Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)
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		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Amethyst Dreams on 09-11-2011, 14:14:20</h2>
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				Title: <strong>Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>09-11-2011, 14:14:20</strong>
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				<div align="center"><span class="bbc_u"><span style="font-family: impact;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 32pt;" class="bbc_size">Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds</span></span></span></div><br><br><div class="floatright">(http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs70/i/2011/134/2/8/storm_in_a_desert_concept_art_by_milafa-d3gb44p.jpg)</div><strong><em>Where are you?&nbsp; What is this place?&nbsp; A thousand questions seem to buzz through your minds.&nbsp; Pulling yourself from the rough sand that crunches with cutting salt crystals as you try to stand up.&nbsp; Try.&nbsp; The feeling of weakness courses through you.&nbsp; Dizziness.&nbsp; Nausea.&nbsp; Is your stomach still intact?&nbsp; It might be safe to make sure it has burst and hanging from without like a grotesque garment.&nbsp; But of course it's not - it is as absent as the clothes you all lack.<br><br>There are others here, but who are they?&nbsp; What are they?&nbsp; No, if you had to make a wager, they're just like you, through some strange happenstance - strange, but true.&nbsp; So what now?&nbsp; The sands feel slightly warm under your feet, but within such desolate conditions as this?&nbsp; The air is cold, chilly... goosebumps run over your body.&nbsp; The clouds boil far over you as if in hurricane winds, or perhaps some enormous creature stirring just above them, yet there isn't even a breeze... at least not down here - you all can hear the winds as if in great distance that renders it muted.&nbsp; The occasional flicker of lightning in the distance, but no accompanying thunder.&nbsp; It's as if sound were strangely muted here.&nbsp; Sound and colour, as if there is a grey light, a silver pall pervading everything.&nbsp; The crunch of sand is amazingly loud beneath your feet though, as is your laboured breathing.<br><br>Hunger and terrible thirst assail you, clawing at you, almost like thing alive.<br><br>Now.&nbsp; This mess isn't one of your own doing, but it is no less important that you should get out of here.&nbsp; In the distance, the sand shifts off a dune, sliding down the slope in shallow cloud of fine grey silt.&nbsp; And then it is still.&nbsp; The scenery is so still, that even something as small as this seems shocking... or is it sign that something is alive out here?<br><br>You all need answers, and there are only those around you who can speak... but will it be of any use?&nbsp; But regardless... now it begins.<br><br>Now, everything begins...</em></strong>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>09-11-2011, 16:15:35</strong>
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				Skylar groaned loudly as he felt a deep searing pain seemingly coming from inside him.&nbsp; He felt like he was being ripped in half along his stomach.&nbsp; The last thing he remembered was was taking a shortcut through an alley way and some weird green fire completely enveloping him.&nbsp; That was the odd thing though...&nbsp; If he had been burned, shouldn't he feel like he had been burned rather than suffer from internal pains...&nbsp; In fact...&nbsp; His skin felt cold...&nbsp; Was he in the hospital?&nbsp; No...&nbsp; He felt sand beneath him?&nbsp; How did he get to the beach?&nbsp; Where were the tall buildings in the big city?<br><br>Deciding to try and find out what was going on, he slowly rolled over onto his stomach and put his hands on the ground, but something was wrong...&nbsp; What was that extra pressure against his chest?&nbsp; After over a full minute of pushing, he manages to stand up and looks down his body to find himself in an all new birthday suit, and in such a different style!<br><br><strong>"What the fuck?"</strong>&nbsp; He exclaimed, actually falling down on his ass and wincing heavily from the jarring impact.&nbsp; <strong>"What's going on here?&nbsp; W-Why am I a girl?"</strong>&nbsp; He was not even paying attention to his surroundings so worried with this he was, though he couldn't deny that the fact that he was so clearly seeing a naked woman's body so close up was fairly arousing.<br><br>After a minute of exploring around, experimental pinches, prods and pokes, he finds that somehow either this was real, or a very convincing dream.&nbsp; Deciding it must be the latter, <em>she</em> finally makes another effort to stand, and once she makes it, she looks around to finds she is not alone and slowly makes her way over to one of the others around her, specifically another naked silver haired maiden, one with...&nbsp; Pointed ears...&nbsp; And slowly asked <strong>"Um...&nbsp; Hello...&nbsp; W-What is going on here?&nbsp; Who are you?&nbsp; Where is this?"</strong>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>09-11-2011, 17:35:31</strong>
