Words of Creation Group Prelude
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Azuresun on 02-10-2019, 14:03:20</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>02-10-2019, 14:03:20</strong>
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				<em>From: Hungry Mouse / Zavros Prelude (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=310396.0;all), Kisara's Prelude (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=310398.0;all), Talion's Prelude (https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=310399.0;all)</em><br><br><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/QzCSLCql.jpg)</div><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Background Music</div><div class="spoiler_body">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wl9jxbAwuQk</div></div><br><br>Once upon a time, this was the highest hill in the city whose name is now lost. Now the rest of it slumbers beneath the waves--or watches wakefully--and it is now an island, a tiny scrap of land in the middle of a shadowland. Around this land and the one surviving structure, the midnight sea is black and reflective. The water seemed unnaturally still, with any splashes or ripples making little impact on the surface before the deathly stillness returned. Overhead, the moon shines shone starkly, the light less comforting here as it casts harsh shadows. <br><br>Nothing stirs on the island itself, and anything within the ruined building there is hidden from sight for now. Maybe the denizens are confident that only the suicidal would attack them here and now. And they would be justified....most other times. Four ships have set down here.<br><br>In one, a small cargo vessel, a lone man has crouched down, cursing his luck as he glimpses other ships arriving. He's uncomfortably sure that <br><br>One is a larger vessel, but still rigged for speed over capacity. It seemed to have been in a fight recently, with superficial damage to the deck and rails, and lingering bloodstains on the deck. It weighed anchor off the pillars that jut out of the sea, and a single axe-wielding figure sprinted across the ruins onto solid ground. Finally, there is an odd-looking ship. At a glance, it looks barely seaworthy, with tattered sails and a weathered, sun-bleached hull from which the paint has flaked away, and which has holes that have clearly been patched. Yet it sails perfectly well, despite<br><br>"Not getting paid enough for this....." muttered the smuggler Santis, trying to remain as still as possible. It had sounded simple, wait here until either the foolhardy boy he'd been transporting at the request of the Sea Father's priestess had either returned or been killed. He hadn't expected this many other people to come back. And then there was that building. He knew enough about ghosts to stay away from them, but also to tell him when something most definitely should not be poked.<br><br>"If he was all talk.....jus' kill him quietly, and don't look for where he came from. Thass' all I ask." he mumbled.<br><br><br>......<br><br><br>The trip out here had been calm and smooth, even when crossing into the borders of the shadowland after night. Even Henes the ancestor worshiper looked distinctly ill at ease at doing that, but held his tongue. Perhaps he was still marvelling at the miraculous salvaging of a wrecked ship. Scavengers had stripped it while it had lain on the beach for months, so there was no identification for who might have owned it, but he was deeply grateful to them. And even more so to the mysterious giant of a man who had appeared on the beach and offered them a way to the island where his people....and one in particular....were held captive or worse by the slavers. This was a day for strange miracles, it seemed. Before that, he had witnessed the woman who was simply referred to as the Mouse destroy a gang of hardened warriors and their revenant leader as if they were simply children playing with sticks.<br><br>Beyond simply being grateful at this help coming at the perfect moment, he had a gnawing sense that this was part of something more important, that he could barely glimpse. There were things that had been ancient rumours even in the times of the eldest ancestors, so obscured and clouded by myth as to be little more than legends....but legends that now felt familiar.<br><br>Could there be one more impossible thing tonight? Even if it cost him his life, he felt like he had to find out. He looked uneasily over to the two of them, to see what they planned to do as the boat bumped gently against a submerged piece of masonry, bringing it to a complete halt. He could glimpse the silhouettes of two other boats around the tiny island. Did they belong to the slavers, or had someone else chosen to stop at this forsaken place?<br><br><br>.......<br><br><br>"You really think she can do it?" asked Kersinta, watching the mysterious woman bound away. Faced with a bleak sight such as this, where even her Sea Lord did not reach, she began to doubt if she had sent this woman to her death.<br><br>"Dunno." said Lilan, where she'd insisted she be propped up against the mast, supporting her wounded leg on an improvised crutch. It still looked painful, but the captain had insisted on at least seeing what was going on out there. "But from what my boys said, they'd have been dead twice over if she hadn't taken charge in the attack from that sea monster. Whatever she is, maybe she's strong or crazy enough to get your people back?"<br><br>"I don't want anyone else to die for me...." said Kersinta, biting her lip.<br><br>"Hey, it's not like we're doing this for free!" said Lilan. "We're here till dawn anyway, so we can cut and run if it looks like she's dead. Reckon there's going to be a reward for getting you back to your...<em>husband</em>."<br><br><br>......<br><br><br>As Talion glanced through the windowframe and the first thing noticeable was the smell. The rocks outside had been devoid of the usual smell of the sea, smelling uncomfortably sterile instead. But this was the stink of a slaughterhouse, old congealed blood and the sweat of fear, heightened with the scent of human waste.<br><br>On the other side of the window ran a balcony along the interior of a partially collapsed dome. Shelves ran around the interior, now empty and mouldering. Below, at least twenty feet below the floor of a circular chamber looked to have been crudely converted from whatever its original purpose had been into what looked like a twisted parody of a temple. He could see at least forty people below, with their hands bound and forced to kneel prostrate on the floor by the masked spear-armed men who stood behind them. Though their faces were hidden, the body language of the guards suggested that they were almost as frightened as their captives. As for the prisoners, he could see a wide variety--some had the weathered features of hillfolk, while others had the features of shore-dwellers or the more varied appearances of sea travellers whose journey had ended here. There was at least one person there with green-scaled skin and a vestigal tail which twitched in fear. Whereas most slavers would only bother taking the fit, these captives ranged in age from elders to a child of maybe eight. There was no sound apart from ragged breathing, and the occasional whimper, discouraged with the threatening raise of a spear.<br><br>At one end was a stone table that looked out of place, carved from what looked like solid onyx and etched with symbols that felt unsavoury to even look at. Behind that was a deep well carved into the floor, going down below sea level into blackness.<br><br>Between the rows of prisoners walked a pale, handsome man clad in black. Compared to the living around him, he seemed drained of colour, and looked solid, but just barely, as if a breeze might cause him to blow away into smoke. It was said in shadowlands, the ghosts gained enough substance to walk among the living....<br><br>The captives and slavers alike flinched away from him as he walked towards the table.<br><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">The Ghost</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/JgGBAPfl.jpg)</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>03-10-2019, 19:41:30</strong>
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				"...so, can't rightly say I'm <em>used</em> to this sorta thing," Zavros said in a hushed voice, "but the folks in the village figured I oughta learn how to at least try." He steadied his arm against the starboard side of the clipper, a large wooden plank in his other readied as an impromptu oar if it was needed. "That said, this place is right spooky, isn't it?" A part of him was trying to fill the silence with words, more out of nervous energy than a need to talk...<br><br>...because this place really did scare the wits out of him if he didn't focus. <br><br>As he glanced over at his new companions - the woman whose name felt more appropriate than most, and her erstwhile companion - he marveled at how in the course of a day and a half, his life had taken such a drastic turn. From a humble smith, a son of farmers, to...what Mouse had referred to as a 'smith god.' It wasn't a term he was too enthused about, but he really couldn't think of what else to call himself. Not just rebuilding the farm, but also rebuilding the very vessel they were standing on, that was gliding silently across the mirror-still waters, out of nothingness. <br><br>At this point, Zavros was just wondering how else today would turn out weirdly. The spooky island in the distance was a good start...
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>04-10-2019, 13:08:19</strong>
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				Talion's blue eyes narrowed as he surveyed the scene.&nbsp; This didn't make a lot of sense.&nbsp; He knew more about slavery than he would have liked; it was big business in Nexus.&nbsp; The Guild loved buying and selling people literally as well as figuratively.&nbsp; But the children being there was disturbing to say the least.&nbsp; And the smell...Gods great and small, the stink!&nbsp; But it was also different that any slave market or pen he'd ever had the misfortune of being near.&nbsp; It smelled like a slaughterhouse as well.&nbsp; And that was even worse.<br><br>Spearmen...in a clear uniform.&nbsp; Mercenaries?&nbsp; Had to be.&nbsp; But that strange man...what was he?&nbsp; He was on the guards' side but they were clearly scared of him.&nbsp; They were in a shadowland.&nbsp; Could it be a ghost?<br><br>There was a thump from out near the water and he turned his head.&nbsp; His eyes widened and only years of operating as a thief kept him from blurting out an exclamation.&nbsp; When the hell had those other boats gotten here?&nbsp; Damn, that one might actually be a full on ship!&nbsp; Masts and sails and all!&nbsp; And there was someone leaping from it, that was the thump he'd heard, bounding from broken pillar to pillar with easy despite wearing a coat of mail that clinked with each leap.&nbsp; A pair of axes were in her hands.&nbsp; Her?&nbsp; Yes, he was pretty sure it was a her.&nbsp; Though he wasn't close and it was dark here.&nbsp; She was also making an amount of noise that was almost blasphemously loud in the strange stillness of this death soaked place.&nbsp; There was no way those within couldn't hear that.&nbsp; Though you could never overestimate how much some folk dropped their guard when they were in a place of strength.&nbsp; <br><br>The other vessel that was approaching was smaller and battered; it looked like it had been in a fight with a giant squid, lost, and then been put back together in a ramshackle but nonetheless effective way.&nbsp; He could make out a trio of figures, one dramatically larger than the others.&nbsp; What in the name of Jupiter's secret and hidden perky posterior was happening here?<br><br>Whatever it was, this was an opportunity.&nbsp; These people would create a terrific distraction for him to get in there.&nbsp; Though getting in there wasn't even half the task.&nbsp; If any guards were left, he'd have to deal with them.&nbsp; The maybe ghost was an unknown factor.&nbsp; Then he'd have to get all those people free and get them back to shore.&nbsp; Would any of the water going craft here be large enough?&nbsp; The fully rigged ship sure would be.&nbsp; Would he have to steal that too or would they cooperate?&nbsp; <br><br>"And I thought it would be a boring night," he murmured under his breath, a thin smile starting on his face.&nbsp; &nbsp; 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>05-10-2019, 00:42:35</strong>
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				Hop . . . . hop . . . . hop . . . . jump!<br><br>Landing lightly on the bit of land that bordered that inky black water, Kisara dropped into a crouch and looked around. She knew she was in a shadowland, but still, this place was <em>creepy</em>. It was like a hilltop emerging from the sea, with one solitary building on it. Trees, twisted and sickly, grew up around it, and that diseased-looking scrub she heard was common in the area around Thorns covered a lot of the ground and made silent movement a near-impossibility. Shit.<br><br>She moved forward slowly, keeping her awareness as broad as she could, trying to be silent. It wasn't easy. The bushes, with their dry, twisted branches, seemed to want to rattle together, and the full moon that let her pick her way more easily also meant anyone coming out of that building could see her. What a mess! And patience was never her strong suit.<br><br>Pausing, Kisara chewed her lower lip for a moment. She wasn't good at waiting, she wasn't great at sneaking, and the landscape wasn't conducive to it. All that meant it was time to be stupid - it was the only smart thing to do.<br><br>She crept a bit more forward, angling a little so she would be lined up with the main door of the building. Looking up at the closest tree, she tucked her axes away for a moment, testing it tentatively to see if it would hold her weight. Probably, and it wouldn't have to for long anyway. She climbed up to a branch midway up the tree and balanced there. This was the stupidest thing she could think of, which meant it might actually work.<br><br>Carefully pulling the axes from her belt, she turned slowly to face the building and raised them over her head, beating them together in a measured rhythm that she felt pretty sure could be heard halfway across the sea in this deathly silence. At the same time, she focused her will briefly and began to glow with that warm, early-morning light, a beacon in on the top of this 'island'. "You in there, the ones who kidnapped that boat of people! You have one chance, let them go and leave them alone, and you may leave this place." Her lips curved in a wicked grin, and she lowered the axes to her sides. "If you refuse, then come and face me, and know that you face one who does not fear you or your wicked ways!"<br><br>Decent odds she was going to get killed her. But maybe she could take a few of them with her.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>05-10-2019, 01:43:07</strong>
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				"Right," Mouse said to her two companions, "spooky."<br><br>Well it <em>was</em>, but she wouldn't be caught dead saying so. She leaped out of the boat and onto shore without even disturbing the motion of the boat, rather like an ethereal banshee herself. And she was quite glad to be out of the seaspray and put her feet on good, honest land again. Of course, the rhythmic beating and shouting didn't make it any less spooky, nor did the light that filtered its way through the trees. If she didn't know better, she might think that it was intended to distract her from investigating the structure or the other boats.<br><br>"Keep yourselves safe. I'll be back soon," she said as she went, although she had a feeling they were going to rush in the same way she was.<br><br>First she wanted to get a look at whoever was making that noise. As she flitted from tree to tree, she kept herself hidden - while her place in the Great Plan had been one where <em>she</em> was the distraction, the preparation for a guerrilla war against the Dragons hadn't skimped on learning how to avoid making noise in a forest.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Mouse Sneak: 11</div><div class="spoiler_body">+4 if the Fact is good enough.<br>At 2019-10-04 18:39:02, Guancyto (uid: 56325) rolls: 1d20a+3 Result: 11 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140163)</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>05-10-2019, 16:39:31</strong>
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				"Huh." Two other boats, more strangers, prisoners...and some pale looking fellow who really needed some sunlight in his life. Zavros was about to ask what his new companions made of all of this-<br><br>-only to see that Mouse had already snuck away. "Well, so much for that," he sighed. Looking at Hennes, he gestured to the boat. "Keep safe and watch over the ol' gal," he said. Ensuring his packs from home were secured and stowed away, he hefted his smith's hammer, taking a few practice swings with it across open air to ensure that the weight was still sound and balanced. It was - he'd checked already - but the very act of doing it calmed him down a little. <br><br>That said, there was only so much you could calm down by when you were literally dealing with spooky things like this. <br><br>Tapping his forehead against where that weird symbol kept showing up on his head was, he trudged along towards where the growing hullabaloo was forming. Somehow, it felt...right, to be marching towards where it was all about to be thrown down. And for some reason, it all felt so...nostalgic. <br><br>Today was all sorts of <em>weird</em>. 
