><br>The visions began shortly after, so terrible and agonizing that she had cut out her own eyes in an attempt to rid herself of the sights that assaulted her.&nbsp; She was gifted in prophecy, it seemed.&nbsp; In a rage, she had the illithid killed, all while visions of the future continued to assault her.&nbsp; Over the years, she had learned to accept the visions, and interpret their meaning.&nbsp; They often aided House Qu'larrin, and the city itself, her visions warning her of impending assaults by neighboring denizens of the Underdark, as well as power plays by other, lesser houses.&nbsp; Seeing in her the power to see the future, the Matron Mother had pulled her close, using her abilities to see any oncoming threats to her rule or to the city itself.&nbsp; <br><br>Even now, her empty eye sockets studied the scrying pool, the psionist using her telepathic abilties to scry the twisting, swirling waters.&nbsp; <br><br>"What do you see, sister?" Ellysia asked, growing impatient at the silence that lingered in the dark chamber.<br><br>"Darkness..." Alin'raei replied, speaking cryptically, as was her wont.&nbsp; "Death.&nbsp; There is a strange power here, sister, something that is blocking me.&nbsp; I cannot penetrate its barrier."<br><br><div class="floatleft">&nbsp; &nbsp;(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q15/doogieporker/Blinddrow.jpg)</div>&nbsp; &nbsp;"What manner of darkness?" Ellysia replied.&nbsp; Before she could recieve her answer, however, the strange murky liquid in the pool burst aflame.&nbsp; To her credit, she remained still, her eyes widening the only reaction to the eruption of archaic energy.&nbsp; Alin'raei, however, flinched, lurching backward quickly as the gout of flame burst forth.&nbsp; She crashed heavily into an obsidian table behind her, sending the contents resting atop it across the room.&nbsp; She managed to retain her footing, but she was shaken by the event, and her fear was evident on her vieled face.<br><br>"What was that?" the Matron Mother asked, her irritation at her sister's fear written plainly on her dark face.&nbsp; "What has interrupted your scrying?"<br><br>Alin'raei was silent for a long moment, trembling slightly, her hands shaking, her breath coming in quick gasps.&nbsp; The vision continued playing in her mind, showing her what she had been attempting to see within the contents of the scrying pool.&nbsp; As it did, she bit her lower lip to keep from crying out, hard enough to draw blood.&nbsp; If she felt the pain, she ignored it, the images flowing through her mind enough to suitably distract her.&nbsp; When it was over, she collapsed, falling to her knees, her hands splayed out on the cold, hard floor to steady herself and keep herself upright.<br><br>"Alin'raei!" Ellysia hissed, her anger evident in her voice.&nbsp; She only used her sister's name when she was irritated, and the psionist quickly inhaled, not wanting to keep her sister waiting.<br><br>"It was...strange." she said, trying to form words to match what she'd seen.&nbsp; "Images of the Abyss, or a place like it, strewn with the dead of our own kind.&nbsp; They were without a mark upon them, and yet, they were quite dead, their faces pale and lifeless.&nbsp; Then...they awoke.&nbsp; Necromancy, perhaps?&nbsp; No...not that.&nbsp; Something was willing life into them, but not by magic.&nbsp; Perhaps something...divine?"<br><br>"This is foolish..." Ellysia said, rising from the stone bench, her lower back muscles voicing their protest at having been forced to undergo such an uncomfortable seat.&nbsp; She ignored the pain, and glared at her cowering sibling.&nbsp; "Your talents have benefited us in the past, Alin'raei, and yet now, they are nothing more than an annoyance.&nbsp; Form something coherant of your ramblings if you are to be useful to me from now on."<br><br>She turned, moving for the exit to her sister's cramped chamber, then stopped as she heard Alin'raei's response to her scathing remark.<br><br>"Now is not the time for your petty squabbling!" she hissed, then recoiled when Ellysia whirled on her, malice in her eyes.&nbsp; "Forgive me, sister...but what I have seen is a vision of our future...the future of all our kind.&nbsp; Something stirs in the Abyss, something I have never encountered.&nbsp; It...lives, but does not.&nbsp; It kills, but gives life.&nbsp; It...feeds, but takes nothing..."<br><br>"Your riddles tire me, Alin'raei." Ellysia replied, narrowing her eyes dangerously at her younger sibling.&nbsp; "Speak plainly, lest I flail the flesh from your back and use it for parchment.&nbsp; What is it?"<br><br>"A...god..." Alin'raei said, uncertain if that was even the proper term.&nbsp; "Or a demi-god, a new power in the realms of the Infernal.&nbsp; That would not be troubling if not for the pure malicious intention I recieved from it.&nbsp; This being...whatever it is...comes to Menzoberranzan."<br><br>The silence between them lingered for many long, tense moments as her words bespoke the trial that would face the mighty drow city.&nbsp; They had weathered much, from the Time of Troubles to the Silence of Lolth herself, but now, with a new enemy, a god-like being intent on their destruction, coming to destroy everything that was Menzoberranzan, the color drained from both their faces.&nbsp; Would the city endure once again, weathering yet another assault on its mighty power?&nbsp; Or would this finally be the destruction of the City of Spiders?<br><br>"We must prepare." Ellysia said at once.&nbsp; "Summon the High Council, and have them convene at the Temple of Lolth within the hour.&nbsp; We must act decisively, lest this creature catch us unprepared for its arrival."<br><br>Just as she finished speaking, another vision assaulted Alin'raei.&nbsp; She screamed, clutching her empty eye sockets, and fell to the floor once more, landing painfully on her side.&nbsp; Her agonizing screams continued unabated for many long moments, alarming even the Matron Mother herself.&nbsp; She moved over to her sister's side, watching as she clawed at the empty sockets, attempting to claw out eyes that were no longer there.&nbsp; Blood pooled in them, and slowly began spilling out, falling in small rivulets on the cold, stone floor.&nbsp; She continued screaming, even as Ellysia began to shake her, trying to draw her away from whatever visions assailed her.<br><br>Then, just as suddenly as they had begun, the visions faded.&nbsp; Alin'raei fell back, her head lolling to one side.&nbsp; Her face was a mask of blood, both from her empty eye sockets and the ragged lines she'd clawed into her own face.&nbsp; She spoke, her words little more than a whisper, before her body convulsed one last time, and her sagging eyelids closed for the last time, never to reopen.<br><br>"It is here."<br><div align="center">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;*</div><strong>Donigarten</strong><br><br>In the center of Lake Donigarten was a small isle in which herds of rothe, the large, hairy beasts that were the dark elves cattle and source of food, roamed.&nbsp; The beasts were blind and stupid, and easily frightened.&nbsp; Many predators hunted the lake, and even more found their way into that particular section of the Underdark, despite the city's roaming lizard-riding guards.