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				Cruise was strapped down, this was it would finally end, all the pain. But he didn't want it to end not really he wanted justice, no one listened. He had asked them before and told them he was innocent, no one believed him, even his family had turned their back on him. He had been robbed, his best friends life taken and now they took his. He gave a silent plea for aid in his mind, he wanted to be free, free of the pain, the accusations and his own rage at what had happened. He tried not to let it consume him, he had tried to become more enlightened but it was always there.<br><br>Some people studied Zen for greater spiritual purposes and he liked to think he did too but in all honesty it was so he could try to function at all beyond mere violence. He closed his eyes, he felt a burning sensation in his arm and it quickly spread. They wouldn't even let him die peacefully it seemed, you get a sedative first but this was clearly not the sedative. His eyes opened as he heard the screams, they who had come to see justice now looked on in horror as he was consumed by a green fire.<br><br>Something was on his face, something wet was clinging to his face. He brushed it aside, wet hair... and it was his, he examined it, long red hair. He sat up his body didn't ache, there was no pain in his side... but this wasn't his body the skin was tanned and free from scaring. He remembered the fire, the Jade Fire that had consumed him. He did not understand what was going on but he had been reborn. He rolled to the side and put his new hands down on the ground pulling himself up. His feet were shaky and he almost stumbled. He was naked? Well he was reborn wasn't he. There were others he was becoming aware of, he turned around to see they too were naked. He smiled as his green eyes landed on the woman who had just spoke, it felt odd it had been a long time since he had smiled. "My name is Cruise and as for your other questions..." He looked around "...we are here."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>09-11-2011, 18:24:34</strong>
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				Madoka whispers, "私はどこにいるか。 苦痛! " to herself, before opening her eyes.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">translation</div><div class="spoiler_body">"Where am I? &nbsp;Ouch!"</div></div><br>She doesn't move much at first, very confused and alarmed. &nbsp;Quietly, she moves her head, side to side to survey the area more fully, and to see if she's being watched. <em>What's going on? &nbsp;I was... swiming back to the boat... my hair's still wet? &nbsp;What is this place... it looks odd... and what's wrong with my ears... I'm on sand... but I don't hear the ocean...</em><br><br>As she begins to rise, her chest shifts, and she unconciously reaches up to adjust her top... only to find none. &nbsp;Blushing furiously, she notes her nakedness, and looks around move carefully, rising quickly now to her feet to see better.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Appearance</div><div class="spoiler_body">To be seen as well. &nbsp;The others around her observe a short, lithe if well muscled young Asian girl, with long black hair halfway down her back, dark eyes, and a attractive face, though more 'handsome' than beautiful perhaps.</div></div><br>Her body aches as if she's been beaten... <em>I've been beaten before</em> she thinks with some effort, and pushes the pain to one side.<br><br>For a long time she stands there, transfixed by the view. &nbsp;But she hears the others speaking, and after a minute she shakes her head slowly.<br><br>She moves over towards the others, noting their own confusion, their Elven appearance, and their English words. &nbsp;She speaks quite clearly in that language, though with a distinct Japanese accent.<br><br>"Does anyone know what is going on? &nbsp;You..." She points to the woman who spoke first. &nbsp;"What did you mean? You are obviously a woman... &nbsp;This is new? &nbsp;Like this place is new?"<br><br>Her own hands hover uncertainly over her own nakedness, before she sighs, and gives her futile attempt up. &nbsp;<br><br>My name is Madoka Aukawa." she says after a glance down at herself again.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>09-11-2011, 19:57:32</strong>
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				Waking up the first thing Brian remembers was the color green. Then he remembered it all, sitting in his Dorm, the explosion, the burning fire. This was all wrong, how had he survived? Brian slowly sits up, noticing for the first time that he wasn't inside. Standing he takes his surroundings in, this wasn't Georgia, he somehow was in the desert. Looking around he notices other people, and that's when it first hit him, he was shorter now. Hesitantly, he looks down and takes in his self image. He was shorter now, just shy of 5', and still stocky. As if that wasn't enough, he was naked, and hairy. He had a tangled mess that he could only assume to be a beard on his face. It must have been half a hand long, thick dark, black hair. The rest of his body was matted with hair as well. For a brief second he smiles as an absurdity flutters across his brain, <strong>"I look like a midget wookie..."</strong><br><br>The moment quickly passes as pain reasserts itself in his skull. Whatever had happened it hurt, a lot. Taking more notice of the others around him, their confused expressions, Brian can only assume they were lost as well. Brian was never particularly religious, but this experience had changed his mind in the instant. He wasn't sure which one, certainly not his christian mother's god, but a god must have done this. <br><br>Taking in his image one more time Brian smiles, wherever this was, whatever he had become, he was no longer Brian the financial management student, and that was just fine with him. He approaches the others that had begun conversing, <strong>"My name is Michael. We should probably try to find some shelter. Looks like a storm. "</strong>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phaia</strong> on <strong>10-11-2011, 00:32:28</strong>