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>05-10-2019, 18:53:06</strong>
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				Talion could glimpse the ghost approach the mouth of the well, and say something that he couldn't catch--but to judge how painful the syllables he could hear were, maybe that was for the best. A few seconds later, a green glow began to emerge, as if something luminous was rising from below. But that was when the ghost's attention was drawn to the shout from outside. It wasn't hard to see where it was coming from, given the beacon of light that had erupted from a bare tree, centered on a woman. Though not tremendously bright, it was shockingly bright in the drab, dull surroundings of the shadowland.<br><br>For a short time, the challenge went unanswered, the chipped and eroded door remaining shut. But then the ghost spoke from within, as the doors creaked open.<br><br>"Why are you here? Why do you interfere with a holy ceremony? Bad enough that the Drowned Queen must sully herself with the company of those yet living as she blesses them with the Mark of Passing, but now a bringer of false hopes comes to--"<br><br>He emerged, and stopped abruptly on seeing Kisara's glowing form. His sonorous tone sounded uncertain.<br><br>"You again? No--you are not the same woman. How many of you are there?"<br><br>Behind him, a sickly green glow was visible from inside the building, growing slowly brighter through the ajar door.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>05-10-2019, 23:22:32</strong>
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				She did not like the color of that glow inside the door behind the ghostly man. Not one bit. But standing straighter, Kisara looked down at him imperiously, the training of a lifetime of Dynastic upbringing coming through the glow around her. "The hope I bring, specter, is anything but false. I bring the dawn, and there are more of us than you could hope to defeat!"<br><br>A total lie, but then at the same time, it was the complete truth. She was pretty sure that there was no way the force this being could summon would be able to beat her, but she was just one woman. Though from what he said, maybe there was another woman here trying to spike his wheel.<br><br>"Your Drowned Queen will just have to get used to being disappointed, because not only will she be sullied - and I'm sure it isn't the first time - but no one is going to be passing to the other side today except you." She leveled one of the axes, pointing at him. "So bring your hungry ghosts to me, your ghouls and undead. I am Mnemon Kisara, Chosen of Sol Invictus, and I will not allow this blighted mockery of religion continue while I draw breath."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>06-10-2019, 01:19:13</strong>
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				That glow...he didn't like that, much less the ghost's talk of "the Mark of Passing."&nbsp; It looked like he would have to act-and then the brazen woman clanged her weapons together and bellowed her challenge.&nbsp; He goggled at her and then his grin widened; she had balls, all right!&nbsp; Balls of solid Jade!&nbsp; And she was an excellent distraction as the ghost emerged.&nbsp; None of the guards came with him, which was less than good, but he didn't think he could wait before acting.&nbsp; If these people were going to be saved, he needed to get in there now.<br><br>So Talion sighed and vaulted up into the window and down the other side to land in the temple.&nbsp; He darted to the nearest piece of cover that could hide him from view.&nbsp; Was there any way he could try to even the odds?&nbsp; Even if he could take these guards, they might start killing people...wait a minute.&nbsp; Drowned Queen, right?&nbsp; ...Oh, this was a dumb plan.&nbsp; But if it worked...<br><br>Talion slipped a hand to the simple metal chain that hung around his neck and the gleaming stone that was held in bent wire.&nbsp; The stone was transparent and was the color of a ripe peach, also bearing roughly the same shape as that fruit.&nbsp; It came from a room he had found in the mysterious Rain Veiled Agora in the highlands of Hacre, a remnant of the First Age that he had claimed for his own.&nbsp; It had a strange power.&nbsp; All he had to do was concentrate... <br><br>A peach colored mist swirled around him and he felt an odd lightness of his body.&nbsp; The mist was there and gone in less than a moment but when it passed, the person beneath was different.&nbsp; The young man was now a young woman.&nbsp; Her hair was the same corn silk blond.&nbsp; Her eyes the same delightful blue of Venus.&nbsp; Her face was delicate and fine, her lips plush, as the youth's had been.&nbsp; Her figure was pleasing, her bust neither small nor ample but something in between; high, perky, and pert.&nbsp; Her waist was narrow and her hips sweetly rounded, her ass a happy bubble of flesh.&nbsp; Her clothes were the same as his, and the same dagger was at her belt.&nbsp; She was he, changed into what he would be as a woman by the hearthstone's power.&nbsp; The beautiful boy was now a beautiful girl.&nbsp; <br><br>Tolina, as she'd taken to thinking of herself the few times she'd switched like this, then took a deep breath.&nbsp; She wasn't sure this would work.&nbsp; But these guards looked very jumpy and nervous.&nbsp; That would help her.&nbsp; She licked her lips and cupped her hands to her mouth, she spoke, projecting forward, making her voice deeper than normal and trying to sound what she thought a spectral queen might sound like, "Gooo, you fools.&nbsp; Go and aid my servant!"&nbsp; She then raced away through the ruined place, trying to find another hiding point before speaking again, "Go at the will of the Drowned Queen!&nbsp; I command and my wroth is not to be tested!"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Making a Presence/Charisma attack here to try and get the spearmen to run outside.&nbsp; Also trying to stay hidden, though I realize that speaking probably cancels Veiled Step as she is calling attention to herself.</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>06-10-2019, 20:09:14</strong>
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				<em>"Mnemon,"</em> Mouse spat under her breath.<br><br>Why in the hell was thrice-damned <em>dragon</em> here?!<br><br>She was exceptionally shiny, but the idea of a <em>dragon</em> claiming to champion the sun was... was...<br><br>She didn't know enough words to pick the right one for how terrible it was.<br><br>On the other hand, the ghost was... was that the same one as before? Mistaking her for the dra- no, better to not think of that for now, or else her blood would boil hot enough to sear this island clean by itself.<br><br>No, she had more important things to think of. Apparently being buried under an entire cliffside's worth of stone didn't take.<br><br>It wasn't glorious, but she had a job to do and she was more than happy to let the dragon and the slaver (but she repeated herself) kill each other. Like a shadow she tried to slip in behind the ghost as he sallied out to meet his enemy. She had already beaten him, she could do it again if she had to.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler</div><div class="spoiler_body">Dunno if this'll need another stealth roll or not. Coming to you, Talion!</div></div>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>06-10-2019, 23:16:40</strong>
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				There wasn't much cover, but Kisara was so distracting that it was possible for Mouse to sneak up behind the tree trunk, to a position where she could glimpse what was going on.<br><br><br>......<br><br><br><br>The guardsmen visibly jumped at the sudden appearance of the woman in their midst, and the captives cringed, some of them beginning to sob.<br><br><em>"Is that really her--"<br><br>"Shut up! Do whatever she says or she'll pull our souls out!"</em><br><br>Looking very grateful for an excuse to leave without asking questions, they piled out of the temple in a motion that was less a crisp withdrawal than a near-panicked run.<br><br><br>.....<br><br><br>"Then you will no longer draw breath." said the ghost to Kisara, a sharp smile passing over his face. "You shall see the true futility of your words now, for one who has seen the final truth at the end of all things now emerges. Behold....."<br><br>The doors creaked open further, but rather than whatever he had been expecting, several masked mortal soliders piled out, still among the living to judge from their panicked breath.<br><br>"You? I told you to watch the captives, idiots!" spat the ghost.<br><br>"Sir! She told us to come here and--"<br><br><br>......<br><br><br>That was when the intensifying glow from the well grew brighter....and something emerged, seen by both Talona and Kisara, through the open door. A long-fingered hand gripped one side of the mouth, and then another. Cries of panic came from the captives at the sight.<br><br>Half clambering and half floating, a tall, gaunt figure emerged, glowing with an unhealthy green radiance. Her skin was pale, her face was a blank porcelain mask, and her arms were too long for her body, ending in long clawlike fingers. The waves of her hair and the seaweed-green dress she worse seemed not so much to end as to fade away into nothingness, and a phantasmal crown hovered over her head.<br><br>"My name is spoken." she said, her voice a reedy whisper that sounded on the verge of breaking into coughs as she looked out over the terrified prisoners. "But who beckons me?"<br><br><div align="center"><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">The Queen</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/CP8OtUs.jpg)</div><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"></div></div></div></div></div><br><em>OOC: Tolina: You can roll checks for yourself if you think they might be appropriate. Veiled Step ends, and you regain the Effort (but it still counts as spent for the purposes of your anima banner).</em>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>08-10-2019, 01:03:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the ghostly being bloviated, she studied him, like she would an enemy general, getting a sense of him. And when the masked men came out from inside the building, she figured there was no time like the present. While he was distracted, she might be able to get a decent hit on him. Shifting her grip on the axes, she gathered herself, crouching slightly on the branch and then launching herself at him.<br><br>She moved forward, time and space seeming to blur as Kisara almost flew forward, arms shifting as she swung the blades forward in a deadly arc, aiming for the weakest point she could see on the ghostly man.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">OOC:<br>Kisara is committing effort to activate Disclose the Flaw to find out what she might be able to do against ghosty boy, and using Contempt of Distance to get close to clobber him extra good and faster than he should think she could.<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>08-10-2019, 17:59:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Well. Glancing this way and that, Zavros couldn't see hide nor tail of Mouse, nor wherever she sneaked away to. But he definitely saw...someone else, at any rate. He was starting to realize that simply <em>having</em> these weirdo powers meant that he was going to be drawn to more people that were like him - and that meant also a throw down with people that could potentially even match them. <br><br>Like, say, this ghostly...thing. Mouse wasn't exactly giving out too many details, but if there were people that needed help and she thought he was going to sit that out, she had something else coming. <br><br>Hefting his hammer, he strode forward, placing himself between the upcoming melee between the woman and the ghost, and the masked men. "I don't rightly know what your deal is," he said, "but y'all made some poor choices in life." The hammerhead slammed into his open palm, resonating like a hammer against a drum. "I'm gonna make you think a <em>little</em> harder about it."<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">OOC: Zavros is positioning himself to join in on the fight against the ghost and the mooks. They're creepy guys wearing masks following a ghost of doom, so they're clearly not good people. :P</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>09-10-2019, 04:54:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mouse swore to herself as Zavros revealed himself and positioned himself for battle. If only he had just stayed with the boat like she had told him to...<br><br>She swore to herself <em>a lot</em> as she suddenly realized that if she wanted to do anything about that, she'd need to enter battle on the wrong side of a <em>dragon</em>.<br><br>She spent a few precious seconds shaking her fist at the sky for that one. Fate might not have been real, but <em>something</em> up there was having fun with her.<br><br>But she wasn't about to see him come to harm, since he was only here in the first place because he had helped her. "On your left," she said, and quick as a flash she was at his elbow. Her walking stick wasn't nearly as fearsome-looking a weapon as his hammer or Kisara's axes, but it was steady in her grip. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>09-10-2019, 17:16:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Intruders, my queen." said the ghost. "And powerful ones at that. Permit me the use of a puppet, and I will dispose of them--"<br><br>And then Kisara was right in front of him. The smile dropped away as he dodged back, his substance seeming to melt away and reform just outside range of her swing. nevertheless, the fear was plain to see in his eyes.<br><br>"My queen--!"<br><br>The Queen extended one hand as she glided down the aisle, and under where her lieutenant stood, the ground seemed to cave in, a sudden sinkhole forming in the ground that dropped him out of sight. The impression could have been that she had punished him rather than granting his request.<br><br>A moment later, however, the moonlight glinted off slick grey flesh as something began to stir in the hole, which seemed to have fallen into a hidden basement of some sort. A thashing serpentine tail waved in the air, a rotting hand pulled the mass up, to reveal....<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">....this.</div><div class="spoiler_body">(https://i.imgur.com/5McmqRK.png)</div></div><br><br>Whatever sea creatures or great mutants the massive monster has been originally, now it was something else entirely, a horrific chimera that even apart from its repulsive appearance and foul smell, had an aura of instinctive wrongness, being something that shouldn't be able to even move. But the crocodilian jaws were snapping, the great humanlike hand was pulling it out of the ground, and the intelligence that gleamed its eyes was entirely murderous. The Queen floated to the entrance, watching with dull interest but not intervening.