&nbsp; Rothe were prey animals, and as such, had no natural defenses aside from their considerable bulk against the teeth and claws of the many monsters that prowled the subterranean caverns and tunnels.&nbsp; Such beasts were always hungry, and when they hunted, they often made no sound to alert their next meal, even as they struck.<br><br>But for all their prowess, even these considerable beasts were no match for what frightened the large rothe herd.&nbsp; The rothe began to sniff the air nervously, even as an ominious rumbling began to shake the moss covered ground beneath their feet.&nbsp; The few goblin and orc slaves that tended the animals looked around nervously, trying to locate the source of the tremors.&nbsp; They sighed in releif when the shaking suddenly ceased, and even the rothe themselves seemed to grow quiet.&nbsp; <br><br>Then, slowly, something stirred in the dark waters of the lake.<br><br>It started as a tremor that rippled across the surface of the lake, nothing more than the water's reaction to a sudden breeze across its surface.&nbsp; The only problem was that there were no breezes so far underground, and the still air would never have caused such a disturbance.&nbsp; Growing curious as to the sudden ripple that moved toward the isle, a goblin moved closer to the edge of the murky waters, a dulled prodding spear in one hand, standing twice his height.&nbsp; The creature peered into the depths, trying to see what might be coming, despite the fact that there was no light to shine into the water.&nbsp; Still, curiosity getting the better of him, the goblin prodded the water with the tip of his dulled prodding spear.<br><br>A loud splash echoed across the surface of the lake as the goblin was pulled beneath the water, a sudden screech the only sound he was capable of as he was pulled beneath its depths.&nbsp; Those herders standing closest to him brought up the alarm, and as they did, a pair of drow, sitting atop their lizard mounts, moved to investigate the disturbance.&nbsp; They wore matching adamantite chainmail, and carrried long, pointed pole arms, their tips coated in poison.&nbsp; Their <em>piwafwis</em> draped casually on either side of their lizards as they moved through the rothe herd, their crimson eyes alert for any sign of danger.&nbsp; They stopped a few feet from the edge of the water, studying their surroundings quietly and tensely.&nbsp; They had both served at Lake Donigarten, Menzoberranzan's food source, for many years, and were trained to expect attacks from the water by carniverous predators both swift and deadly.<br><br>But nothing they had prepared for could save them when the waters erupted again.<br><br><div class="floatright">(http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q15/doogieporker/Kraken_by_delic.jpg)</div>&nbsp; &nbsp;A dark, slime-covered tentacle shot from the surface, and quickly enveloped the first drow, dragging him underwater even as his mouth opened in a silent scream.&nbsp; He died as his mouth filled with water, the life crushed from him by the gigantic appendage.&nbsp; Another tentacle emerged, whipping toward the second, who just managed to avoid the attack with a backward leap.&nbsp; As he somersaulted through the air, he pulled his short sword, a blade magically enchanted to make its edge even keener than the sharpest blade.&nbsp; It could cut through anything, even rock, and he was confident that it would save him from the fast moving tentacle.<br><br>Then, the creature emerged from the water, its top half covered in the same dark slime, while a single, malevolent eye stared at him, as if judging him under its baleful glare.&nbsp; <br><br>"A kraken?&nbsp; Here?" he asked, even as the creature's mighty tentacle wrapped around him.&nbsp; His blade fell from his grasp, falling uselessly into the murky water where it rapidly sank toward the bottom.&nbsp; The drow struggled, trying to free himself, even as the tentacle grasping him was brought slowly closer toward the creature's center...toward the massive mouth full of gnawing, gnashing teeth.&nbsp; The drow had just enough time to puzzle at the creature's mottled flesh, peeling away from its surface and even rotted in certain spots.&nbsp; It didn't diminish the creature's strength, however, and the warrior felt a rib crack like a dry stick as the kraken squeezed him one last time.<br><br>Then, he was gone, disappearing in a charnel house of rows upon rows of serrated teeth.<br><br>With nothing more to fight it, the kraken took its time feeding.&nbsp; Rothe were devoured one after another, slowly, the creature savoring their tough hides with every bite.&nbsp; Its mindless feeding was only stopped by the call of its master, bidding it to return.&nbsp; The voice soothed the creature, and with a dull wailing roar, it slipped back beneath the waters, fading away until its massive bulk was entirely submerged.&nbsp; As subtly as it had approached, it also disappeared, the tiny ripples of water as it moved deeper within the lake the only sign of its passing.&nbsp; Soon enough, even those were gone, and Donigarten was once again calm and silent.<br><br>The creature approached its master quietly and calmly, its twisting tentacles moving it closer toward the being who commanded it.&nbsp; Within the confines of the creature's rotting brain, it recognized the being as man, or man-shaped, and vague memories of a different place came to it, of large wooden ships and pointed spears hefted by the throngs of men aboard them.&nbsp; It recalled the pain of the those spears as they peirced its thick hide, but also trembled at the savored taste of man-flesh it had once enjoyed.&nbsp; As much as the kraken wanted to savor man-flesh again, it dared not attack its master.&nbsp; The kraken's continued existance relied on the benevolence of its master, and it would not risk its own doom to satisfy a craving.<br><br><em>'Calm, my pet...'</em> its master said, the voice speaking directly to its mind.&nbsp; The creature understood its masters words, regardless of the language spoken.&nbsp; <em>'The time for feasting will come again, and soon.&nbsp; For now, rest.&nbsp; You will taste man-flesh once more, and it will be the dark, smoky taste of dark elves that next slithers down your gullet.'</em><br><br>The being controlling the long-dead kraken felt the monster shiver in anticipation, then go still, content to wait for its next feast.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xanatos</strong> on <strong>18-04-2010, 19:36:11</strong>