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				<span style="font-family: comic sans ms;" class="bbc_font">Eliza had stopped the RV as the nausea swept over her. Barely making outside she dry heaved what little she had eaten all over the ground. She had left the city and her friends to find a final place. The battles against the corporations were behind her, all those hours she had spent as a lawyer trying to keep business from devouring the land and the people had bought her what…pain…weakness…cancer.<br><br>She had taken what money she had left after nearly 3 years of fighting the BIG C. to buy the old RV.&nbsp; First it was standard medicine and that had cost her first her breasts and then all her long brown hair and a great deal of money as well as suing a HMO. Then she tried herbal and holistic and even her Wiccan friends with crystals and dancing but nothing had helped. She climbed into the RV and took a swig of water. Eliza had always been a fighter. She hadn’t given up when the kids in school had picked on her about her beliefs or that she wasn’t skinny enough. She had fought her way through law school then against many businesses where she had been called a bitch and a witch and she had said she was both.<br><br>She had also laughed, lived fiercely and free spirited and took time to sing backup to a band that actually had sold a record. So as the lyrics played she stepped toward the front and then the pain hit her, green fire and lights surrounded her. Something was in that fire looking back at her as she retched and screamed in pain as the RV exploded around her.<br><br>Eliza noticed the silence first then the coolness of the air and the course rough sand. That made her realize she was naked. As she tried to sit up, dizziness and nausea made her gasp, yet this was a different sort of nausea, not the ugly dead kind she had been used too but just a sickness to the stomach. Her hands reached up to steady her head and she felt hair…silken…fine…thick HAIR! Her ice blue eyes snapped open and she saw the white strands falling past her face and she laughed as tears streaked her face…her hands moved along the hair and then she gasped as she felt her ears… pointed…uplifted…POINTED!!!<br>&nbsp;<br>Dear Goddess what has happened!<br><br>Eliza stood then and breathed deep, the air was crisp but that didn’t matter, she took in more and more. She felt… healthy, alive….completely great! Looking down over her body she had to smile, never in all her 45 years had she had such a shape…she was a supermodel for sure… an elf…an elf…<br><br>Laughing again she spun as she heard others and another woman coming over…Laughing still with tears streaking her face she stepped right up and kissed the woman…an elf also…her hands on each side of the other’s face then she laughed and spun away.<br>“Who are we? Does it matter we are alive! Where are we? IT doesn’t matter …cant you feel it…life…health…as for what is going on? That is clearly for us to find out but I will thank the goddess every day for this gift.”<br>&nbsp;Seeing a man also with red hair she laughed and almost danced to him to kiss him as well… "Cruise is it…well that’s a great name… I was Eliza though that may change”Like some sort of crazy person she slipped to the oriental woman and gave her a kiss and a hug. “Pleased to meet you Madoka..."<br>“OHHH!! A dwarf… you are a dwarf right…Michael it is” and she bent to kiss him as well.<br><br>“Is it not great…we are here and alive….Thank thee goddess thank thee I will not squander this gift but live life each day to the fullest I can"<br>Eliza lifted her arms to the sky as tears streaked her cheeks and a smile was on her pouty lips<br></span>
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>10-11-2011, 01:08:20</strong>
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				Nicholas cried out in agony, or at least he would have had bone deep anguish not lit up every single nerve ending in his body effectively paralyzing his breath in his lungs.&nbsp; Had he been mugged on his way home by an assailant with a stun gun?&nbsp; The man had never been hit with five-million volts of electricity, so it seemed within the realm of reason.&nbsp; Could explain the flash of phantom green fire if the charge was capable of messing with his brain and thus his perception.&nbsp; But if that was the case why the hell was it lasting <em>so long</em>?&nbsp; The instant before he felt his consciousness leave him, Nick was actually thankful his body had reached its limitations.<br><br>A soft groan escaped his lips as he finally begun to stir after who knows how long of being out.&nbsp; Practically dreading what he would find when he opened his eyes, he decided to take stock of what he could from where he lay.&nbsp; First and foremost he found the ground beneath him surprisingly soft for concrete, meaning he was not presently laying on the sidewalk.&nbsp; What's more was the lingering warmth still in the ground despite the fact that the cool night air should have sapped it away shortly after nightfall.&nbsp; The ease that that realization came to Nick alarmed him much more than the softness of the ground.&nbsp; The feeling of the ambient temperature so clearly on his skin verified that he was, in fact, entirely nude.<br><br><em>This does not bode well.&nbsp; This does not bode well in the least.</em><br><br>Not wanting to allow his anxiety to build without fully knowing what sort of mess he had gotten himself into, he opened his eyes wide and took in as much as he could in the first moments of doing so. He was outside, but the towering structures he had expected to find were nowhere in sight.&nbsp; There was ambient light, perhaps dawn has come?&nbsp; Testing his arms for binds, Nick was extremely grateful his arms were not being restrained.&nbsp; At least they responded like they were his arms, but he didn't remember them being so toned with lean muscle.&nbsp; Lifting his head upward to take stock of his own situation, he was even more surprised to find that his birthday suit as a whole was of far finer quality and cut from when he had last seen it.