<br><br><br><em>OOC: (edit) Kisara's attack total is 19, missing.<br><br>Battle is joined! If anyone wants to start the fight with Gifts active, you can do so.<br><br>PC's act first (in any order, so order of posting in this format, unless you specify you're delaying), then NPC's.<br><br><br>Stitched Abomination: AC 3, Damage 0/12, Effort 0/4 Saves 10+, Morale 12<br><br>Drowned Queen: AC 5, Damage 0, Effort 0/6, Saves 9+, Morale 12<br><br>Soldiers (Small Mob): AC 6, Damage 0, Effort 0/1, Saves 15+, Morale 6, Mob (full rolled damage from AOE attacks)</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>11-10-2019, 09:10:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, sweet heavens above!" Zavros nearly recoiled at the sight of the <em>monstrosity</em> that the Queen had summoned. It was a crocodile...thing with what looked like a human torso stitched in the middle of it. Everything about it repulsed Zavros - this was a creature created for murder, to destroy life's other creations. "That <em>ain't right!</em>"<br><br>Getting past his disgust and revulsion at the creature, the larger man strode forward. The thing offended him too much to leave be. The mob of cultists would keep, and he wasn't sure if his hammer could even <em>touch</em> a ghost, let alone kill it. But this thing? As far as he could tell, it was solid enough. <br><br>And if it was solid, it was getting a hammer to the jaw. <br><br>Breaking into a sprint, Zavros raised his hammer, and immediately charges the Abomination, swinging his hammer directly at its noggin with what hoped was an appropriately furious cry. <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"><em>Zavros is just charging and swinging an attack at the Abomination. <br><br>1d20 Result: 11 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140356)<br><br>...eh. Not a great roll at all. I'm assuming I still get the bonus to hit via strength modifier and level. So that's a +1 and +2 respectively...adding the Abomination's AC of 3, that's still a 17. Am I understanding this right? <br><br>Also, would the soldiers count as being within range for Fray dice?</em></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>11-10-2019, 15:51:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The impact smashed the reptilian head into the rocky ground with a sound of cracking bone. It didn't seem to actually impair the horror in the slightest, but it sent several of the soldiers flying as it thrashed about pulling its head free.<br><br><br><em>OOC: Yes, add your attack bonus of +4 and the Ac of the target. The target number to hit is always 21. Your fray die deals 3 damage to the Mob.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>14-10-2019, 01:40:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara had <em>thought</em> she was heading straight for the chatty ghost, but he dodged and then there was someone else in the way.<br><br><em>By Pasiap's stone balls! Who just jumps into the middle of something like that?!</em> Kisara thought, moving out of the way as the stranger swung his hammer. Well, if he got himself eaten by a . . . whatever that thing was . . . she'd deal with proper burial later on. Right now . . . she wasn't sure, but maybe if she took out Her Sodden Majesty, this whole thing would stop.<br><br>So she turned, elegant as a dancer, the axes swinging as she did so to hopefully cleave the drippy bitch into at least two pieces.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"><em>OOC:<br><br>Kisara's attack: At 2019-10-13 18:34:25, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d20 Result: 10 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140484) 10+7+5=22, hit. Dmg: At 2019-10-13 18:36:30, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d10 Result: 9 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140485) 9+3=12, 4dmg.<br><br>Fray: At 2019-10-13 18:38:10, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d8 Result: 1 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140486) 1dmg to the mob.</em></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>14-10-2019, 02:15:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Okay.<br><br>Not only was he involving himself in this battle but he was also charging the giant monster. Mouse was happy enough as the Realmster charged the ghost, if it ate her then there wouldn't be any awkward conversations afterward. She just needed to put down the monster fast enough for it to not eat Zavros, then she'd clean up the ghost, rescue the people and be home in time for dinner. Clearly she had it all worked out.<br><br>"No aegis this time, huh?" she said to the ghost-monstrosity, "more fool you." She was nimble enough to dodge around both the monster's new claws and deliver pinpoint strikes to its limbs. Given the size and armor difference between them, ordinarily that would have had about as much effect as spitting on it, but these blows blossomed into cracks that neatly exploited every weakness, every unseen microfracture in his armor.<br><br>It wasn't a good day to be spearmen either, as the one trying to engage Mouse was turned into a red mist as she dodged the monstrosity and he didn't.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler</div><div class="spoiler_body">Committing Effort to Shattering Blow. Attacking the Monstrosity, hits, so 4 damage to him and 2 to the mob.<br>At 2019-10-13 19:09:47, Guancyto (uid: 56325) rolls: 1d20a+7 Result: 21 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140487)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>15-10-2019, 00:22:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara's axe passed through the neck of the Drowned Queen, the half-severed head of the ghost lolling back at an unnatural angle. The Queen let out a gurgling scream that sounded even more unsettling from that impassive mask of a face.<br><br>Mouse's weapons hacked deep into the flesh of the horror, but where she had cut, the flesh seemed to liquefy and then reform, threatening to trap her weapons. No matter how deeply she cut it, she didn't seem able to cause any injury beyond making it look even uglier. There was a gurgling sound from inside the jaws of the creature that might have been laughter.<br><br><br><em>OOC: The Queen takes 4 damage. The Abomination will use an instant action to commit 1 Effort to use <strong>Defy The Iron</strong> and negate the attack.<br><br><br>Stitched Abomination: AC 3, Damage 0/12, Effort 1/4 Saves 10+, Morale 12<br><br>Drowned Queen: AC 5, Damage 4, Effort 0/6, Saves 9+, Morale 12<br><br>Soldiers (Small Mob): AC 6, Damage 6, Effort 0/1, Saves 15+, Morale 6, Mob (full rolled damage from AOE attacks)<br><br>Tolina is left, and then the enemies.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>15-10-2019, 02:28:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Well, shit.&nbsp; All her cleverness and tricks went right out the window.&nbsp; The battle was joined in earnest but it was all happening outside, leaving Tolina standing in her last hiding spot.&nbsp; The spearmen had all gone.&nbsp; The ghost and the Drowned Queen was gone.&nbsp; That just left her and the prisoners.&nbsp; Which wasn't a bad thing at all.&nbsp; Not that she couldn't handle herself in a fight but these people needed someone to help them out.&nbsp; Tied up in here, they could easily get hurt if the fight spilled over.<br><br>First things first though.&nbsp; Tolina was her ace in the hole for now, something she wanted to keep secret.&nbsp; And while the people in here had heard her voice, she'd kept herself hidden behind cover to trick the spearmen into leaving.&nbsp; So...<br><br>She concentrated for a moment and again the peach colored mist swirled.&nbsp; It was gone as quickly as it came and Talion rolled his shoulders.&nbsp; "Feels so different without breasts," he murmured to himself.&nbsp; <br><br>Then he vaulted over the rubble he'd hidden behind to land before the bound prisoners.&nbsp; "Hey everyone!&nbsp; Let's get you untied, huh?&nbsp; And then we'll see about getting you our of here.&nbsp; There's a ship big enough that I think it could take us all."&nbsp; If the crew didn't raise a fuss.&nbsp; If they did, well, he'd have to deal with that.&nbsp; "Just stay calm, all right?"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Talion is going to start cutting the prisoners free and is making a Charisma roll to try and keep them calm and from panicking or making noise.</div></div><br>"Once you're all free," he said as he cut the bindings on the nearest of the captives, "I'll slip out and see about tossing some of the weapons from those goons in here.&nbsp; Hopefully you won't have to use them, but just having them might make you feel better."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>15-10-2019, 16:09:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing the monster rampaging through their own ranks as much as attacking the enemy, the slavers realised they were in over their heads, most of them running screaming from the clash of monsters and demigods.<br><br>One pale eye of the stitched monster fixed on Mouse and with a ferocity that belied its huge size, a mighty sweep of the tail smashed down on top of her, throwing up rocks and dust. The creature reared up, and a blast of black-and-red slime belched out of its mouth, exploding across the area that contained her and Zavros.<br><br>The Queen swung back forward, her head lurching back into place. Her wail gave way to a sound almost like frenzied sobbing, as it lunged at her with one claw, before gliding back into the doorway. <br><br>From within, Talion cut loose several captives in a blur of motion, ending with a strong young man wearing the soiled remnants of what might have been a priest's robes and a hunched beastman of uncertain gender, with reptilian teeth bared in a hiss of fear. They looked at him in shocked gratitude, something about the youth's words penetrating the fearful trance they had been in.<br><br>"Thank you!" he blurted out. "We'll get everyone free, but what about--"<br><br>Gasps rang out at the Drowned Queen became visible in the entrance, giving ground before the axe-wielding warrior she was fighting. Words in Old Realm, the sorcerer's tongue, echoed from her as the colours in the area seemed to invert and become negative for a moment, a crackling sphere of black energy forming in her hand as they returned to normal. She didn't seem to have noticed Talion.<br><br><br><em>OOC:<br><br>Talion passes his Charisma check, and avoids panic.<br><br>The Abomination uses one action to attack Mouse, and hits, dealing 7 damage on 2d12.<br><br>It uses its second action to commit another Effort to use <strong>Corona of Fury</strong>, hitting both Mouse and Zavros for 6d8 damage. A roll of 3, 7, 3, 5, 8, 1 means it deals 7 damage to each of you. You can make an Evasion save to halve that to 3.<br><br>The Queen attacks Kisara, hitting and dealing 3 damage. She also begins casting a <strong>sorcery</strong> spell, which will finish just before her next action.<br><br>The Mob also makes a check, at reduced Morale given the circumstances. They fail, so they're fleeing.<br><br>When resolving enemy attacks, remember you can commit Effort for the scene to turn a failed save into a success, or for the day to use a defensive miracle of some kind to negate an attack or damage, provided it makes thematic sense for the Word you're linking it to. You can also use a miracle to emulate Gifts you don't know from Words you do which in some cases (like the Sword gift <strong>Nine Iron Walls</strong>) might be better than directly negating an attack.<br><br>New round! Like before, all the PC's act first, in any order.<br><br><br>Stitched Abomination: AC 3, Damage 0/12, Effort 2/4 Saves 10+, Morale 12<br><br>Drowned Queen: AC 5, Damage 4, Effort 0/6, Saves 9+, Morale 12</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>15-10-2019, 23:24:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion hissed in a breath as the Drowned Queen floated back into the doorway of the ruined structure.&nbsp; No way out now but through her, which was less than ideal.&nbsp; Even worse, she was doing something bad.&nbsp; Words in Old Realm were rippling from her tongue and seemed to echo and resound around the tumbled down stone.&nbsp; "Leave that to me, er, us.&nbsp; Just get ready to get if the getting gets good."<br><br>Saturn's mournful and sadly forsaken sex.&nbsp; What was he going to do?&nbsp; All he had was a knife to try to kill an undead sorceress.&nbsp; <br><br>But she was retreating, wasn't she?&nbsp; Talion's lips curved in a smirk; if she was running, then he didn't need to kill her.&nbsp; He just had to help whoever was already doing it.&nbsp; <br><br>"Just a moment!"&nbsp; He reached out to the strong young man in the priest's robes and tore off one of the sleeves from it, "Thank you!"&nbsp; Talion leaped up onto a tumbled pile of bricks, then up onto a rim that was part of what had been a second floor.&nbsp; As his feet hit, he pivoted into a crouch and leaped towards the Drowned Queen's back, the cloth held between his hands to loop over her head and then jerk back to stuff her mouth with soiled fabric and still her spell.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Talion is intending to interfere with the Drowned Queen's <strong>sorcery</strong> with this dirty cloth, stuffing her mouth with it like a gag while pulling it back in his hands as well.&nbsp; Dexterity or to Hit?<br><br>Either way; here's the roll: At 2019-10-15 16:21:11, Armphid (uid: 65288) rolls: 1d20 Result: 18 + 3 Dex Mod = 21.&nbsp; If it's To Hit, then +5 DQ's AC = 26<br><br>Did I do this right?&nbsp; :P</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>16-10-2019, 00:44:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The ectoplasmic body of the ghost was cold and clammy, and slick with cold and stagnant seawater. But Talion managed to stuff the gag into her mouth, cutting off the incantation. With a muffled moan, the long arms of the Queen thrashed around behind her, trying to catch the new attacker.<br><br><br><em>OOC: I'll say that she loses her current action, and that causes the Stun condition, where she must make an Evasion saving every time she tries to take an action, losing the action on a failure or ending the condition on a success.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>16-10-2019, 04:35:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara scowled as the clammy Queen stepped backwards through the door. "Dragons dammit! Get back here, you sopping bitch!" she swore keeping pace with the ghostly woman as best she could. When her hands started moving, shifting in mystical patterns, as she muttered in Old Realm, a ball of black energy hovering there, Kisara smirked. Sorcerers. Always thought that was the answer to any question, especially in a fight.