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				Slender fingers delicately flicked a page of parchment aside, revealing two more sides of parchment for the eyes to consume. Jhul'ee read a book of Menzoberranzan's past, reminding herself of triumphs, losses, failures, mistakes, and recipes for success. The city was likely one of the longest existing cities in the history if the Underdark let alone the surface world and it lived because of the genius and will of the Drow and simply because their goddess willed it. Should Lolth ever will the mighty city to fall, such a day it would be upon its destruction. An interesting yet chilling thought, she had in a moment of imagination running wild. Of particular interest to her today was the quest set out by the cities best to find their, at one time, slumbering goddess and discover why she had gone silent and was ignoring or unable to hear their prayers. The one Drow whom returned, reported that Lolth was alive and well and had tested her faithful, as always. She had grown in power and was now more than she had been before. Just the thought made Jhul'ee smile. Lolth more powerful, it was something to smile about. <br><br>The matron mother sat in a most opulent chair, made of marble found from the surface, and red fabric also from the surface. The padding was made from rothe hide, so it was not as soft as it could have been but otherwise it was comfortable enough for a few hours of sitting. After all, Jhul'ee was used to wearing armor and few things could get as uncomfortable as armor. Her weapons, a sword and a mace sat against each side of the stone chair within easy reach should something or someone somehow breach the house defenses and guards and again manage to breach more defenses to assail her in her room; it was far fetched and quite ludicrous but a Drow rarely lost a bet when it came to caution. Her snaked headed whip rested in her lap, the snakes calm and sedate at the moment, each head rested gently on a part of either thigh. <br><br>Flipping another page she was interrupted as a knock sounded on the door to her room. Looking up with slight annoyance she closed the book and placed it upon the large marble arm of the chair, and rested her hand gently upon the book, her other hand on the other arm of the chair. The whips instantly came to life as the snakes began softly hissing, the heads bobbing in annoyance. Each head spoke to their mistress softly in her mind reassuring her they were alert. Jhul'ee knew them well and had no doubts they were ever alert to danger. <strong>Open.</strong> She commanded and the door opened at her command. A male solider, a handsome young Drow, stood abased as the door opened. <strong>Matron mother I bring word that the council is to meet within the hour by command of Matron Mother Ellysia Qu'larrin. I was given no reason as to why.</strong> He stood still staring at the ground and waited in complete silence. Jhul'ee's brow rose as the message was relayed to her and pondered the possible reasoning for a moment, ignoring the male before her. After several minutes she dismissed the soldier and commanded her door close. <br><br>Jhul'ee dressed herself in her finest outfit, one which revealed much of her full bosom and more than half of her sensual thighs. Her long boots covered up her calves ending at the knee. Once she was ready she took her sword and placed it at her side and left the silence of her room to find the Draegloth to have some words with him. Her whips waved softly from her hip, one of the snakes slowly wrapping itself around her waist stopping below her navel only to look out in front of her, ready to retract itself should the need arise for her to use the whip. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Opheliac</strong> on <strong>18-04-2010, 20:40:40</strong>
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				A shimmering oval appears within her chambers deep in the hidden base of Bregan D'aerthe. <em>Something is going on, and I'm sure we will not like it,</em> Jaerenth thinks. She calmly yet quickly leaves the dimention door, and strides to the office of Kimmuriel Oblodra, commander of the mercenary band. The woman taps the door quietly, and can hear the thought of Kimmuriel letting her in just slightly before she heard his whispering command. "Enter." She opens the door quietly, and enters the room. "Reconnaisance mission in House Qu'larrin report. The seer, Alin'raei, has died while having a vision. The entire house is preparing for war. I did not get to overhear the vision, but Matron Qu'larrin has ordered the Houses to convene at the Temple because of it." "Interesting. Listen in to that council, as best you can." "Yes, sir." She turns, and hurries back to her room before the Dimention door closes, reappearing out in the shadows of House Qu'larrin's stalactite abode.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Drake Valentine</strong> on <strong>18-04-2010, 22:37:06</strong>
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				There was no sharper melody than a crackling of the whip. This was a life Ghaun knew well, and it wasn’t uncommon for him and fellow slaves to end up being mistreated within those blocks. How long has it been since the male saw anything beyond the bars of a cage? Time was lost on him, the time spent in the arenas when owners wished to gambled their coin and his life. At least there was variety in meals as well when he wasn’t caged up by the slavers and there had been distant instances in the past where he was awarded something more than just bread or cold porridge with his winnings. In honestly, he rather be back down in the pits fighting for his life than dwelling in this horrid place. It was strange how cruel fate can be, once a slave, always a slave it seemed within the Underdark. Despite the owners he may strike down, he would end back up in this place. True freedom may only be awarded with his death or a full escape from the Underdark, but the possibilities of the latter were slim and there was still much to be done before he could even take his leave from this way of life.<br><br>Footsteps, the sounds echo quietly down in the hallways, for most individuals the approach may go unnoticed. Not for Ghaun, his wits were sharpen, his talents were those that leaned towards the shadows, before the fall of his house and his own enslavement. Those screams and cries of pain from fellow slaves wouldn’t detour his precise ears. He didn’t pay much heed to the approach, it wasn’t uncommon for guards or the auctioneer to come and go. Amethyst hued eyes were closed as his entire body was rested upon his knees within his cage, his body felt weary without the proper nutrition from the weeks of his imprisonment. Survival instincts kept him alive this far, he knew better to voice off to the guards, but those who caged him would not receive his full humbleness. This wouldn’t be a first of time spent here within his cage, nor would it be a last.<br><br>&nbsp;“Ghaun.” The voice of the auctioneer, the man was apparently gleeful with his tone, but the tattered and caged Drow paid him no mind currently. “Ah, as silent as ever I see. But today is a very fortunate day for me. It seems this too may be the last of times you come here.” The auctioneer sighed out, though his words had indeed finally stirred something out of the man. Even if it couldn’t be seen, Ghaun’s eyes had opened, those ivory long strands of hair blanketed over the slave’s face. Never did that male raise his head towards the one outside of the cage, he had no desire to look upon the slaver. To be rid of such a male fully would be a dream come true, but intuition was a horrible thing. Ghaun wasn’t getting a good vibe towards what this was leading to.