<br><br><strong>"The fuck is going on here?"</strong><br><br>Rolling to his side, he went to lift himself off the ground only to flinch as a black curtain appeared out of his peripheries.&nbsp; <strong>"The hell?"</strong>&nbsp; Running his fingers through the curtain, he realize that it was hair that was attached to his scalp and rather than being black it was actually a deep crimson that could only be seen when the fading rays of sunlight hit it directly.&nbsp; As he went to pull his new long locks behind his ear, he realized that they had a misshapen quality to them.&nbsp; <em>This just keeps getting weirder and weirder.</em><br><br>Looking around once more he found other naked people, that is if people was a term that could describe individuals that were clearly not human.&nbsp; Given the obvious bewilderment on their faces, Nick was thankful he was not the only one who was struggling to comprehend exactly what was going on.&nbsp; As he lifted himself to his feet, he had been about to cover himself up before taking another glance at his new body and felt it would have been a crime not to wear his new statuesque frame with pride.&nbsp; As the shortest of the group spoke up, Nick turned his gaze to the horizon opposing the sun and instantly noticed the menacing clouds looming ever closer.&nbsp; At least one of the group members was positively ecstatic about their situation, he preferred to wait until he had fully grasped what exactly was going on.&nbsp; <strong>"The name is Nick and I'm with the fuzzy one on this.&nbsp; We should take cover before the weather turns nasty."</strong>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>10-11-2011, 01:20:33</strong>
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				Skylar blushed madly as the beautiful elf woman so suddenly grabbed her face and kissed her...&nbsp; Her first kiss...&nbsp; What was somewhat disturbing though was how everyone else around seemed so merry with this situation, for surely the same thing had happened to them.&nbsp; <strong>"Um...&nbsp; I don't know exactly what's going on here, but I for one don't know about all this...&nbsp; You all may be satisfied with these bodies and this situation, but maybe I can pretty quickly explain why this is so traumatic here!&nbsp; My name is Skylar...&nbsp; And I'm a guy!"</strong>[/color]&nbsp; She explained, a very serious look in her eyes as she gazed around, curious if this piece of information would make the others understand the gravity of this situation.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>10-11-2011, 01:47:28</strong>
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				As the two attractive elf&nbsp; women kissed he became acutely aware of his own feelings rushing back. "Could we refrain from the kissing until we find some clothes and figure at least some of what's going on out." It had been years since he had been anywhere even close to a naked woman and two of them kissing sort of stirred the emotions. He should be dead but had been saved by the Jade Fire. He tried to keep his eyes firmly fixed on peoples eyes which might have been apparent to anyone who was watching him closely. Skylar's words sunk in and he thought for a moment. He gave the man or should it be woman a sympathetic if slightly confused look, with his eyes very much looking into Skylar's.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>10-11-2011, 05:26:35</strong>
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				Madoka smiled bemusedly as the elfin woman hugged her and kissed her.&nbsp; "You are very happy about this then?" She asked, confused.&nbsp; The experience wasn't new.... though the men nearby were an unwelcome addition.&nbsp; &nbsp;The men were making some sense however, and with being naked in a desert surrounded by fantasy creatures, sense was something.<br><br>She turned to the Dwarf, nodding to the half-elf.&nbsp; "Yes, Micheal. We should find shelter.&nbsp; And water if possible."&nbsp; She looks towards the rocks, then points at the nearest.&nbsp; "That might be a start.<br><br>Hearing Skylar's light and feminine elfin voice, Madoka raises an eyebrow, then sighs.&nbsp; "Have all of you been changed in some way then?" She asks, looking down at herself again, then moving a hand to push back her long hair, and touch her own ear tip.&nbsp; She shrugs.&nbsp; "I have no mirror, but I seem unchanged... my hair is even still wet." Saying this she sucks thoughtfully on the end of her hair.<br><br>Looking around the group, she pats Eliza kindly on the shoulder, gives Skylar a quick look, then starts walking towards the rock.&nbsp; "I'm glad you are happy Eliza, and sorry for you, Skylar... but we should seek shelter before we talk further.&nbsp; Micheal and Nick are correct."
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>10-11-2011, 12:13:01</strong>
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				Michael starts following Madoka towards the rocks. He knew that storms in the desert were bad, but had no clue on how to navigate his way out of this. Seeing that someone else had a clue, or thought they had a clue, was good enough for Michael to start following for now. As he starts walking he motions towards Skylar to follow, <strong>"Come on, if you die it will be hard to find a way to change you back to what you were before. "</strong> <br><br>Michael could understand her shock, he just didn't think it had fully set in for him yet. Though standing outside, naked, in a dessert, while a storm was approaching, just didn't seem like a prudent thing to do, no matter how you ended up there. Michael quickly found himself needing to take a step and a half for every step Madoka took in order to keep up. Sighing he shakes his head, apparently not everything had changed here.