<br><br>Chopping off a hand would at least stop the spell from going off, even if it didn't look like she could be permanently severed at this point.<br><br>Bloodied but not beaten, the silver-haired woman launched another attack. Even as she did so, however, hands whipped around the ghost's face, gagging her and cutting off the flow of words mid-stream. The spell shattered without a whimper - thank all the gods for that - and she was even clutching behind herself, trying to shake the person - a young man, Kisara thought - who'd maybe stupidly thrown himself at her with the gag.<br><br>Adjusting the swing, Kisara took another swing at the Drowned Queen, hoping this time to do something a bit more permanent.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"><em>OOC:<br><br>Kisara's attack: At 2019-10-15 21:29:16, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d20 Result: 14 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140548) 14+7+5=26, hit. At 2019-10-15 21:30:31, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d10 Result: 2 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140551) 2+3=5, 1dmg<br><br>I assume she's out of range of the mob, so no fray die.<br><br>Kisara: AC 4, HP 11/14, Effort 1/3</em></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>16-10-2019, 04:49:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mouse thrust her walking stick out against the abomination's tail sweep. Sparks flew from it and the symbol of the Dawn lit up on her forehead as she focused on turning aside the most terrible blow she had ever experienced. As the trusty stick shattered into tiny pieces the stinger missed her throat by mere inches. She discarded the pieces of it and as golden flames engulfed her she stood firm against the torrent of red slime and <em>punched</em>. The wave parted before her fist like an errant sea, but she had lost her momentum. Reduced to her fists she tried to strike vulnerable points on the abomination, but failed to pierce its armor. She gritted her teeth, casting about for another weapon...<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">mechanics</div><div class="spoiler_body">Mouse commits Effort for the day (2/3 committed) to miracle up Nine Iron Walls to block the hits, yes! Unfortunately she also hella misses.<br>At 2019-10-15 21:29:23, Guancyto (uid: 56325) rolls: 1d20a7 Result: 12 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140549)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>16-10-2019, 18:01:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a moment, the abominable creature's vomit - Zavros had no other word to describe the wrong that had just spewed over himself and Mouse - burned, and burned badly. Zavros flinched, but a moment later, the symbol on his forehead glared a brilliant glow, as if the light alone was enough to burn away the foul substance. With a flash, the murky gunk melted away, leaving only a pinkish hue to his skin as evidence that anything had caused him pain. <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Miracle!</div><div class="spoiler_body">Zavros commits 1 Effort to Defy the Iron! Damage negated. 3/4 Remaining.</div></div><br><br>"Okay, that didn't work." Casting his mind back to when he'd taken on Suura at the farm, his eyes soon matched the glowing gold hue of his forehead's symbol. "When in doubt, try harder!" With a roar, Zavros charged again at the Abomiantion, wondering why in heavens' name he wasn't more scared about literally charging at a giant monster. Swinging his hammer down as hard as he could, the hammer collided with the beast's snout with a mighty clanging noise, but bounced off once again, unable to penetrate the hide. <br><br>Zavros staggered back slightly, but only for a moment. His footing was back, taking position in front of Mouse as she sought to find another weapon. It turned out fighting against a monster would be difficult - who knew? <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"><em>Rolled 1d20 Result: 13 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140567) + 3 (Abomination AC) + 2 (Zavros' Level) + 1 (Strength Modifier)<br><br>Really, really close, but wasn't quite enough. -_-</em></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>17-10-2019, 00:32:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The impact should rightfully have turned Mouse to paste. But as the dust cleared, she was still there, the rocks under her feet having cracked, but leaving her unhurt. Zavros too emerged from the torrent of necrotic filth, the substance that was eating into the rocks underfoot running off his body like rainwater.<br><br>The Queen lashed out wildly, trying to shake off Talion, and taking another wound to her ectoplasmic flesh as Kisara took advantage of the distraction. She cast her head up, and black liquid poured from her eyes, flowing over her face and body. She seemed to melt away, her body flattening into a dark, oily pool and then fading away completely, lost amidst the darkness. She left only her words, a cry of disbelieving horror.<br><br>""Slay them! Slay the interlopers! This basphemy cannot be permitted!"<br><br>The monster let out a gurgling rumble that sounded like it was agreeing. As Zavros and Mouse struck at it's unnaturally tough body, it batted at Mouse with the back of its reptilian hand, before fixing an eye on Zavros, and tensing up the grafted muscles of its body. Then it exploded outwards like a coiled spring, the tail hitting him with a thunderclap and sending him flying backwards to smash into the side of the building, hard enough to leave cracks in the stone. Pulling itself across the rocky ground, it surged towards the temple, catching one of the bare trees and smashing it into splinters as it went.<br><br><br><em>OOC: The mob is dispersed and neither of the other two are lesser foes, so Fray dice aren't applicable here.<br><br>The Queen passes her save to act. Her attack vs Kisara misses. She has the Night word but no gifts, so she'll use a miracle to emulate the gift <strong>Road of Shadows</strong>, vanishing into one shadow and reappearing from another within a mile. She's out the combat.<br><br>Since the Abomination used a smite gift last turn, it can't do it this round. Instead, it'll attack Zavros and Mouse once each. Both attacks hit, and on Zavros, it'll commit Effort to use <strong>Surge of Strength</strong> to maximise the damage roll, dealing 8 damage. Mouse takes 4 damage. It then moves towards the door.<br><br><br>Stitched Abomination: AC 3, Damage 0/12, Effort 3/4 Saves 10+, Morale 12<br><br>New round!</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>18-10-2019, 05:19:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, Gods!"&nbsp; The moment that black fluid began to boil up out of the Drowned Queen's eyes, Talion leaped off of her back.&nbsp; He had no idea what was happening but he was sure that letting that stuff touch him would be very bad for his health.&nbsp; It roiled out and down her body and then it flowed down and away into the ground, the ghostly self-proclaimed monarch going with it.&nbsp; <br><br>The monster though was still there, and it seemed to be taking the Queen's parting words as an unholy commandment.&nbsp; It laid waste out there, smashing the two who had been fighting it and charging right for the building they were in.&nbsp; And that the captives, some of them still bound, were in.&nbsp; "Damn it.&nbsp; Killing monsters is not my idea of a good time.&nbsp; But..."&nbsp; He pulled the dagger from his belt and flipped it through his fingers to end up holding it in a reverse grip, "it's a better time than being flattened by one."&nbsp; <br><br>He couldn't let it reach the temple. He had to distract it and try to get some of the two knocked aside back into the fray.&nbsp; Talion bolted out the door and charged straight for the hideous fusion of flesh, "Such a bad idea!"&nbsp; He ran full out, as fast as he could, and as he drew near and it reared up a bit to splatter him on the island's stony surface, the youth dove into a slide.&nbsp; He raised his dagger up as he slid underneath the bulk of the creature, letting it's own forward momentum and mass slice it's putrescent body.&nbsp; Talion came up to his feet on the other side and sprang up, hooking a foot underneath one of the weapons dropped by one of the spearmen who had been struck down before his comrades fled.&nbsp; &nbsp;He kicked towards the pretty, petite girl who had gone at the thing with a damn stick of all things.&nbsp; "Try a real weapon this time, please!"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">An attack combined with movement and then an action to get a weapon over to Hungry Mouse.&nbsp; If I can't do all of this, let me know and I will edit.<br><br>I'm assuming the dagger will let me use Dexterity to hit: At 2019-10-17 22:15:15, Armphid (uid: 65288) rolls: 1d20a9 Result: 17&nbsp; Miss!<br>Dex Check to kick the spear to Mouse: At 2019-10-17 22:18:17, Armphid (uid: 65288) rolls: 1d20a3 Result: 10, better than 3, so I think that's a success? </div></div> 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>18-10-2019, 08:39:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				This time, whatever strange power allowed Zavros to shrug off the attack did not kick in. With a mighty <em>crack,</em> he was sent flying into the nearby building, a dust cloud obscuring just how embedded into the building he'd been lodged into. <br><br>"Ow."<br><br>Slowly shaking his head, he growled. That actually stung quite a bit this time, a fact he didn't need to look at the rather impressive scrapes and bruises to tell. Something told him that he'd just shrug it off - but there had to be time to shrug it all for that to happen. And that also meant that this monster had to go. And nothing they'd done so far had even staggered it-<br><br><em>That's done it.</em><br><br>Zavros grasped his hammer in one hand, which was glowing a violently angry blue, and was clinging onto what was left of the building near him to steady himself as he stood up. "Alright," he said, more to himself than for the benefit of anyone else hearing it. "One more time then-!"<br><br>And he leapt into the air, hammer trailing brilliant blue energy as he slammed the hammer onto the creature's back. This time, the hammer had a noticeable impact where it did not before, the hammer blow gouging out large parts of the creature's fleshy center. Zavros tried not to look too closely at that - the damned thing was disgusting enough to look at as it was. <br><br>He was forced to leap away from its back as the creature roared - this time, in noticeable pain and anger. Scrabbling to his feet near the other two, he fought to catch his breath, the blue aura around the hammer already fading. "I really, really aught to learn how this all works," he muttered to himself. <br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"><em>Committed 1 Effort to invoke Miracle - Divine Wrath. Zavros is now at 2/4 Effort remaining. <br><br>Zavros rolls: 2d8 Result: 9 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140634)<br><br>I was getting tired of not doing damage. &gt;_&gt; But it might well try to heal itself up or negate the damage.</em></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>18-10-2019, 22:47:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The necrotic monster was slashed by Talion's knife, black ichor oozing out, but not seeming to slow it down as it barreled towards Zavros. The hammer blow, however, that did slow it down as Zavros smashed into its back, the impact sending out a shockwave of radiance as it landed. Several of the tentacles on the back were turned into withered stumps, and the body convulsed disturbingly, with an impact that would have broken the back of a more sanely designed creature.<br><br><br><em>OOC:<br><br>Mouse doesn't technically need the spear, so I'll say it's a free action to kick it over.&nbsp; :-) For relatively minor actions like that, you generally succeed without a roll.<br><br>Note that when you're rolling multiple dice, each one deals damage separately, so that causes 4 damage. Also, because Divine Wrath is a Smite gift, Zavros can't use it or another Smite gift next round.<br><br>Stitched Abomination: AC 3, Damage 4/12, Effort 3/4 Saves 10+, Morale 12</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>18-10-2019, 23:47:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">spoiler</div><div class="spoiler_body">Traveling so no time for a cool post, long story short Mouse misses the abomination again and takes the 4 damage from getting hit.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>19-10-2019, 01:24:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh, EW!" Kisara didn't often react in disgust, but that black, oily ichor coming out of the Drowned Queen's eyes was one of the worst things she'd ever seen. And then - then! The bitch had the nerve to disappear in front of them! Ugh!<br><br>A deep frown creased her face, and she spun, bounding towards the monstrosity. Her axes gleamed in the silver-shadow light, coming down in a double arc on the abomination's back with all the strength she could muster.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"><em>OOC:<br>Contempt of Distance again to get close.<br><br>Kisara's attack: At 2019-10-18 18:22:24, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d20 Result: 18 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140655) 18+3+7=28, hit. At 2019-10-18 18:23:06, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d10 Result: 10 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140656) 10+3=13, 4 dmg.<br><br>Kisara: AC 4, HP 11/14, Effort 1/3</em></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>19-10-2019, 12:35:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One of the stiched-on arms went flying as Kisara hacked through it, noisome gore spilling from the wound. The crocodlian head twisted round to snap at her, the jaws snaping shut just short of her face. The blows seemed to be adding up, as it staggered for a moment--but then a burst of vitriol burst not just from its mouth, but also from its wounds as well, the poisonous ichor threatening everyone nearby.<br><br><br><br><em>OOC: The Abomination attacks Kisara (miss), and commits Effort to use Corona of Fury again, dealing 8 damage to everyone except itself. An Evasion save will reduce the damage to 4. Remember you can use Effort to turn a failed save into a success, or use defensive miracles like before.<br><br>Stitched Abomination: AC 3, Damage 8/12, Effort 4/4 Saves 10+, Morale 12<br><br>New round!</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>21-10-2019, 15:52:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Oh, that was <em>it</em>. Slimy, disgusting, AND poisonous? Whatever this thing was, it needed to be a dead version of it. Kisara managed to dodge the worst of the stinking glop, but could still feel it burning against whatever skin it landed on - it reminded her unpleasantly of the time her cousin Dacine thought they could 'activate' a Wood-Aspected Exaltation by shoving her hands in a pot of hot water and cartwheel flower extract. Her hands had stung for days, and Dacine had gotten a burning bottom to match.