<br><br>“Honestly I don’t want to part with you. You bring about such good business, Ghaun. Though the Priestesses need sacrifices for Lloth. Think of it as a new gamble, perhaps you’ll become favorable out of the few slaves I have to offer.” Such was a huge perhaps, Ghaun was no fool towards sarcasm. The slaver didn’t sympathize in the least bit with Ghaun’s predicament. The enslaved Drow knew all the better, and his entire being was trembling. Fear? Nay, Ghaun didn’t know such an emotion, he had nothing in his life left anymore to be afraid of. Everything he once possessed was stripped from him, his House, his title, his freedom, what was a life to be forgotten for him? It was fury however that brought upon such a display, angry at himself for killing the last of owners and ending up in this situation to lead towards this turn of events. What could he do? Kill the Priestesses that may desire to end his life? Such would anger Lloth and he might as well count himself dead upon even attempting such a deed.<br><br>Plead for his life? Ghaun would rather not. Already there were plenty of slaves moaning and complaining about this unfortunate news, but he will not degrade himself to their level. He was sure that nearly all would cry and grovel for mercy upon the arrival of that day, he on the contrary wasn’t as pitiful as them. He knew better that begging will not change anything, it was only a sign of weakness and Lloth weeded out the weak. Amidst his thoughts he missed out the comment that the auctioneer gave on ‘knowing he understood’ and even about the shipment itself being within a few hours. Shackled arms rose the moment the slaver took his leave, Ghaun’s hands pressed their way against his face. Though he wasn’t weeping, he was only trying to still the chaos going on within his mind. Never would he expect that this event would have such grave impact upon his current sanity. Laughter, a first and maybe a last, it was the only melody that escaped him, the only tune he’ll sung as many of wailing slaves were being released from their cages and gathered up like a herd of cattle. He too would be released, never faltering in his laughter as he was rudely pulled to his feet and taken with the others. It seemed the news of the other events had yet reach this part of the city, but for now it didn't seem to matter as him and the others were soon lead towards the Temple of Lloth. <br>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Doomsday</strong> on <strong>21-04-2010, 21:05:51</strong>
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				Word spread quickly to the ears of House Auvryzynge, one of the Eight council houses of Menzoberranzan. Within the matter of minutes, an emergency escort of sixty four drow soldiers was whipped up, a number pleasing to Lloth. Matron Yaskiira, head of House Auvryzynge, was to be accompanied by her daughter, Dhauneari, her cousin and current Patron, Duaglyn... And her younger brother, former patron and head wizard, Omaras Auvryzynge. Omaras did not live within the confines of House Auvryzynge; He might have been deceased long ago if he had not wisely relocated himself to the Narbondellyn district, but nevertheless, he was not houseless yet, and his presence was required. There was an unspoken understanding between brother and sister here; When Yaskiira needed his assistance, she would not try for his life. It was a very simple arrangement.<br><br>When Omaras received her magical summons in his apartment, high on a stalagmite tower, he simply stepped onto his balcony and stepped out into the air. He did not plummet like a rock, instead, he gently floated down to the surface like a feather, the power imbued to him by his clan brooch making such a feat possible. Omaras knew of such spells that would have allowed him to levitate up or down regardless, but it was very convenient that he did not need to expel and exhaust his own powers to do so. He intercepted his sister's armed caravan as they approached the Narbondellyn district, which lay just outside of Qu'ellarz'orl, the plateau which held House Qu'larrin, host of the council. "Sister," Omaras greeted Yaskiira with a false tone of affection, nodding his head to her. He floated into the center of their procession, where the nobles of Auvryzynge were carried on a litter by big, orcish slaves.<br><br>Dauglyn, his successor to the title of 'Patron', rested his head in Yaskiira's lap as the Matron affectionately stroked his short-cropped white hair. Dauglyn was less of a patron and more of a lap-dog; His sister perhaps desired a more subservient partner after Omaras had been forced from the post. "Don't speak to me," Yaskiira said sharply, not even turning to look at him. She could only suffer his presence because she would look weak in front of the council if she did not have her most powerful wizard and her most powerful priestess in her company... Speaking of whom, Luamur'ss, a sister older than Omaras but younger than Yaskiira, sat at the front of the litter, crouching impatiently as if she meant to spring from its' edge and rush to the ruling council herself, impatient to hear what this emergency session was being called for. Luamur'ss had been a High Priestess for centuries. She had always flown beneath Yaskiira's wing, and though she had her own ambitions, she had no desire to unseat Yaskiira. There where some whispers in the halls of Auvryzynge that Luamur'ss would set out and create her own house soon, as many noble women did.<br><br>Dhauneari only accompanied Yaskiira so that she could stay within the Matron's sight at all times, untrusted to roam the halls of Auvryzynge alone. For that, Omaras was grateful; He imagined she was also an incentive for him to stick around for a bit. "Daughter," Omaras greeted happily, and his mirth this time was perhaps a little less strained. He wrapped his hand in hers and brought it to his lips to kiss her knuckles, a wicked smile on both of their faces, one that went unnoticed by the other three nobles.<br><br>They arrived at Qu'larrin several minutes later. Instead of bringing their entire procession inside, including the slaves hauling their litter, Omaras used his magic to levitate the entire litter into the air, and send it through the gates. Just a slight display of Auvryzynge's power on the eve of this council...
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Shihong</strong> on <strong>25-04-2010, 18:41:07</strong>