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				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>11-11-2011, 00:18:47</strong>
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				<div align="center">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/Desolation1.jpg)</div><em><strong>Despite the clouds rolling overhead, there is still no sign of any wind and the entirety of the desert remains abnormally still... unnaturally so even.&nbsp; There are odd outcroppings of rock all around, but appear to have caves, or even a niche deep enough from which shelter might be had from the elements.&nbsp; Without being able to see the sun, or even the sky itself, you all feel a subtle disorientation, as if of fleeting vertigo, but it lasts only a moment before your senses come back under your control once again.<br><br>Even over the horizon, there is little to see, the desert stretching ever onwards; dry, inhospitable, and, in time, deadly.&nbsp; There is none of burning heat traditionally associated here, nor the single eyed monstrosity known as the sun to gaze mercilessly down upon you, but at least two horsemen of the apocalypse stand ready here - famine and death.&nbsp; Already you can feel the first pangs of hunger, but thirst is already making you dizzy.<br><br>Then it happens.&nbsp; You can feel your legs begin to give way, as if every muscle in your body has turning to water.&nbsp; The ground rises to strike you like a club, and around you can hear that others are succumbing as well.&nbsp; And also, a pain upon your bodies is rising to an excruciating degree...</strong></em><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Instructions</div><div class="spoiler_body">All players should choose a <em><span class="bbc_u">single</span></em> area upon there body where they experience the pain.</div></div>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>11-11-2011, 01:43:49</strong>
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				Skylar gave a deep sigh and nodded about the futility of worrying about her situation before getting somewhere safer and began to follow behind the dwarf.&nbsp; After only a few steps however, she has a brief dizzy spell.&nbsp; For a brief minute she recovers and was about to take another step before watching the ground rise up to meet her as perhaps the most intense pains she has ever felt erupts forth from her stomach.<br><br>She begins to dry heave, though all that came of it was the taste of bile and while Skylar had never been a religious person, she began to silently pray to any and all gods that may be out there to deliver her from the pain.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>11-11-2011, 02:39:57</strong>
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				Cruise watched the Elf woman begin to stumble and went to help him... her? He was about to reach to aid her and stumbled as he became dizzy. He soon fell to the ground and looked to the distance, the desert that continued forever. After a short time he focused and tried to stand, as he was trying to crawl into a standing position he felt pain and began to have trouble breathing momentarily.<br><br>He could breath he found but every breath was more painful than the last, his throat was in agony as he clutched it and tried to speak, call for help. The words came out clear at least despite the pain he could at least do that "Mokhls hjfsogha halgua gnlkgng ahdnog!" The simple cry for help did not quite sound so simple as it reached the ears of the others, gibberish perhaps? Maybe English wasn't his native tongue.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>11-11-2011, 03:19:16</strong>
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				Madoka, a few steps ahead of the rest, wavers, her legs grow unsteady, and a sudden pain shoots through her upper left arm.&nbsp; As she falls, she thinks, <em>Is this a heartattack?</em> <br><br>She lets her body collapse, and takes a minute to try and recuperate, despite the pain.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>11-11-2011, 04:24:39</strong>
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				Walking along Michael couldn't help but to wonder why this landscape infuriated him so. It wasn't the bleakness, that bothered him, it was something else...<br><br>Then it happened, the vertigo, and the ground shaking. Surprisingly, he stood as others fell, but even his stout frame couldn't remain standing against mother nature's fury. Falling to the ground, Michael grabbed his left knee. The pain was almost unbearable for a moment he thought he would black out. But something rises from deep within and he grits through the pain, suffering it but remaining conscious, praying it would soon fade.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>11-11-2011, 04:25:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the others spoke, it was apparent that nobody had any clue what was going on or what had happened to them.&nbsp; Nick was glad when the initial shock that immobilized the group waned enough for them to seek shelter before dark set in.&nbsp; As desolate as their surroundings seemed to be, there was no guarantee that it was completely devoid of life save for the few of them.&nbsp; No matter how hostile the environment may be there almost always tended to be some life form that has acclimated to the unforgiving environment and it always seemed to be the most dangerous ones that hunted at night.&nbsp; If there was something, Nick would much prefer to have something at his back to limit the angles of attack.<br><br>He had thought they had been too late in finding shelter when he watched the first few overcome with debilitating agony.&nbsp; Without any idea of the source or how it managed to do so, Nick swept his gaze in every direction to look for what would be responsible.&nbsp; Despite his intensions, he had barely begun playing lookout when a virtual atomic bomb ignited in his brain.&nbsp; So sudden and intense was the pain that it literally caused him to drop to his knees while he clutched uselessly at his skull as if to keep it from splitting open according to how it felt.&nbsp; Nick couldn't even form words or assemble thoughts; all there was was pain and in vast quantities.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phaia</strong> on <strong>11-11-2011, 08:02:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: comic sans ms;" class="bbc_font">Eliza's near giddiness had begun to drop as she followed the rest toward the rocks. Almost skipping and lauging then she gasped and fell to her knees then to one hand. Her right hand pressed against her breasts. The pain was like knives ripping across them...like a deep jagged harshness that made tears come from her eyes...wave after wave of the pain grew but she gritted her teeth and <br>lifted her head to the dull clouds and in a harsh jagged voice yelled...