<br><br>Instead, she focused her eyes on the spot she'd hit last time, figuring fewer wounds meant less of that crap coming out, and if she could cleave the damn thing in two, it might actually die. At least they could take care of it in smaller pieces, one of which wouldn't have a damned mouth. Heedless of the stinging, she raised the axes again, as though she were trying to hew through a stubborn chunk of cordwood and brought them down as strongly as she could.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"><em>OOC:<br>Evasion save: At 2019-10-21 08:39:58, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d20 Result: 20 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140707) Holy crap did she get lucky, successful save = 4dmg taken.<br><br>Kisara's attack: At 2019-10-21 08:50:28, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d20 Result: 11 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140708) 11+3+7=21, hit. At 2019-10-21 08:51:02, Ivory Dawn (uid: 67904) rolls: 1d10 Result: 2 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140709) 2+3=5, 1dmg<br><br>Kisara: AC 4, HP 7/14, Effort 1/3</em></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>21-10-2019, 18:31:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion didn't take a moment to even really see what was coming at it him but threw himself into a cartwheeling dodge to the left as the patchwork monstrosity seemed not to vomit forth but burst forth from any and all openings a hideous splash of vitriol that burned his skin, leaving a noxious fume in it's wake that stung his nose.&nbsp; "Jupiter's jugs, what is this?&nbsp; Agh!"&nbsp; He'd avoided the worst of it, but the splash that had caught him sizzled as it ate away at his skin and clothes.&nbsp; Damn, he liked this outfit too!&nbsp; It wasn't like he could count on being able to steal another one like it!<br><br>Worse though, this couldn't keep up.&nbsp; He didn't know how the big man and the petite girl who he'd kicked the spear to were still standing.&nbsp; They'd been fighting this thing longer and he'd seen them take a few solid hits.&nbsp; It was great that they were still fighting.&nbsp; But he was willing to bet it meant they couldn't take much more.&nbsp; <br><br>Which meant he had to act in a way that was very much not in his usual oeuvre.&nbsp; No stealing, no fast talking, no charming, just acting like a hero.&nbsp; Gods have mercy on Creation.&nbsp; <br><br>"This," he started to speak as he broke into a run for the undead horror, hopping up onto the base of the twin tails that thrashed about and sprinting up the beast's back, "is the dumbest," the pretty boy flung himself forward like a living javelin between the remaining tentacles to plunge downward towards the back of the crocodilean head with his dagger in both hands, "thing I have <em>ever</em> done!"&nbsp; He struck with all his might and weight behind the blow, driving the seven inch blade through the tough, armor-like hide at the base of the skull.&nbsp; "By the Sun and Mars, die already!&nbsp; Again!"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body"> Evasion Save: At 2019-10-21 11:02:00, Ivory Dawn (uid: 65288) rolls: 1d20 Result: 15.&nbsp; Success!&nbsp; Takes 4 dmg.<br>Attack: At 2019-10-21 11:03:12, Armphid (uid: 65288) rolls: 1d20a6 Result: 25.&nbsp; Success! <br>Dagger: At 2019-10-21 11:04:16, Armphid (uid: 65288) rolls: 1d6a4 Result: 8 = 2 dmg to the Abomination!<br>Talion AC 0, HP 10/14, Effort 3/4</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>21-10-2019, 18:51:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Zavros continued to swing at the wounded beast. Whatever energy he was able to summon that wounded the damned thing, however, just wasn't materializing- <em>I've really gotta figure out what this stuff even is,</em> he thought as he swung his hammer at the Abomination. Try as he might, however, the hammer blows simply glanced against hardened scales. "Just go down!" he yelled.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">Zaval rolls: 1d20 Result: 10 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140710)<br><br>Sorry to say, even though the damned thing is probably really low on health, I don't have anything else that would get through (and I already used a smite action last turn. :( )</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>22-10-2019, 18:54:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A large part of the tail came off entirely, thrashing around in the water, and deep gashes were carved into the hide of the monstrous chimera. Within the temple, the captives were wwatching in awe as the monster was held at bay and worn down, with attacks that should have crushed the heroes being shrugged off. Could they really--?<br><br><br><em>OOC:<br>Stitched Abomination: AC 3, Damage 11/12, Effort 4/4 Saves 10+, Morale 12</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>24-10-2019, 04:01:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Mechanics!</div><div class="spoiler_body">No time for a cool post again (augh!) but don't want to hold us up, long story short Mouse critically misses again, fails her Evasion save and is currently at 1 HP.<br><br>It's not a good day!<br><br>At 2019-10-23 20:59:00, Guancyto (uid: 56325) rolls: 1d20 Result: 8 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140845)<br>At 2019-10-21 12:27:03, Guancyto (uid: 56325) rolls: 1d20a7 Result: 8 (https://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=140721)</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>24-10-2019, 12:08:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mouse's spear pierces right through the monster, but seemingly fails to hit anything vital. Even with it's unnatural resilience, it's visibly falling to pieces. The tentacles atop its body grab for Mouse, but can't get a grip on her, while the body lurches forward to snap at Talion, jamming into the door and with the jaws falling just short.<br><br><br><em>OOC: If it's any consolation, what Mouse has seems to be contagious.&nbsp; :-) Both attacks (one vs her and one vs Talion) miss.<br><br>Stitched Abomination: AC 3, Damage 11/12, Effort 4/4 Saves 10+, Morale 12<br><br>New round! (https://i.chzbgr.com/full/567927040/h37542DEC/)</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>24-10-2019, 20:06:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The lurch of the horrific thing jarred him loose from atop the abomination and sent the blond thief tumbling forward, far too close to those terrible jaws for his liking.&nbsp; They snapped at him, Talion twisting impossibly in the air as he fell to avoid them.&nbsp; That and its' bulk hitting the door kept it from getting a hold of him.&nbsp; He landed in a three point crouch, his dagger still someone clasped in his right hand.&nbsp; "Damn."<br><br>Now it was in the doorway.&nbsp; Far too close to the captives.&nbsp; So much for leading it away from them.&nbsp; This was why he wasn't suited to this hero thing.&nbsp; He'd ended up bringing it right to the people he was trying to save!<br><br>He rolled forward under the thing's head as it lifted up and then lunged up himself as it came down, his dagger thrusting in not only with his own strength but the creature's own weight against the sharp point.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">To Hit: At 2019-10-24 13:03:47, Armphid (uid: 65288) rolls: 1d20a6 Result: 22<br>Damage: At 2019-10-24 13:04:25, Armphid (uid: 65288) rolls: 1d6a4 Result: 5 = 1 dmg</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>25-10-2019, 14:32:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Something cracks inside the monster as Talion drove the dagger in, the body finally seeming to realise that it shouldn't exist, never mind be moving. The movement of the creature on the broken part seems to trigger a series of cracking and rupturing sounds. The whole thing collapsed to the ground, thrashing horribly as bones ruptured through the skin and horrible fluids oozed out. But eventually, it came to a halt, a mangled wreck of flesh and bone.<br><br>And for a few moments, everything was silent on the island, except for the hushed gasps of the onlookers, who had just witnessed a miracle.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>25-10-2019, 16:56:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara could still feel the battle tension coursing through her, even knowing the creature was dead. It seemed hard to believe that it was, honestly, but . . . "By the Dragons, the island has the most disgusting things on it I have ever seen!"<br><br>She shook her head and gave a broad smile to the young man who had struck the final blow. "That was well-struck, friend. You have done something glorious today." Her golden-brown eyes looked over the others who had fought with her. "Thank you all for your help. I would have been hard-pressed to handle all of them on my own." Her tone stated clearly that she spoke the truth - and that she also had been fairly confident she could still have won on her own.<br><br>"I've brought a vessel to take these people . . ." hell, where would she take them? She couldn't promise they'd go where they were meant to go, as she didn't know. ". . . away from this place. You all are welcome to board the <em>Dragon's Wake</em> should you have need or want of a means of leaving this wretched place."<br><br>Kisara leaned in the door and looked over the bedraggled former captives. "I was able to rescue your Lady Kersinta, and her escort Apha, if it eases your minds at all, friends. I will gladly reunite you with them."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>25-10-2019, 18:25:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Huh." The <em>thing</em> that had stymied them all for so long finally gave out - to Zavros's eye, it was almost as if the final bits of unnatural sinew that held the whole thing together finally was cut, and the entire assembly just collapsed and spread all over. Messy, disgusting - but it was no longer moving. It was finally destroyed - dead wasn't a strong enough word for it. <br><br>"Well, that was somethin', alright." Walking over to the other man, he slapped him on the back, a smile on his face. "That was a good hit there," he laughed, "Good going!" The symbol on his forehead wasn't quite glowing anymore, but it was emitting a soft, golden light all the same - fair enough, he supposed. Some of the adrenaline hadn't quite left his system yet...or was that adrenaline? He didn't breathe anymore, so it was hard to tell. <br><br>Glancing around at the strangers - and at the people they'd just stumbled into rescuing, at least from his perspective - he said, "Well, it just looks like we all right stumbled into rescuing these folks," he said. He introduced himself, "Name's Zavros. This here's Mouse-" he jutted a thumb towards the woman, "-and we came in here on a boat as well, though..." Looking at the crowd again, he added, "we could prolly take a handful of 'em. There's a village nearby we could take 'em to, but, eh, I think I'd need to talk to the elders 'bout that first..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>26-10-2019, 23:12:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mouse had <em>really</em> not had a good go of it. She had been battered, covered in caustic liquids, stabbed a little bit and then covered again. Her trusty stick had shattered, and her spear had fallen apart on her final strike as well, and even still she hadn't been able to so much as <em>dent</em> the thing. <br><br>She was really quite glad that Zavros hadn't listened to her and had thrown himself into the fray, else she wouldn't have even made it out as well as she had.<br><br>Running on adrenaline and sun-power she had soldiered through, but now that the golden light around her started to fade she felt her knees starting to give out as her many wounds and burns started to show. And the <em>dragon</em> was still quipping and organizing, arrogant as any dog of the Realm. Even after everything, even as a champion of the Sun, were they really still so far above her?<br><br>"The man I came with can identify his people from among the captives," she said, slumped against a tree for support, "I am sworn to return them to their homes, and I will not entrust them to passage offered by a <em>Mnemon</em>." She looked at Kisara and spat the last word as though it were a curse.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>27-10-2019, 18:20:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara sighed inwardly. It made sense that these people wouldn't like Dynasts, and they probably had good reasons for it. Didn't make it less irritating. "Look, lady," she said, shoving her axes into their loops on her belt. "If it makes you feel any better, my family'd kill me as soon as they'd kill any of us at this point."<br><br>She shrugged, rolling her head to loosen the taut muscles in her neck. "And I made a promise, too. So maybe we let the people here decide." Tucking her thumbs into the belt, Kisara gave her a lazy, confident smirk. "And if you'd rather spend your time judging me based on something I had literally nothing to do with - that is, the circumstances of my birth - we can just have the fight now rather than later."<br><br>Deliberately, she turned her back on the other woman (she really hoped this wasn't the person the ghost mistook her for at first, that would be insulting) and looked to the slender young man who was helping the prisoners. "Did you need help, friend? If any cannot walk, I can carry at least one. To whichever vessel they might like," she added, glancing over her shoulder.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>28-10-2019, 12:44:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion stared at the dagger that he'd held braced in both hands as the necrotic creature shuddered and then heaved off of the weapon.&nbsp; Had he just...?&nbsp; The thing lurched and its' body seemed to warp and twist from within and then it simply began to fall apart.&nbsp; It was plenty disgusting, plenty horrifying, but all he could do was stare at the dagger.&nbsp; He'd just killed the monster.&nbsp; Really?&nbsp; Him?&nbsp; It should have been one of these warrior types.<br><br>He couldn't help but grin at the praise of the lovely and shapely Dynast.&nbsp; While he had no real love for the Dragon-Blooded of the Realm, she wasn't one of them.&nbsp; Not anymore, anyway.&nbsp; She was one of them.&nbsp; As was the lummox who came over to pound him on the back, "Hk," he sputtered as his breath rushed out of him and then he coughed, "Thanks, all of you.&nbsp; You were the ones that really tore it up, I just got lucky at the end."&nbsp; <br><br>It seemed that fighting might not be done yet, however.&nbsp; As the petitie girl who'd wielded stick and spear spar vituperation at the silver haired axe wielder, practically turning the name of her house into a curse.