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				<div align="center"><span style="font-size: 14pt;" class="bbc_size"><strong>Ang'tran Tsaerg Vic'valeth<br>~Personal Chambers~</strong></span><br></div><br>For the first time in a long while, Ang'tran found himself in a state of total lucidity.&nbsp; The massive Draegloth lay curled up upon his bedding, a mountain of crimson cushions and shawls that nearly managed to envelop even <em>his</em> considerable girth.&nbsp; It was almost disconcerting to look at such a frightful creature in a state of repose, layers upon layers of sinuous muscle flowing elegantly beneath benighted flesh, muscles that were normally in a state of deadly tension.&nbsp; His monstrous head looked considerably less frightful that way, his long muzzle smooth, his jagged teeth hidden away from sight, and his bloodshot eyes half-lidded with contentment.&nbsp; It laid snugly in the crook of one of his larger upper arms, while the smaller set hugged themselves tightly to his pectorals.&nbsp; One would almost mistake him for some lavishly spoiled guard dog, though to consider him as nothing more than a mere beast would be a dire mistake indeed.&nbsp; <br><br>A woman, or something resembling (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/rcburner/Horrible%20Things/MurderWoman.jpg) a woman was huddled up beside him like some garrish doll, her pale green skin shining morbidly in the low light of the room, and her solid silver face reflecting the dying flames of the candles hanging overhead.&nbsp; She her knees close to her chest, occasionally rocking back and forth.&nbsp; She said nothing to Ang'tran, and he said nothing to her.&nbsp; The strange woman seemed perfectly content to simply stare at him with unseen eyes, as though he were her entire world.<br><br>Other shapes shifted silently in the encroaching darkness, blasphemous things that would have seemed nightmarish in the world far, far overhead.&nbsp; Two arachnoid behemoths (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v296/rcburner/Horrible%20Things/EttercapSpiderCreature.jpg) stood guard at the entrance, grooming their mandibles mindlessly and waiting for their master to issue further commands.&nbsp; The door itself was already opened, as though Ang'tran fully expected someone to materialize before it at any moment.&nbsp; Indeed, the great Draegloth's ears were twitching and turning as some familiar presence drew ever closer.&nbsp; <br><br>Ang'tran exhaled, and a great shudder went through him as every limb tightened and flexed on instinct.&nbsp; There was little time to rest in the City of Spiders, least of all for something of his nature.&nbsp; Though he did not realize what was to come, there was an unsettling feeling in the air.&nbsp; It was a feeling he had felt several times before over the course of his unfathomably long lifespan; the feeling that everything could simply <em>end</em> at any given moment, an apocalypse so quick and devastating that history and memory would be erased by its coming.&nbsp; He exhaled slowly, but it was not a begrudging sigh.&nbsp; It was a release, a preparation for the arduous times that were swiftly approaching.&nbsp; Regardless of the horrors that loomed in the future, it was his sworn duty to ensure the well-being of the woman and the House that he was currently bonded to.&nbsp; <br><br>A slow smile spread across the monster's face.&nbsp; Let the End Times come.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fantasy Fan</strong> on <strong>27-04-2010, 06:00:18</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Tsabral'godevirr allowed himself a breath as he moved into place within the summoning circle and began his work. A massive and intricate design had been drawn onto the ground where the dark elf stood, in the lowest level of House Barri'afin's compound. The lines, a vast number of overlapping and interconnecting circles, with several triangles and runes drawn upon them, had been marked onto the floor using chalks and powders, and were now beginning to glow a faint white. With the exception of two torches lit with faerie fire, the musky room was entirely dark, and was inhabited by only three people; Tsabral, dressed in finely made robes bearing symbols of both Lolth and House Barri'afin, his hair pulled back into a high ponytail, though it still managed to cascade far down his back, and two slaves he had picked out that morning, the details of their appearances beneath his notice.<br>(http://www.anca.tv/gathering/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/magic_circle.jpg)<br><br>The two slaves, one male and one female, Tsabral noticed, were both blindfolded and positioned on outer circles, portions of them crossing into the greater circle, so that their chests faced inwards toward the center. Tsabral stood in a third outer circle, so that each of their respective spheres sat on the vertex of a large triangle. As he began to chant, Tsabral could feel his strength begin to dissipate as the spell's magic took hold. At the same time, both slaves cried out at the same moment as holes were burned through the fronts of their ratty shirts; dark, blood red pendants dangling from their necks becoming visible. Continuing the spell and ignoring the cries of the slaves, Tsabral focused on the circle's center as identical waves of energy began to flow out from the pendant of either slave, the two streams meeting in the middle of the summoning circle and forming into a compact sphere, which continued to feed off of the streams.<br><br>Tsabral continued the spell through the screams of the slaves as the red sphere began to expand. Then, suddenly, a fiery burst of light accompanied by the sound of a loud explosion filled the room, followed by the final shrieks of the two slaves, whose limp corpses proceeded to crash onto the floor. After taking a few moments to allow his eyes to recover from the bright flash, Tsabral allowed himself a grim smirk as he looked upon the culmination of his efforts, and his willingness to sacrifice two slaves; an enormous, leering Glabrezu. The creature, which Tsabral noted was male by the appendage hanging between its legs, looked around the room, slowly taking in its surroundings. Before it had a chance to try and tempt Tsabral with some sort of offer, not that the drow would listen to it, or even test the confines of the circle, Tsabral dismissed the creature. The purpose of its summoning had not been to actually do anything, but simply to see if he could manage its summoning using as few people as possible; Ilphbryn, the youngest child of the late -sixty years late- Matron Mother Vierril's daughters, all of whom were older than Tsabral himself, sought to mate with one of the creatures in the hopes of birthing a Draegloth. The birth itself would most likely tear his sister apart, but it was of little concern. Leaving the fallen bodies of the slaves, Tsabral turned away from the summoning circle and began to make his way to the higher levels of House Barri'afin's rather large compound.<br><br>When the young drow male strolled into Matron Mother Elvvyll'hlaate's audience chamber several minutes later, unannounced, Tsabral found himself greeted by several sets of hard, calculating eyes. His eldest sister, the current Matron Mother of House Barri'afin and High Priestess of Lolth, was sitting on her throne near the end of the room, their fellow siblings gathered around her as well as the House's current Patron, though Tsabral had a notion that his brother Noquurden meant to kill the man off soon, and so did not bother to commit the fellow's name to memory. "House Mage or not, you are a male and would do well to learn your place, Tsabral'godevirr. Males do not enter the chamber of a Matron Mother without being summoned, or given permission to do so," Elvvyll'hlaate spat from across the room, her eyes and voice holding threats of the whip all too clearly. Though, her voice fell after a few moments, "How did your experiment go?"<br><br>"Quite well, Matron Mother. Though, that was to be expected," Tsabral replied, beginning to stroll across the room to join the rest of his family, not bothering to keep the haughtiness from his voice. He regarded&nbsp; Ilphbryn with a look as he moved to stand beside her; she was, perhaps, his favorite sister and it would be a shame to allow her to die. But, a Draegloth would be valuable, far more valuable than his sister.