<br><br>&nbsp; &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 10pt;" class="bbc_size"> <strong>"That the best you GOT!!! I I felt worst during Chemo!!</strong> </span>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br><br>Then she dropped her head and whispered "Goddess not again...pleaseee not again!"</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>11-11-2011, 15:18:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise rolled onto his back as he heard someone speak, it was Eliza but not only was she in pain as well she was speaking, German maybe or maybe French. He reached out his arm as he lay on his back and gulping while still holding his throat asked "Jokefti maofhdgsn honfdgnsg anagm?". His eyes rolled in his head so he could just about see her. She was holding her breasts and he could see her body but she was in a lot of pain and the one bright side was it didn't stir emotions in him.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 01:10:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong><em>Whatever efforts are taken to fight it off, to push back the searing pain, you can all feel your vision fading slowly; the ring of darkness growing and closing about you, so that you mercifully falling into the realms of unconsciousness.&nbsp; Even as you are falling unconscious, you feel a strange detachment, as if in the grip of an out-of-body.&nbsp; There are things around you, as if of gaunt men made of dust that cascades off of them in torrents.&nbsp; Only vague pin-points of evil yellow light where eyes might be, seem to be the only certain thing about them.&nbsp; They approach, remorselessly and inexorably with clawed outstretched hands.&nbsp; But are they even real?&nbsp; They flicker in and out of your vision, sometimes there sometimes not.&nbsp; Rest and peace comes as slip completely into unconsciousness.<br><br>Even in this restless slumber you are not incompletely insensate.&nbsp; The world rocks and heaves as if in the grip of an earthquake.&nbsp; Voices call out, speaking and muttering about you.&nbsp; Something prods at you, surprisingly gently.&nbsp; As an eternity seems to pass, your restlessness eases and you slip into the comfort of deep slumber.<br><br>As you slowly recover, consciousness returns to you.&nbsp; You are all lying down besides each other.&nbsp; Above you a sky of silk and fabric, with ropes and wood to hold it up.&nbsp; What chance then, this miracle you find yourself in large tent.&nbsp; Despite it all, you can feel yourselves in the grip of a fever, though not severe enough as to debilitate you.&nbsp; Light.&nbsp; The flap to the tent is drawn aside, and a middle-aged man with gentle features in white robes and turban bows in carrying a pot.&nbsp; When he notices you are awakening, he sets the pot down and returns the way he came, calling out in a foreign language to others on the outside.</em></strong><br><br><div class="floatright">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div>A few short minutes later a man comes in, dressed in blue with a white turban, and he is followed by the man in white.&nbsp; Setting his turban aside, he looks at each one of you in turn before addressing the man beside him, his accent vaguely arabic, <strong>"The blessings of the goddess be with you <em>sabbini</em>.&nbsp; I shall speak to these ones; let us have the men break camp and be ready to move within the hour."</strong><br><br>The other looks uncertainly at him, but then bows deeply, his right hand touching his heart, and leaves.&nbsp; For a moment this blue clad man stand, as if listening to the receding foot-steps, before turning his attention to you.&nbsp; This time when he speaks, his accent is much different, possibly British: <strong>"I trust you boys and girls are feeling under the weather, don't worry, that will pass over the next few days.&nbsp; My name is Cornellius Argentstaff... my real name is Philip Renfeld, if you know what I mean.&nbsp; All of us here, despite our appearances, share a secret - and on your lives it is a secret that you are never to reveal, save to those I designate, is that understood?"</strong><br><br><strong>"I'm certain the question is '<em>where am I</em>', and I could tell you that you are on the border between the Shinning South and the Imperial East, but I don't suppose that means much, eh?&nbsp; Perhaps you mean to ask <em>'where'</em> am I?&nbsp; Quite frankly, I can't answer that for you - oh, another world almost certainly - but relative to good old mother earth, that I doubt anyone can say.&nbsp; There are many answers that will come later, but now we must talk about your lives.&nbsp; The moment you came here, your life came under threat.&nbsp; People like us are known as the Lost, the Forsaken Ones, amongst many other names.&nbsp; More importantly, know that the body you find yourself in once belonged to someone else that lived here, someone who had family or those who had reason to care - you understand don't you?&nbsp; However innocent we are, we are seen as thieves of the body here.&nbsp; Every now and again, someone in this world disappears, where to we don't know, but when they return they come back with the soul and the mind of someone from our world.&nbsp; Nor does time seem to be a factor; I've met people who claim to come from the crusades, from the time of Christ, Calligua, and Nero.&nbsp; I've even met those who claim to have come from the 2139.&nbsp; I myself was fighting the Second World War against Jerry, but I've been here nearly 30 years now."</strong><br><br><strong>"But I did mention danger didn't I?&nbsp; Certainly there is the family and friends of those whose body you now inhabit, but the biggest threat comes in the form of fanatics, collectively known as the Saeropanean Order.&nbsp; Imagine men of God, devil worshipers, pagans, and cultists - people who would usually tear each other's eyes out&nbsp; if they sat in the same room - united under one banner, because they think of us as the greatest possible threat there is.&nbsp; A threat to <em>what</em> don't ask me, I still don't know.&nbsp; Don't even think about trying to reason or bargain with them.&nbsp; It ends badly.&nbsp; Always."</strong><br><br><div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/KharalOasis.jpg)</div>With a deep sigh, he reaches into his robes and pulls out a long-stemmed ivory pipe.&nbsp; You don't see him light it, but thin stream of smoke rises slowly after a moment.&nbsp; <strong>"We shall be moving from this place soon.&nbsp; From here, the Oasis of Kharal, you'll be taken to the Sanctuary of Al-Cairsinal, where you'll be learning all the skills you need to survive in this world, so prepare yourself - the coming months will not be easy.&nbsp; If you have any questions, ask them now whilst we yet have the privacy of tent.&nbsp; You needn't accept everything I tell you, most don't, but that's not a worry of mine - you will, in time."