&nbsp; The woman said her own piece back and Talion sighed, "It pains me with beautiful women fight, unless they're wearing less and it's by the river side."&nbsp; Maybe that joke wasn't the best to lead with.&nbsp; "But we're not out of this yet.&nbsp; We can't leave the shadowland until dawn or we'll sail right into the Underworld rather than back into Creation.&nbsp; We just fought off this monster, but that doesn't mean the dead are done with us yet.&nbsp; And those spearmen might find their courage and come back.&nbsp; For now, let's set aside any grudges and just work on keeping us and all of these people alive."<br><br>He looked over at Hungry Mouse and gave her a winning smile.&nbsp; "I'm sure your friend can sort out his people, but unless there's only a few of them, we'd better get everyone aboard that bigger boat, the <em>Dragon's Wake</em>.&nbsp; Once we get to shore, everyone can sort themselves out."&nbsp; The handsome thief went over to her and offered her a hand, "I don't mean to injure your pride and feel free to refuse, but if it would make it easier to stand, please, let me help and lean on me."<br><br>And having a pretty girl pressed against him after all that horror would do him some good too.<br><br>He hadn't missed Kisara's mention of the woman he'd come here to save.&nbsp; So she was on that boat, huh?&nbsp; She hadn't actually been here.&nbsp; Well, that was all right.&nbsp; These other people still needed rescued.&nbsp; "Let's get everyone safely aboard, huh?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>29-10-2019, 02:37:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The prisoners had been watching the culmination of the battle and the exchange between their saviours with disbelief. The ones that Talion had freed had unlocked the manacles on most of the others. There were about forty people there, a varied lot with no sign the slavers had been looking for any particular qualities with them other than "living"--they were of all ages and types, targets of opportunity grabbed indiscriminately from the mainland. Children and elders were among them, and all of them looked dirty and ill-treated, and stunned into silence by the events.<br><br><em>"They...did it?"</em> said a voice from among the prisoners, sounding hesitant to even break the silence.<br><br><em>"The ghosts....they're gone?"<br><br>"Are we....are we saved?"</em><br><br>And then a ragged cheer rose up from among the crowd, many among them stepping forward to both try and get out of the temple and to stumble closer to their saviours. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>29-10-2019, 04:44:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mouse let out a long breath as Kisara quipped again. She wanted to respond in fury, but the one with daggers was doing his best to prevent another fight, and... he was right. Except for the part about wearing less clothes by the riverside. He might have been joking about that part; she really couldn't tell!<br><br>"We may have that fight later," she said to Kisara with a steely gaze as the crowd cheered around them, "he's right, we're not out of this yet. Doing it now would be foolish."<br><br>"<em>Judgment</em> has nothing to do with it. I am not some foolish savage who only thinks in hatred," she said to Kisara, although the growl in her voice told a different story, "this is practicality - treachery is seared into the very bones of the Dragons. Your whole history, your whole <em>life</em> is boiled in the blood of those your people have betrayed and enslaved. So one bone has been <em>cast out</em> from that unending stew of charnel. Should I embrace it? Why should I think you any different from the rest? Why should anyone?" <br><br>"But," she turned to Talion, and Zavros who was in the middle of knocking Talion over," if you two promise to turn her into paste if she betrays us, to slavers, or monks, or legions, or her family for the hope of redemption, I don't care which. If you're ready and willing to strike her down, then I would be willing to trust my charges to her associates."<br><br>She turned to the crowd, raising her voice loud enough to be heard, "if anyone happens to have been hurt, I can see to them."<br><br>"You, ah," she said more quietly to Talion, a faint smile on her lips, "I can certainly walk on my own, but if you want to hold me up while I see to the sick and injured, I won't argue."<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>29-10-2019, 18:53:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hey," Zavros said, holding up his hand in a placating manner. "I'm all for making sure these fellas get anywhere but here." Glancing at the other woman, he frowned slightly. She felt...similar to the damned noble woman who flooded his parents' farm, but she'd fought along with them for the same reason they all were fighting. He was cautious...but he was willing to let bygones be bygones. "But if we're gonna yell at each other or be at each others' necks, how 'bout we get these people somewhere with shelter and food, yeah?"<br><br>With that announcement, he moved to help the people move away from their makeshift prison. Some were trying to - understandably - keep a wide berth from the abomination that was taking up the walkway, so he simply lifted one of the dead limbs to allow them to move through just a little more quickly. <br><br>"And - oof! - by the by, name's Zavros, if anyone's vested in askin'," he said, introducing himself to the other strangers. "I'm mostly along for the ride, but pleased to make your acquaintances anyhow - hey, watch your step there - "
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>31-10-2019, 01:44:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara couldn't roll her eyes hard enough. Part of her, and it wasn't a small part, wanted to smack the bitch sillier than she already was. But the only way to convince someone you weren't as bad as someone else was to show it. Gods dammit.<br><br>"I would think the fact that I am one of you," she tapped the center of her forehead, "might help, but as you wish it." She turned a smile to the former prisoners, moving to help one of the men who seemed to be having trouble walking.<br><br>"It is nice to meet you, Zavros," she said, tucking the man's arm around her shoulders and using herself as a crutch for him. "Let me know if you need a rest, grandfather." Her eyes flickered to the others. "I am Mnemon Kisara, as you heard. But the folks on the ship know me as V'neef Lisana." She gave the other woman a hard little smile. "I have been trying to lose a wild hunt, you see, and they know who Mnemon Kisara is."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>31-10-2019, 02:02:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The former captives emerged tentatively, looking at the empty island with apprehension and relief, and steering clear of the argument in progress. They seemed unsure about wanting to intervene in the arguments of people who had just destroyed the monster they'd witnessed. But the man Talona had set free, who seemed to have been nominated in an unspoken vote to be the spokesman, addressed him hesitantly, obviously trying not to stare at the soft yellow glow, which defied the stark, cold darkness around them.<br><br>"Thank you, sir...Zavros. My name's Neran, and I....I'm from the hill people, and so are many of the others here. Please....we just wish to go home from this nightmare and these false ancestors. Do you....if I may ask, do you have a ship?"<br><br><br>.....<br><br><br>The old man gratefully accepted the assistance in walking from Kisara. The way he sagged, it was like he was used to having a stick that had been stolen from him, and he bore some painful-looking bruising around his arms and shoulders.<br><br>"Thank you, my lady. Have you seen my granddaughter?" he asked, sounding like he was trying not to cough. "Kersinta was her name, she was taken from us...they don't know what they have done! If they harm her, disaster will surely follow!"<br><br><br>....<br><br><br>As Talion and Mouse talk, they can hear from a distance the sounds of a scuffle. It's coming from where Talion left his boat.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>31-10-2019, 12:52:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion was glad that Zavros and Kisara were willing to be reasonable.&nbsp; The other girl was too, grudgingly, after a moment.&nbsp; The last thing any of them needed right now was fighting each other.&nbsp; He was sure that they weren't out of trouble yet.&nbsp; The Drowned Queen had gotten away and that meant she could come back with more ghost servants and undead abominations at any point.&nbsp; Even if she couldn't, and he hoped she couldn't, it was smart to assume that she could and prepare accordingly.&nbsp; <br><br>Still.&nbsp; He couldn't help but grin as the petite, pretty fighter quietly admitted she wouldn't mind him holding her up while she tended the wounded.&nbsp; "I'm eager for the experience," he answered her, offering a hand to help her up.&nbsp; <br><br>The cheers and the celebration of the throng was pleasing to hear, no doubt.&nbsp; He'd love to preen and soak it in but he simply helped Mouse up and nodded when Zavros introduced himself.&nbsp; "Thanks for reminding us about manners, Zavros.&nbsp; I'm Talion."&nbsp; He would have said more but then he heard something...fighting?&nbsp; A struggle, at least, over there.&nbsp; "Now what?&nbsp; Hold that thought of holding you, pretty lady," he said to Hungry Mouse with a wink.<br><br>Then he headed towards the noise, which was where he'd left his boat.&nbsp; Was the old smuggler in trouble?&nbsp; He broke into a run, intent on getting there to save the man if he could.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>01-11-2019, 18:11:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Among the half-sunken buildings that shielded Talion's boat from easy sight, there could be seen Santis, standing upright in the small smuggler's boat inside his circle of salt. He was brandishing a spear at a half-dozen of the surviving mercenaries who were ringing the boat, their own mismatched weapons drawn.<br><br>"Back off, I tell you! I'm not taking any devils from this island!"<br><br>"Look, you old fool, just get us off of here! Either we'll pay you, or we'll gut you like a fish and leave you here! There's nothig but monsters on this island, so how about you just--"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>01-11-2019, 18:56:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hail and met, Neran," Zavros replied back to the elderly man, greeting him as if he'd just bumped into him at the farmer's market rather than astride an undead abomination that he'd had a part in slaying. "We've got ourselves a small ship - might get cramped, but we can prolly fit you all in there." <br><br>He shoved the carcass of the creature aside enough that more of the refugees could sneak through. "As for gettin' you home...that might be more complicated, see. Need to know where y'all came from to begin with, and I'm not saying I'm any great shake at navigatin'. Unless one of y'all can help with that?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>02-11-2019, 17:43:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara smiled at the old man, in what felt like her first real smile in . . . days, at least, if not weeks. "Aye, grandfather, I saved your Kersinta and her escort. They are aboard my ship - well, the ship I've hired - and physically unharmed." The old man wasn't heavy enough to be a burden, but it was awkward to walk with him like this. Worth it, however. "If you wish, I can take you to her."<br><br>She watched as Talion, the young man who'd struck the killing blow against that horrid beast, ran off towards the docks. She frowned, a small crease appearing between her brows. "Let us know if you need help, Talion," she called after him. He'd done all right in the fight, but she'd recognized the look, as he stood there staring at his dagger after the fight, of someone who didn't do that sort of thing often. If he wasn't a fighter, she didn't want him getting injured against greater odds than he could handle.<br><br>Then she chuckled under her breath. He was more capable than she had been before she'd been chosen, just by being able to do more, channel his power better. Kisara shifted her grip on the old man and looked at the others. "As I said, friends, Kersinta is aboard the <em>Dragon's Wake</em>. You may come if you wish. And if you need help, just ask."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>04-11-2019, 02:24:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"How about you just drop those weapons right now?&nbsp; Then we'll see about getting you on the ship with everyone else."&nbsp; Talion stood on a ruined wall of one of the sunken buildings that jutted up above the water in places.&nbsp; His dagger was in his hand as he glared down at the mercenaries.&nbsp; "The monster's dead, by the way.&nbsp; Killed by this."&nbsp; He held up his weapon.&nbsp; "We're going to take everyone off this island.&nbsp; That can include you if you put your arms down and come back to talk to the others with me.&nbsp; There's questions I know I'd love for you to answer."&nbsp; He was speaking loudly, projecting his voice in the hopes of it carrying back to the others he had just met and fought beside.<br><br>"Or."&nbsp; He licked his lips, "You can try to fight me or hurt that man.&nbsp; In which case, I'll beat you but I won't kill you.&nbsp; No, no.&nbsp; I'll hamstring you and leave you behind here on this rock for the next night.&nbsp; Won't that be an interesting time?"<br><br>The young thief pointed his weapon, bluffing his hardest, though the feelings behind his words was genuine, "Decision time!&nbsp; Drop them or die in agony at the hands of the undead!"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">OOC</div><div class="spoiler_body">This is a social attack/Charisma test to try and get them to surrender without a fight.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>04-11-2019, 06:06:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mouse made her way in the direction of the shouting too - if she ran into Henes along the way, having his help to calm and identify his fellows would be invaluable.<br><br>For the moment, however, seeing Talion break up an altercation was definitely worthy of her attention, if only for the possibility that it would go terribly wrong very soon.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>05-11-2019, 00:52:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The old man nodded, eyes wide with disbelief.<br><br>"Oh, praise be to the Blue Lord!" he said, coughing for a moment. "Yes, let me see here...thank you for saving her, good sirs, thank you so much!"<br><br><br>.....