<br><br>"That is all well and good, but we have more pressing matters to deal with, Matron Mother," said Rilssysn, middle of Tsabral's sisters. "I do trust that it has not slipped your mind," she added, but continued before Elvvyll'hlaate had a chance to verbally flay her, "Matron Qu'larrin has called that the High Council meet immediately."<br><br>"I am quite aware of that fact, Rilssysn! Do not overstep your place," snapped Elvvyll'hlaate, her eyes full of malice and hatred for her sister. Settling back onto her 'throne,' she settled her gaze on Tsabral, "Our youngest brother shall go, and Ilphbryn and Noquurden along with him." The Matron Mother nodded as she spoke, and then continued when she noticed Rilssysn opening her mouth to speak, "Matron Qu'larrin has no ground to bear insult; I shall be sending a High Priestess of our Goddess, House Barri'afin's House Mage, and its Weapons Master to represent us before the Council. No matter what power the woman commands, or thinks she commands, I will not be her dog to bark and follow as she calls." In truth, the chosen group was meant to keep the balance of power equal; if Elvvyll'hlaate went and left Rilssysn at the compound, her sister would find some way to increase her power throughout the House, but if she had sent Rilssysn, Matron Barri'afin had no doubt that her sister would have increased her standing with the Council. Had both of them gone, Rilssysn would have undermined the Matron Mother before the Council, of that she was sure. "It is settled, our siblings shall go, and we shall remain here." Elvvyll'hlaate allowed herself a smirk even as Rilssysn glowered and their other siblings left the chamber, heading out of the compound for the Temple.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mr Self Destruct</strong> on <strong>27-04-2010, 06:32:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Qu'ellarz'orl</strong><br><br>The structure of House Qu'larrin was vast, the stalagmite foundation of the main house surrounded by thick, tall walls of adamantine dug from the very bowels of the earth.&nbsp; As the processions of the eight ruling houses came near, they were all greeted by a strange sight: that of the front gates wide open, their height nearly a spear's throw from the ground.&nbsp; It was as if the Matron Mother was welcoming them with open arms, despite the strong presence of nearly every soldier that the ruling house had to offer.&nbsp; <br><br>As the procession from House Auvryzynge passed through, they were studied carefully by a quintet of wizards, their fierce red eyes studying the litter and its occupants with small pieces of gems placed to their eyes.&nbsp; They were obviously enchanted to allow the viewers to determine any magical threats or traps, while the common foot soldiers studied them for more mundane weaponry.&nbsp; But as they passed, they were not accosted on their path across the wide moat that led into the structure.&nbsp; The bridge was wide enough to allow six drow to walk abreast, but was empty as the procession moved forward.<br><br>Following behind them were the represantatives of Barri'afin, the trio ushered along with the rest toward the towering structure that was the granduer of the ruling house of the city.&nbsp; Other ruling houses made their way into the structure, the females eyeing one another warily, while their male lessers merely marched along, their eyes scanning the throng of drow gathered for any signs of weakness.&nbsp; The entirety of the scene was like packs of wolves circling one another, held in place only by the threat of the greatest among them.<br><br>The great doors were sealed after the processions of matron mothers had entered, the adamantine doors echoing with a rumbling boom that could be felt through the hard stone floor as they closed.&nbsp; Those gathered were directed to the Temple of Lolth, the normally private place of worship for House Qu'larrin.&nbsp; The temple was shaped like a massive spider, with eight arches that stretched out to encompass nearly a third of the entire estate.&nbsp; The space between each 'leg' was shaped into a wall of semi-translucent webbing, the substance magically altered to be as sticky as webbing, but as hard as steel, the better to ward off any potential attacks.&nbsp; The temple grew in height from the front to the rear, the area where the spider's head would be acting as the entrance.&nbsp; A set of stone mandibles glistened with runes and other arcane sigils, and eight massive glistening rubies had been set into place, portals for those within to peer out at any who entered.<br><br>Once inside, those gathered could see that more of House Qu'larrin's soldiers were in attendance, as well as the Matron Mother herself, along with her contingent of high priestesses.&nbsp; They lined the walls, standing at each of the legs of the structure, while the Matron Mother sat in a white throne seemingly made of webs.&nbsp; The pale chair was actually ivory carved to resemble a spider's web, and the cushioning was an exotic cotton weave from the surface, something both extravagant in the Underdark and exceptionally expensive to procure.<br><br>"Menzoberranzan is under attack..." the Matron Mother said finally, her voice magically enhanced to sound clearly through the temple.&nbsp; Silence fell over the throng gathered, all of whom turned their attention to the female speaking.&nbsp; "A great beast unknown to the Underdark has surfaced in Donigarten, and threatens our food supply there.&nbsp; Reports confirm it is a kraken, a great sea beast from the Oceans Above.&nbsp; How it came here is unknown.&nbsp; But what is most disturbing is that the creature seems to be being controlled..."<br><br>She fell silent for a moment, letting the information linger, before she continued.<br><br>"But more disturbing is another threat that looms over our city.&nbsp; Before her death, my sister Alin'raei beheld a vision of a coming darkness.&nbsp; The Abyss has birthed something powerful, and even with her Gift of Sight, my sister could not see what it was.&nbsp; She spoke strange portents of a demi-god birthed for one purpose...Menzoberranzan's destruction...'<br><br>Silence lingered yet again as her words faded into the minds of those houses gathered.&nbsp; Just when it had stretched long enough to invite commentary, the Matron Mother spoke once more.<br><br>"I call upon the Ruling Council to offer their best priestesses, mages, and weapons masters to investigate this threat.&nbsp; This will leave our Houses weakened, of course, but to help stabilize our city at such a tumultuous time, I hereby invoke the Proclomation of Peace.&nbsp; For such a period of time necessary to destroy this new threat, no house shall visit violence upon another.&nbsp; No drow shall commit treachery upon her neighbor.&nbsp; By Lolth's Eight Eyes, any who do so shall be punished, and most severely.&nbsp; The survival of Menzoberranzan depends on it."<br><br>As she finished speaking, a muttering began, followed quickly by challenges from the Matron Mothers of the Ruling Houses.&nbsp; The high preistesses of House Qu'larrin all stood straighter, hands on various wands and other weapons, lest violence erupt.