</strong><br><br>You can hear men calling outside as equipment and baggage is being moved at rapid pace.&nbsp; You may have some 30 minutes before they start on this tent.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 05:46:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka looks at the old man, horrified by what he says.&nbsp; "No... that can't be?&nbsp; What are you saying?&nbsp; That I am... what, dead?&nbsp; A ghost, possessing someone?"<br><br>She stands, looking distraught.&nbsp; "Do you have a mirror?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 05:51:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>"Mirror?&nbsp; Whatever for?&nbsp; Still if you're really looking for one, I can have such fetched."</strong>&nbsp; Cornellius, or Philip, calls out in the same tongue as the men had spoken earlier.&nbsp; It is only a little while later that a man returns with small hand mirror, not much larger than a palm.<br><br><strong>"Not our greatest, but the best on offer, since this camp was made for mobility rather than vanity missy, but here you are."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 10:03:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka take the mirror hesitantly, her hands shaking slightly. She steadies herself, then turns it around and looks at her face.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 12:28:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				While the asian woman looks into the mirror Cruise speaks up "So you have no idea on the source of the jade fire that engulfed us, no one has any clues as all?" His hand went to his throat to check again and see if their was any injury but there was none to be found.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 14:25:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael observed the man carefully as he spoke, and then responded to Madoka. This man was a survivor, it would be good to pick up what he could from him, and to be honest with himself, Michael didn't trust him for some reason. <br><br>Standing Michael takes a step closer, <strong>"Three questions, two requests. Firstly thank you for the rescue, that was kind of you. I would like some clothing, and water if you can spare either. My current state is a bit frustrating. My questions, From where do you derive your authority? Have any made it back? How did you know we had arrived?"</strong><br><br>While there were more questions buzzing through his brain, Michael wanted to limit just how much he asked at once. It would appear that they had all the time in this world.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 14:49:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Upon waking up, Skylar listened to what was going on, and while she did not particularly like what she was hearing, it did kind of make sense to her that this body was meant to belong to someone else.&nbsp; Giving a shrug, she waited all the way up until Michael was finished with his questions before holding up her finger signaling that she would like to interject.&nbsp; <strong>"Um...&nbsp; Before any of that..."&nbsp; She points at the pot that had been set down, "Is there anything to eat or drink around here?&nbsp; This might be easier to accept if I wasn't so hungry!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 16:23:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>@Aybara:</strong> <strong>"Unfortunately young man, I do not know the answer to the mystery of the jade flames.&nbsp; Almost a century of work has gone into that particular area, and still we are no closer to a satisfying answer."</strong><br><br><strong>@ hgb:</strong>&nbsp; Slowly he turns to regard you, his smile more amused than anything else. <strong>"Authority?&nbsp; I do not recall having any, whatsoever.&nbsp; I am merely complying with a request from the sanctuary council who are hoping to aid all those who should find themselves here.&nbsp; But, I have no authority on you - should you desire to leave, I will not stop you, nor any other here.&nbsp; As to if any have made it back... that I do not know.&nbsp; What I do know is that when the winds of syraneous fluctuate, it presages the arrival of more of the Lost; but I suppose that means little to you, but in one month you will, should you study the paths of the arcane, for it would be difficult to make you understand otherwise."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Mysterica:</strong> <strong>"Of course, you needn't worry on that account girl, food and drink will be provided as will proper raiment.&nbsp; First we shall see to your clothes, and food you shall have later, for we must eat as we move - just as we can read the winds of syraneous, as I explained to your colleague there, so can the Order of Saeropayne, and there are only two places in this world where the Lost appear - the Desolation of Garynthil, which you found yourselves in, or The Blight far to the north of here."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 16:59:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Skylar frowned slightly at the idea of having to wait for their food, having gotten somewhat excited by the sight of the pot, thinking it may have been soup or something that had been cooking.&nbsp; Still, it could always have been worse.&nbsp; <strong>"Well...&nbsp; At least we weren't found naked in the far north I suppose.&nbsp; That might have been bad."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 17:34:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				*Just as all the rest had appeared and come staggering out of the sand, so too did Chastian.&nbsp; &nbsp;She’d been taken while asleep.&nbsp; She was huddled into the fissure in the outer wall of a very run down building.&nbsp; She&nbsp; hadn’t been highly visible there.<br>She awoke after being ported away with remnants of the green fire still flashing before her eyes.&nbsp; The sudden shift had made her a little ill. She wretched almost violently into the sand which stuck to her face afterwards.&nbsp; Oh…now that was just nasty!&nbsp; She blinked, one hand sliding over her body.&nbsp; She was NAKED!&nbsp; Where had the sand come from? After brushing the sand from her face she knelt up slowly to look around.<br>She thought she saw others in the distance.&nbsp; She got to her feet to head in that direction.&nbsp; She then also realized her nipples were a little sore.&nbsp; She looked down to find her piercings gone and the site where they’d been pierced slightly bloody.&nbsp; She crossed her arms over her bosom and kept trudging onward.<br><br>IT was only then that a stray lock of hair fell into her face. That caused her to pause and blink.&nbsp; It was the color of a nut!&nbsp; She looked down at her body, wondering if her hair was the same color all over.&nbsp; She learned not only that it was but her body was also different.&nbsp; Delicate fingers trailed over her face and ears.&nbsp; She let loose a rather loud cry of fear and confusion.