<br><br><br><br>The crowd seemed to be splitting up into smaller groups naturally, one being a dozen or so hillfolk who Mouse would recognise as the ones they had been sent to collect, others being a group of villagers, and a mismatched handful of sailors. Off to one side, the lizard-woman hovered, quiet and wary.<br><br><br>.....<br><br><br>The speaking mercenary tailed off as he saw the gazes of the others shift over to where Talion was, and where Mouse was following up.<br><br>"Hey, hey." he said, putting his hands up and dropping the spear. "No need to get violent, right? You saw those things right, we had to do whatever they told us or they'd have sucked our souls out or something. We're just as much victims as the people in that temple, right? You saw how we stopped fighting once you showed up!"<br><br>The mist surrounding the island had cleaed a little, enough for Mouse to glimpse the ship she and Zavros had arrived in a short way down the shoreline, where Henes had been waiting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>06-11-2019, 04:51:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Well, at least the mercenaries didn't want to fight. Mouse didn't like what she was hearing as she approached - if the mists were clearing and the monsters were gone then Henes could find his way to his people on his own. She leaned casually on Talion's shoulder; it was a bit of a reach so it didn't have quite the desired effect, but she wasn't going to give up the attempt.<br><br>"The Dragon's ship really is going to be the only way everyone leaves alive, isn't it." she said as she looked at the mercenaries dropping their weapons, absolutely disgusted at this development, "otherwise it's going to just be bloodshed until dawn. Gods damn it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>06-11-2019, 18:40:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Well, at least we're not about to kill each other and what all," Zavros muttered under his breath. His skin was already starting to heal somewhat, even after the liquid wrong that the creature had vomited all over him. They were mostly all alive, the creature had been slain, and - severe grumbling over the return trip home aside - they were going to return to home quite a few enslaved people. Technicalities here and there, that was a solid win in his view.<br><br>His eyes glanced across the groups of people who had formed together into groups...and inevitably, his eyes laid across a woman who had lizard-like features. "...huh. Don't see that every day." Ignoring the fact that everything that had happened today held enough weirdness to become the new normal, he approached the woman, curious about her. <br><br>"Not with any of these folks?" he asked in a gentle voice. "Or were you just caught up in the craziness?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>07-11-2019, 03:16:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion scoffed, "Yeah, I'm sure you're poor, unfortunate souls just swept along by chance."&nbsp; He always liked it when the muscle for some boss said they didn't have a choice.&nbsp; It was always bullshit.&nbsp; "Get over there with the rest and help get everyone on board the ship.&nbsp; Make yourselves useful; it's the least you can do for dragging all these people here.&nbsp; And we're still going to talk about that, believe me."<br><br>He looked down at Mouse as she commented on the situation.&nbsp; He was happy for back up, though he was happier it wasn't needed.&nbsp; "It looks that way.&nbsp; I know you don't like her, but be glad she's here.&nbsp; This would be a lot harder without her and that ship."<br><br>The agile youth leaped down from his perch in front of her and smiled at Mouse, "Thank you for coming over.&nbsp; If it had gotten ugly, you would have been life saver.&nbsp; Probably mine."&nbsp; He glanced over at the boat, "You okay over there, Santis?&nbsp; Told you I'd make it out.&nbsp; And with friends!"<br><br>He looked back at Mouse.&nbsp; "And I don't think that I've heard the name of this particular pretty friend.&nbsp; I don't know if you heard, but I'm Talion.&nbsp; What can I call you?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>07-11-2019, 04:53:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Mouse," Mouse said to Talion, watching the mercenaries carefully as they went - if they went, "there used to be more, but it's just Mouse now. I don't 'don't like her.'" She took a deep breath, looking back at where the others were. The Mnemon was making such a show of kindness and piety! It made her sick. Or maybe that was the acid. "My people suffered under the yoke of hers. We rebelled, tried to throw off our chains, and the only reason there's any of my people left is because I took as many as I could find and we <em>ran</em>. I'm sure she's full of fire and rage because the other Dragons turned on her, but don't mistake that for shaking off what she is. If she can figure out a way to use us to get back what she had, she'll do it," she snapped her fingers, "like <em>that</em>."<br><br>"And she is," Mouse winced, acknowledging it was almost as painful as nearly dying, "well, you saw. She's a <em>lot</em> better than me. If she sees her chance, I might not be able to stop her. Make sure you're ready to."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>07-11-2019, 05:05:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				There was a lot she wasn't telling him and she'd told him quite a bit.&nbsp; She'd rebelled against the Realm and lived to tell the tale?&nbsp; Mouse seemed entirely insufficient a name for the deeds that must have been come about from that!&nbsp; "It's a pleasure, Mouse."&nbsp; He turned and gestured for her to walk with him back towards the others.&nbsp; "I'm sure you suffered a great deal with all that.&nbsp; I'm impressed.&nbsp; Not that I wasn't already."&nbsp; <br><br>He wasn't going to comment about her certainty that the other woman would betray them.&nbsp; She might well be right.&nbsp; But the same could be said about anyone.&nbsp; Despite his criminal background, Talion tried to think well of people.&nbsp; And this Mnemon Kisara...she just didn't seem like the type to stab anyone in the back.&nbsp; If she was going to turn on you, she'd be sure that you saw it coming.&nbsp; He just got that feeling.&nbsp; But it wouldn't do to try to convince Mouse otherwise.&nbsp; <br><br>"I'll keep my eye on her," he said when she finished speaking.&nbsp; She was easy on the eyes, so it wouldn't be a hardship.&nbsp; "But stick close anyway.&nbsp; We lowly folk have to stick together, right?"&nbsp; Talion shook his head, "I'm also not sure if she's better than you or not.&nbsp; You did things with that walking stick that I don't think a legionnaire with a pole axe could have done.&nbsp; And you looked a lot better doing it."&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>07-11-2019, 13:59:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The lizard-woman, hairless, tailed and with patches of scales across her greenish skin, let out a hiss as Zavros approached, and it was hard to tell if it was out of caution or giving him a warning. She said something that sounded like a rapid series of clicks.<br><br>"No point to talking to it." said one of the nearby hillfolk, being sure to keep her distance. "Those savages from the caves, we only ever see them when they come out to fight. They ain't interested in talking or anything but raiding and killing. Surprised one of them even let itself be caught. Monsters, that's all they are."<br><br>The lizardfolk watched the exchange impassively, betraying no reaction.<br><br><br>.....<br><br><br>Santis let out a muttered curse, but the old smuggler nodded in acknowledgement as the half-dozen mercenaries dropped their weapons and stepped back, trying not to meet anyone's eye.<br><br>"No idea what sort o' luck keeps you live, lad. Just glad it's lasted this long!" he grumbled. "Just keep an eye out till dawn, so's I can get you and this Kersinta girl back to the temple in one piece...."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>11-11-2019, 02:01:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara was making her way - their way, with the old man still leaning on her - towards where the <em>Dragon's Wake</em> was still waiting. She occasionally looked behind her to see if anyone else was having trouble. She assumed she'd have to help them get to the ship, regardless, unless the crew saw them coming and were able to get closer to the 'island'.<br><br>As she walked, she argued with herself a bit. Why did she care what that snotty bitch thought of her? She'd divested herself of the things that bound her to her family, to the Dynasty except for her name. And why should she give that up? Even if she used aliases, she was still Mnemon Kisara, it didn't change who she was, who she'd become. Besides, she hadn't done anything wrong!<br><br>In the back of her head, she heard her mother's voice, saying, <em>Stop being a whiner, Kisara. Just do better.</em><br><br>Fine. Fine! It seemed like the other two agreed with the hateful cow, which seemed more or less par for the course. She'd do better, show them she was worthy. Always having to work twice as hard for the same recognition was her lot in life. Well, if she couldn't convince them she wasn't a ravening monster, then she'd be better off alone. It might have been nice to have companions, for once, but it would be easier to accept that she was alone. She usually was, in the end.<br><br>The ship was in sight, and she figured they'd see her from there, if they were looking. "Cover your ears, grandfather," she said to the old man, and then waved her free hand, yelling, "Ahoy the ship! We've got a bunch of people to board, and we can leave the Shadowland at dawn!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>11-11-2019, 09:14:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Please do keep an eye on her," Mouse smiled at Talion despite herself, "the rest of it, well, it might just be the light but I think you've got something on your nose." She gave him a punch on the arm and it only took a little concentration to make it a friendly punch instead of bone-shattering. "I guess we should go before the Realm dog leaves without us. Or are you going with your friend?"<br><br>"Henes!" she called to where her boat had been, "we won, can you pick out your people?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>12-11-2019, 04:53:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion gave the petite beauty a slightly sour look as she called him a kiss ass in a very polite way.&nbsp; "Yeah, let's get everyone aboard."&nbsp; He looked back at the smuggler, "Santis, I'd suggest you bring your boat around next to the ship there."&nbsp; It wasn't like he couldn't see it.&nbsp; "That's where Kersinta is, from what I've been told.&nbsp; We'll all pull out of there together when the time comes and sticking together will keep us safer."<br><br>He nodded and grinned at the older man and then scampered back to where the main group of freed captives was waiting, "All right, everyone, let's all get aboard the <em>Dragon's Wake</em> now!"&nbsp; He gestured, "We can keep you safe, just as we have so far, but we'll need to be ready to sail at first light.&nbsp; All aboard now!"&nbsp; He would then start to help people who were having trouble moving to get on board the ship that had brought Kisara here.<br><br>He wanted a chance to talk to her too.&nbsp; Talion wasn't the most trusting person in the world; he would be keeping his eye on everyone here.&nbsp; But he also didn't put much coin into Mouse's talk of Kisara's inevitable betrayal.&nbsp; Being part of the Scarlet Dynasty by birth and now an Anathema?&nbsp; That had to be hard.&nbsp; He did give her a smile as they helped the liberated people onto the ship.&nbsp; "Once everyone's on board," he called to her over the heads of those they were assisting, "I really need to talk to Kersinta."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>12-11-2019, 20:44:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I leave the farm for one day," Zavros grumbled to himself, "one day and people are already wanting to tear each other's throats." He didn't understand completely why, but he knew there was existing bad blood. They'd saved a whole horde of people from death! Wasn't that worth setting things aside for just a few hours? At least enough to find the nearest pub to get some drinks in for - that was the universal peace maker right there. <br><br>Shaking his head, he looked again to the lizard woman. "'fraid I don't quite comprehend what you're sayin', miss," he said apologetically. And even with the language barrier, the woman might understand his tone. "But wherever you're from, hopin' we can get you home - or at least somewhere comfy-like." He was willing to give her the benefit of the doubt - and if she caused trouble, there were four demigods aboard the bigger vessel. And he was going to ride it - the smaller vessel he fixed up was a little cramped for him. <br><br>"Well, let's get y'all on board," he said. He gestured to the group, including the lizard lady. "Might need y'all to help make this tub move, though..." And hopefully not cause a ruckus while doing it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>14-11-2019, 00:32:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Henes looked up from where he had embraced the man who had helped Talion free the captives. They seemed to be unofficial leaders of the hillfolk, and nodded eagerly at the prospect of getting out.<br><br>As Kisara and the old man approached the pirate ship, there was a cry of "She's here! I told you!" and the sight of Kersinata frantically waving became visible.<br><br>"Well, fuck, you actually did it!" called back Lilan, looking over the side of the smuggler ship as Kisara returned. "We were just going to head off on our own and see how grateful her husband was feeling!"<br><br><br>......<br><br><br>As the boats pulled away from the island, the mists pulled in again and if sinister things were watching from below the water or among the rocks where the battle had occurred, they did so unseen. But for a moment, as the light of caste marks and anima banners faded and returned to normal....it looked different. The ruined structre was intact once more, with a domelike roof, and a complex apparatus of lenses extended into the sky. The island was the top of a tall hill in the midst of a city that stretched around, spires reaching up....and then it was replaced with the familiar obsidian sea and blasted rocks, so quickly that it could not have been anything but a dream.<br><br><br>......<br><br><br>Some time later, the impromptu fleet had been assembled, everyone was on board, and they were setting off away from the island (at Lilan and Santis' equally fervent insistence). The boats were still within the shadowland, though the first faint hints of dawn were starting to creep over the horizon. Soon it would be possible to leave the shadowland, but the unspoken question was hanging in the air of where they would leave to.....