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Opheliac</strong> on <strong>27-04-2010, 20:58:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A shadow on the cieling listens ever so carefully to the meeting, and to the resulting arguements, each house vying for attention. Jaerenth took careful mental note over who was complaining more than others, and who was being completely silent. Any bit of detail would be most valuable for the mercenary band. After all, Bregan D'aerthe was not a house,&nbsp; and did not have to play by the same rules the Council sets forth.....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Fantasy Fan</strong> on <strong>27-04-2010, 22:54:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Tsabral simply listened silently to Matron Mother Qu'larrin announced what had occurred to cause such an uproar throughout the city. Noquurden, his brother and House Barri'afin's Weapons Master, shared his uncaring attitude towards the news, though their sister did not. Ilphbryn allowed her eyes to widen considerably at the revelation, her hands balling into fists and the threat of either Noquurden or Tsabral being struck by the tightly coiled whip on her hip was increasing drastically. "A creature, or even a demi-god dares to challenge the survival of Menzoberranzan!? Whatever it is, it will surely perish for daring to challenge the power of Lolth's subjects!"<br><br>Eyeing his sister, Tsabral wondered at her fierce display; despite being a Priestess of the dark goddess, Ilphbryn was rarely so passionate about a challenge to Lolth's power. His sister was, however, quite devoted to their House, and knew, as Tsabral did, that Elvvyll'hlaate had been planning an attack that would further advance House Barri'afin's position within the city. Matron Qu'larrin had just obliterated any chance of such an attack taking place, however. Thinking to himself, Tsabral considered that they could attempt to use one of the city's many resident mercenary troupes, though such a job would be quite expensive.<br><br>Finally settling on doing nothing more than shaking her head in anger, Ilphbryn began moving toward the Temple's doors, her brothers falling in line behind her. As House Barri'afin's only present female, she had the authority to dedicate its official support, as well as its armies, to the defense of the city. Doing such a thing, however, would most likely lead to her death, torture at the least, at the hands of Matron Elvvyll'hlaate. That, was something Ilphbryn did not wish to suffer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Xanatos</strong> on <strong>30-04-2010, 06:30:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Through silence she flowed down the halls of her elaborate stalagmite fortress home, moving with a grace little known among the more brutally oppressive and heavy handed females that shared her gender. Jhul'ee had achieved her power through means not like her fellow sisters of Lolth who preferred grand displays of their goddess given status and power, showing all who held the power and why it was they ruled. No, Jhul'ee was not like them, though at the same time she was. She preferred subtlety, savoring its sensuous delights instead of letting the more rough and ruckus delights tempt her. Comparing her to water would not have been an unworthy comparison as any who had been allowed to see her, knew her movements were purposeful and utterly flawless like flowing water; her means were destructive akin to water, not always apparent but never the less, destructive. <br><br>As she strode through the halls she did not hide her presence, though, no one heard her coming. Few had grown accustomed to her ability to eliminate all sound coming from her person, and seeing her appear seemingly from no where, still sent chills up and down spines in most of her house. Even if they masked their uneasiness well, she could still tell her ways affected them, and it was how she liked it. Silence was a more powerful weapon than intimidation; all Drow knew and expected intimidation, few expected silence however, especially from a Matron Mother. Matron Mothers were well known for their displays of anger, rage, and wrath. It was a staple of their ruling style. Unlike their cumbersome ways, Jhul'ee liked to let those who angered her worry over her silence. Was she actually angry? Had she not been offended? It was a delicious tactic to plant the seed of arrogance or doubt within them and to let it root and take over, then as the seed began to bear fruit, she would strike leaving them crippled or fodder for her necromancers. Jhul'ee had her ways, and they had served her well. <br><br>Ang'tran's surface dwelling creatures, Ettercaps, stood guard outside of his room watching in silence with their arachnid like eyes ever watchful. The Matron Mother approached catching them off guard a moment their mandibles bared and snapping, a warning to be weary. She ignored them utterly and made her way into the Draegloth's room, stepping inside past the door and stopping in the opening of his room. The Ettercap guards quickly recognized her and fell silent, knowing better than to antagonize that particular Drow. The snakes on her whip hissed loudly at the Ettercaps, even as she walked into the room, letting it be known they were ready to defend their mistress. Receiving soft strokes, each of her five heads calmed down but kept watchful eyes on the door and the inside of the room. <br><br><strong>My dear Ang'tran, I desire your presence.</strong> Though she used words of endearment, Ang'tran knew it was a facade; she might as well have been demanding his presence. He, however, knew she was not prone to losing her patience like other Matron Mothers he had guarded. <br><br>_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________<br><br>The short trip to the ruling houses fortress was uneventful as everyone knew enough to avoid House Jacess'tarrin. Jhul'ee was not one for public displays so instead of her displays portraying her power, rumors did the job for her. Every Drow knew to put stock into rumors but not to put all their lizard eggs into it. Even if the enormous Ang'tran hadn't been under her House's sway, the rumors alone kept all Drow in the processions path, far away. <br><br>In tow was the houses Weapon's master, a High Priestess daughter Juesca, and Ang'tran; as well as six foot soldiers. They wasted no time in arriving at the council meeting, taking their place inside the elegant temple of Lolth. Jhul'ee gave a silent prayer to Lolth as she entered, taking her place near the front. With Ang'tran with her, she stuck out and made no attempt to stay in the shadows. This was not a time to conceal her presence, it was in fact the opposite. <br><br>As the meeting went on and all of the details became apparent she stayed silent letting other Matron Mothers speak out, letting their opinions, declarations, threats, and so forth ramble on as she took it all in before speaking. This threat was of monumental consequence and one which required the utmost attention from all. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Doomsday</strong> on <strong>01-05-2010, 06:26:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Yaskiira had no wish to upshow the first House within their own temple, so she had Omaras rest their floating litter outside of the doors. At all times, there were guards watching them, and none of them had not recognized the magical appraisals that had washed over their bodies as they floated over the moat, a team of Qu'Larrin wizards dutifully making sure that their guests were as harmless as babes. Yaskiira did not enjoy making house calls to Qu'Larrin, knowing that anything could happen to her inside of those walls. House Auvryzynge was powerful, but they were a haphazard orphanage compared to Matron Ellysia Qu'Larrin and the house she ran.<br><br>The four scions of Auvryzynge, and their very matron climbed out of the litter, and made their way up the obsidian steps, and into the Temple proper, where Matron Ellysia waited, on a tall ivory throne, intricately carved and sculpted to make it seem as if some magnificent avatar of Lloth had weaved it herself. No male was allowed to be seated next to Matron Yaskiira; She sat sandwiched between her sister, Luamur'ss, and her daughter Dhauneari. Omaras instantly seated himself on the opposite side of his daughter, while the patron of Auvryzynge reluctantly was seated beside Luamur'ss. Mostly silent, they waited for the rest of the council to gather around the great table, which was capable of fitting hundreds of drow, it seemed.<br><br>When the Matron first spoke, there was no ceremony, or any subtlety. <strong>"Menzoberranzan is under attack..."</strong> She said, and instantly sharp, low words were being whispered among the Auvryzynge procession, with only Dauglyn, the obedient and opinion-less Patron staying silent. When Ellysia asked for, or suggested that the wizards, high priestesses and weapon masters of Menzoberranzan take part in investigating and reversing this dire situation, Yaskiira bit her lip. Their house had many soldiers, but only to make up for the fact that besides Yaskiira, the matron, they only had one High Priestess, and only one male of worth, Omaras, of course, who was perhaps the house's greatest asset. Challin, the houses Weapon Master, was a female, and currently not present for the council.<br><br>"Auvryzynge shall offer all of her powers to return Donigarten to a state of normalcy... And to see that your late sister's omens go unfullfilled," Yaskiira said out loud, in a clear and strong voice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Underdark: Treacherous Ties (Game Thread)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Drake Valentine</strong> on <strong>06-05-2010, 16:24:01</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Such a sight laid ahead for Ghaun and the rest of the slaves being hauled towards the Temple of Lloth, never before were there so many Houses visiting. Unlike the rest of the spineless band of enslaved women and men amongst him, Ghaun was no fool, his survival thus far was branched from his informant skills. His wits as sharp as the blades he once wielded, and common sense alone could tell that so many Houses weren’t gathering here for simple sacrifices to Lloth. Something much more was at stake here, with the Matron Mother greeting everyone as such and with the rush to heed the call, he found himself within the Temple. Of course he wasn’t alone, there were the low graded slaves as well; such useless cretins. Although, his opinion upon those brought here with him may not matter much for long, he doubted he’ll see the exit of this Temple, unless it was earned through spilling blood or escaping amidst a set of confusion.<br><br>But with the call of arms, the possibilities of escaping seemed to be almost nonexistent. There were just too many soldiers about, too many Houses present, and then there were the Matron Mother and her Priestess looking down at them all. Of course, he was sure she was more focused on the others than the ragtag flocked he arrived here with. His amethyst hued eyes flickering to intake all his surroundings, inscribing everything into the back of his mind which rival the workings of a jigsaw puzzle of a solution for this situation. Silence was his answer, listening closely to intake more information, soaking it all in like a sponge. <em>Attack</em>? Birth of a <em>demi-god?</em> The <em>destruction</em> of Menzoberranzan? Why, this wasn’t simple common information that was so freely given out. His attention swayed towards the other slaves, it was doubtful they would live this through, especially with their sudden attitude. Such a shame,&nbsp; such a shame. It was wrong to begin with to bring those other peons into such sacred and unholy walls. They were only acting the fools with the proclamation of the end, not the best source of reaction to be taken here; especially given the lost of the Matron Mother's sister. It wouldn't surprise Ghaun if all the slaves that he was brought in with were to be executed before the night was over with in how they were acting. Of course, he needed to do something to avoid being one of them.<br><br>On the better end of events, they were befitting in the ruckus they created, it was something to give Ghaun another project to work on. The guards that had brought him and the rest here were quick in the task of quelling the noise, a smart choice, though the auctioneer responsible for them all would likely hear about the incident regardless. The small driven chaos was silenced as many of the rowdy and frightened slaves were thrown about, beaten, or otherwise abused. Ghaun too, even though not a patron in their acts, found himself caught in the mix, or maybe he aligned himself as a bystander, only those that watched closely would know the truth. One of the slaves clashed into him, and in turn he tumbled as well against one of the ruthless guards who brought him and his feeble gang here. No reaction, no response, nothing came from the harsh blow he received within that blind frenzy. Even as his body dropped to the ground, he had obtained something many of those slaves didn’t. The glimmer of silver was now concealed within the palm of his hand, the loop that held many of Ghaun’s ‘breathen’ freedom now had one less ticket.<br><br><strong>”Get them out of here!”</strong> One of the guards hollered, his voice a bit wavering, possibly from fear that his head would be had next. The slaves that still whined and moaned, having lost their hope and will were soon removed from the audience of the room. Freedom, it was so close now for Ghaun. He didn’t fight it one bit when one of the guard’s went to grab and pull into his long ivory locks of hair. Yes, give this audience a show a bit longer, play into the helpless role. They wouldn’t have any need for him and he could very much be on his way. Though his body may play the part, his eyes spoke of another story with that cold and shallow stare of his; practically glaring, even if such wasn’t intentional.&nbsp; Menzoberranzan was their problem now, not his, he had other things to attend to. <strong>”Get up you lout!”</strong> The guard snapped as he finally forcefully pulled Ghaun to his feet. Even beaten and thrown around, the slave's posture didn't so easily waver as many others that were brought in with him had. <br>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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