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>16-11-2019, 18:03:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara sat down, leaning her back against the foremast with legs folded tailor-style. "I understand," she said, with a full effort at patience, to the First Mate, "that I only paid for passage for one person, and only so far. But I'm sure you don't have enough rations to get us all the full distance, right? So why not slightly adjust and take us all to their village? I bet they'll be very grateful and may be willing to provision you at a discount . . . maybe even free."<br><br>She'd been trying to coax the man for at least a quarter hour now, and while he wasn't being stubborn, she suspected he was trying to convince <em>her</em> to give them more money. It wasn't so much that she didn't have it - though she didn't - but rather that they all had been in a hell of a fix, and she was sure that everyone wanted everyone else off the boats equally. "Come on, friend. This is foolish. It's likely closer, you'll be rid of the bulk of your unwanted passengers faster, and be able to reprovision to make sure you don't starve." Her eyes darted to Kersinta, sitting close to her grandfather with an arm around him. "And you'll have helped save the bride of the sea god. That's bound to make your journeying easier, right?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>17-11-2019, 23:54:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Sometimes wi' gods....it's better if they don't notice you at all." said Balam thoughtfully, chewing on a piece of qat. "And it's not me, you understand, right? I'd be happy to let you off the ship n' never see you again, no offence. I've been listening to what the people have been sayin' happened back there, and even if I don't believe Immaculate fairy tales...enough people do I'd rather not get known as a friend of folk like you. Besides, give it another day, half the crew would be following you, based 'n what happened back there.<br><br>"It's the captain, you see. I didn't get a fair price out of you, she'd throw me overboard once she's walking again. So once you set us down, we'll take that other boat off your hands and if we run into those folk on the warship that might'a been looking for you, we'll say we didn't have a clue who she was. How's that sound?"<br><br>He nodded to the other ship, the one that Mouse and Zavros had arrived in, currently being operated by a couple of the captives with sailing experience.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>18-11-2019, 04:16:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"It would be fine," she said, stretching her arms over her head with her fingers laced together, "but it's not mine. I don't have a say in whether or not they use it to pay passage." Kisara rolled her neck from side to side, working out a kink she hadn't realized she'd gotten. "Look, I can talk to the captain and see what she wants. Or you can ask Zavros and . . . his companion," she still hadn't gotten the woman's name, "if they're willing. I'd give you all I've got, but I already did."<br><br>She stood up, bracing one hand on the mast as she let her balance adjust. "Balan, I understand where you're coming from. You can't afford to be on the wrong side of the Realm - who can? And losing the crew . . . well, I wouldn't say they'd follow me for sure." She hesitated before moving towards the cabin they'd set the captain in to convalesce. "But you could do worse than allying yourself with folk like us, and I'll make that point to your captain as well."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>18-11-2019, 16:38:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Someone say my name?" Zavros approached Kisara - the woman that the other 'companions' (for lack of a better word, really) seemed somewhat suspicious of - as he heard himself mentioned. He didn't <em>quite</em> share the same suspicions, but for the moment, he was holding judgment. If he'd based her on what another like her had done to his parents' farm...well, he didn't want to become that kind of person. <br><br>"We talkin' payment?" he asked quizzically. "We just survived a honest-to-gods...whatever that was-" He gesticulated with one of his massive arms, for lack of better ways to describe the horrific dangers they'd all just encountered, "-saved a bunch of people from a fate worse'n death, and we made it. And we're dickerin' over payment?" <br><br>Some people. The folks back in town were the same way, really. <br><br>"Look, I can...well, I can prolly build you somethin'. Not sure about the boat - we don't own it, belongs more to Mouse than me, really - but I can forge some blades or...I dunno. What does your cap'n want? Help us meet you halfway here." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>19-11-2019, 03:38:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion didn't get involved in the conversation about payment.&nbsp; Yet.&nbsp; But he paid attention as he moved through the now rather crowded deck.&nbsp; That could get ugly.&nbsp; He'd have to see how Kisara and the big guy handled it.&nbsp; He didn't have money...but he could offer other payment to the shop and its' crew.&nbsp; Even if he or Tolina had to take on all of them.&nbsp; Not at once, he hoped.<br><br>But bend over that bed if they came to it.&nbsp; For now, he had to talk to a certain someone.<br><br>He'd heard others saying her name and she certainly looked like she could rouse a sea god's ardor.&nbsp; "Excuse me, you're Kersinta, right?"&nbsp; He gave the woman a dazzling smile.&nbsp; "I'm Talion.&nbsp; I actually came into the shadowland looking for you specifically.&nbsp; Blessed Innora asked me to find you and bring you back.&nbsp; And I want to talk to you about it.&nbsp; About what exactly&nbsp; this sacrifice entails...and if <em>you</em> want to go through with it."&nbsp; That was what really mattered.&nbsp; Even if he thought it wasn't right, if he knew the spirit was overstepping, demanding more than he should, if she wanted to go through with it....it wasn't his place to stop her.&nbsp; If she felt coerced or forced, that was different.&nbsp; Hence the need to feel her out a bit.<br><br>Not that way.&nbsp; Not that he would mind that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>21-11-2019, 00:33:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Balam let out a long wheezy exhalation to Kisara. "No promises. Don't even know if we'll be staying round these parts. We ain't stayed alive this long by takin' sides in a war, you know?<br><br>"And war's comin'. Everyone knows it. The Dragon-Blooded are staring each other down, and they're takin' their eyes off the rest of the world. makes life easier for people like us, but makes the world scarier, you know? And I'd give even odds that Hacre's going to in flames in a year even if things were stable. But I reckon the only thing the Realm would agree on....would be four people like <em>you</em>."<br><br>He looked round as Zavros approached. "Heh, I don't know. A full-size freighter, maybe?"<br><br><br>.....<br><br><br><br>Kersinta looked up wearing as Talion approached, did a double-take and stood up hastily, smoothing down her much-abused dress.<br><br>"I knew it!" she said eagerly. "I knew they'd look out for me!<br><br>"And....of course I want to go through with it!" she said, her voice nervous. "My family will be richly rewarded, and....and if I am judged worthy, I will dwell with the Sea Lord himself for a year....<br><br>"I was chosen, after all!" she said, sounding like she was making an effort not to let any uncertainty creep into her voice.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Zaval</strong> on <strong>25-11-2019, 19:32:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"A freighter?" Zavros paused, thinking about it - but the strange set of memories he'd inherited from...whoever any of these things were, seemed to have a notion of what needed doing. "Tell you what - you get me the lumber and cloth and nails for the job, I'll take a crack at making somethin' for you." He wondered if he could convince them to bring them to the village near home. It might draw attention, but he reckoned that it could at least serve as a decent first stop if no one wanted to stay permanently. <br><br>"Still, I'll go along with that." He turned towards Kisara. "I reckon we could weigh anchor near my home. 's not far from here, can let some folks off, and let these here sailors be on their way. Good people there, I'd vouch for 'em."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Armphid</strong> on <strong>25-11-2019, 20:10:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Talion shook his head and gestured for Kersinta to sit back down.&nbsp; She was a beauty, wasn't she?&nbsp; As were Kisara and Mouse, not to mention Innora back in the city.&nbsp; It seemed this part of Creation was blessed with beautiful women!&nbsp; Including Tolina, at times.<br><br>Her answer wasn't exactly convincing, however.&nbsp; "Kersinta."&nbsp; The pretty blond youth sank to a knee in front of her, partly to encourage her to sit and rest, and in part to make her feel comfortable.&nbsp; To make himself less threatening.&nbsp; "You don't have to pretend with me.&nbsp; I'm not with the priests.&nbsp; I got involved this to steal the treasure being offered to the sea god because I thought he was being greedy and propping up bad rulers." <br><br>He smiled, "Imagine my surprise when the "treasure" was a person and already stolen by someone else."&nbsp; The thief reached out and set a hand on one of hers, "And I'm still willing to steal you if you don't want this.&nbsp; Yeah, you were chosen.&nbsp; But what's your choice?&nbsp; What do you want?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Ivory Dawn</strong> on <strong>26-11-2019, 00:57:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kisara waved a hand at Balam as she crossed the deck. "As you say. I'll chat with the Captain."<br><br>She knocked peremptorily on the door to Lilan's cabin and walked in without waiting for a response. "Good day to you, Captain. I hope you're feeling better." Slipping into a chair next to the bed where the injured woman was reclining - and looking fairly surly, whether from the unplanned intrusion or the forced bedrest, Kisara wouldn't hazard a guess.<br><br>"I wanted to have a talk with you about our end destination, and suitable recompense for the added passengers." The silver-haired woman hesitated for a moment. "You know I don't have any jade to give towards it - I spent all I had to barter passage for myself." Not entirely true, she'd lied. But that was the way things were done; you never told them you had as much as you did. "And I don't suppose the people we saved will have a great deal of funds on them. It might," she said, turning a little to her point, "be more to your advantage to take them back to where they came from, and see what they or their town can scrape up, as far as swag or jade."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Guancyto</strong> on <strong>26-11-2019, 04:19:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Mouse turned from her perch out on the prow of the ship. The ocean seemed impossibly vast from this vantage, and the wind rushing through her hair gave her a strange thrill. But there would be time for such indulgence later. She approached... Zavros was discussing building a freighter. Could he really accomplish such a feat?! Either way he seemed to need no encouragement to make that a reality. Talion was having a private moment with the woman he had apparently come to rescue - how fitting that was! But as much as she could have kind words for both of them, much as she disliked it, it was the Dragon with the captain who required her attention.<br><br>"The hillfolk are going home," she said as she entered the captain's cabin, also without waiting for a response but also without knocking, "it doesn't matter if my companion has to build them a thousand of those small boats, their home is where they belong, and I with them."<br><br>She sized up Kisara, her fingers moving to where her walking stick had been. "If the Realm is hunting you, you're going to stick to the other two, correct? If you do, I'll find you. Once the people I promised to protect are safe." <br><br>She smiled grimly, "I expect to find them both alive and hale. Don't disappoint me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Words of Creation Group Prelude</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Azuresun</strong> on <strong>26-11-2019, 23:20:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kersinta paused.<br><br>"Yes!" she said eventually, looking less certain under Talion's gaze. "I...will go to see him. I ask you to take me to the temple, to be....prepared. But when the time comes, seven days from now.....would you accompany me? So that you may see for yourself how just and merciful he is, nothing more!"<br><br>The uncertainty in her voice suggested that request might not have been entirely for Talion's sake.<br><br><br>......<br><br><br>Lilan looked from one woman to the other where she reclined, and let out a shaky laugh.<br><br>"Shit....right now, I don't know if I should be pissed that you go me into this situation, or thanking you for getting me out of it. Fine, I'll drop everyone ashore wherever you say once we're able to get out of the shadowland. After that....well, I don't know what you've got planned, but we were gonna go into Hacre proper to drop off our cargo. Assuming it hasn't spoiled just from being in this blighted place....."<br><br>She paused<br><br>"Look, I'd be dead right now if it weren't for you. So don't tell the crew I said this, but....pay whatever you want. And remember us fondly when you're running this joint, yeah?"<br><br>She laughed, seeming to believe it was just a joke.<br><br>Outside the boat, the sun began to rise, and the former captives crowded to the portholes, overjoyed to to see the end of a night which had seemed like it would never end. Thanks to their mysterious saviours, the dark forces of the world had heard a word they had not heard often in recent years.<br><br><strong>No.</strong><br><br><br>.....<br><br><br><em>In a sunken place in a drowned city, a dead queen howled in rage. Sweeps of her long limbs smashed the furniture, pieces cartwheeling away in slow motion through the water. The other denizens of the Drowned City had learned to stay well clear of her when she was in a dark mood. The ghost strung up by soulsteel chains attached to his arms flinched and cringed, expecting every gesture to culminate in a blast of black sorcery that would see him flung to Oblivion.<br><br>"Blasphemers! They came to a sacred place and defiled it! How dare they defy my authority! How could you let them do this? How could you fail me when you had one of my most powerful weapons at your hands? I should tear you apart and remake you just to do it again--"<br><br>"My Queen, forgive me! They were not like anything else I have ever seen! They bore the light of the Sun, and struck with the power of--"<br><br>"Excuses! Excuses! All I care about is what I was promised!" she snapped back, her tone changing to one that was almost whiny. "I want what I lost! I want what was taken from me by....by who? I don't remember? Why can't I remember? Why are you still here? Why haven't I destroyed you yet, you filthy, wretched failure--"<br><br>"Wait."<br><br>The Queen spun around, squinting at the two figures that had just appeared in the entrance to the throne room, obscured by the filfthy water.<br><br>"Punish this infidel as you see fit, my Queen." said the taller of the two, his voice fair, sweet and completely at odds with the imposing figure he presented. "But first, we humbly ask you that we may hear his account in more detail. Who he fought....and what he fought."<br><br>And they both stepped forwards, becoming fully visible.</em><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Spoiler: Click to Show/Hide</div><div class="spoiler_body"><div align="center">(https://i.imgur.com/bwQaP8Wl.jpg)(https://i.imgur.com/MzuN2IQl.jpg)</div></div></div><br><br><div align="center"><span class="bbc_u">End of Part 1.</span></div>
			</dd>
		</dl>
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