&nbsp; No longer, was she human.&nbsp; She had become a tall Halfling.<br><br>Just as she began drawing nigh those she’d seen in the distance, she felt another pain.&nbsp; She shrieked aloud from the pain and fell face first into the sand.&nbsp; It felt as if something had jumped up and bit her VERY HARD in the ass! She lay there in the sand crying. Oh how that hurt.&nbsp; Then the nausea assailed her, and once more she wretched into the sand.&nbsp; She lay there whimpering like a wounded animal and curled into a tiny ball of misery.<br><br>She’d missed all the name sharing with the others.&nbsp; She wakened a little while after the others.&nbsp; When she did so, it was with a start and a cry of fear.&nbsp; Wide amber eyes peered about the tent.&nbsp; Though the blue clad man looked nothing like him, she was reminded of old Bazi who’d taken her in.&nbsp; Remembering the man at just this moment made her cry.&nbsp; She listened to what he had to say, without saying the first word.&nbsp; Shifting into a crouching position she huddled there quietly with her knees drawn up to her chest and her arms around her knees.&nbsp; A pair of big, soulful amber eyes watched the man in blue. <br><br>At mention of her inhabiting the body of another she gasped aloud. It was the first sound she’d made in the presence of these others.&nbsp; This thought truly upset her.&nbsp; She’d always been a gentle soul,&nbsp; one to soothe the pains of others if she could rather than harm.&nbsp; <br><br>She was quickly distracted from this as the mirror was produced.&nbsp; Her gaze flickered to the mirror and the one holding it as well. *&nbsp; <span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><em><strong>May I please borrow the mirror when you’re finished?</strong></em></span>&nbsp; She asked in hushed tones with only the mildest Irish brogue.<br><br>She went silent again, listening to what was said.&nbsp; &nbsp;She didn’t interrupt. She simply listened.&nbsp; So the man was a teacher of sorts perhaps.&nbsp; She waited quietly as the rest did. Still crouched and huddled in to herself.*&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 18:27:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka sighs upon seeing her face unchanged, and then looks at her belly, her hand tracing the unblemished skin.&nbsp; She then glances down at her left leg, where she again moves her hand searchingly over the perfect skin.&nbsp; Tension increases in her face, and she looks slightly crazed.<br><br>She hands the mirror to the tiny woman, saying, "Of course."<br><br>She then looks the Cornellius in the eyes, frowning.&nbsp; "Could you be mistaken?&nbsp; I am myself, my face has not changed... I seem to be missing a few scars, but that could have another explanation, right?&nbsp; Perhaps I am in a new world as you say.&nbsp; But is it possible more than just my spirit was brought here?"<br><br>Her eyes are wide and fearfull.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 19:18:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Nick’s vision begun to tunnel into blackness from the intense pain that roared in his skull, he did his best to push back the impending unconsciousness as best he could to no avail.&nbsp; Just before he went under he was faintly aware of dark <em>things</em> drawing nearer, moving as if they weren’t entirely real.&nbsp; Given the stars that also danced across his fading sight, they very well might have been figments of his imagination.&nbsp; As darkness finally overtaken the light, Nick was fearful if he would ever wake again.<br><br>Once again, he awoke in an unfamiliar location disoriented and confused.&nbsp; His head still throbbed with the beat of his heart, but it was infinitely better than it had felt before.&nbsp; Leaning up as the older man began to brief them to their situation, Nick did what he could to clear the cobwebs and try to believe what the man was telling them.&nbsp; It seemed entirely impossible, but as much as he wanted to disbelieve it the empirical evidence could not be denied.<br><br><strong>”Before we went under…”</strong>&nbsp; Nick said once there was an opening in the conversation.&nbsp; <strong>”I saw dark figures with claws and illuminated eyes.&nbsp; I expect there is a laundry list of new dangers that we need to be aware of in this new world, assuming this isn’t a dream, so I need to know: did I just imagine them or were they responsible for the pain that marked their arrival?”</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 20:24:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise listened intently as the old man answered questions but his mind was preoccupied by the green flames that had consumed them. His thoughts were not for getting home, there was little he had wanted beyond his freedom for a very long time. There were a few things that he would miss but he had been saved and would not begrudge the trade for the few things he would miss. "So there has been some research into it, if time allows I would like to consult of some of those who do. I don't think for a moment I could solve such riddles but there will always need to be more to ponder such mysteries if they are to be understood." He did feel sympathy for some of the others, not all seemed too pleased by the turn of events, he'd help them if he could.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 21:41:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				*Chastian took the mirror with a nod of thanks to Madoka.&nbsp; She took a deep breath and then turned it’s reflective surface to look.&nbsp; Her jaw dropped, leaving her lips in a perfect ‘O’. She was absolutely dumbfounded.<br><span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><em><strong>WHERE are my freckles? My…eyes ar’na blue anymore!</strong></em></span>&nbsp; &nbsp;Cruise, if he heard might recognize the mispronunciation of the word aren’t as one of Chastian’s foibles. Of course, others most certainly did so too.&nbsp; Her heart sped a bit.&nbsp; <span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><em><strong>I don’t like this one bit. I look like something from a movie.</strong></em></span>&nbsp; She handed the mirror back to the gentleman in blue.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 21:55:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>@Loki Aesir: "Hard to tell what you saw, unless I saw it for myself to be honest - the flora and the fauna of the Desolation isn't something well known, and not one most people would care to know about.&nbsp; But since you were unharmed when you were found, I must assume it was a hallucination on your part, indeed the pain is some all the Lost experience - most likely your soul adjusting to its new body.&nbsp; But you are correct in assuming there is danger, but there's far too many for even I to list.&nbsp; The Sanctuary will instruct you on most of the things that will keep you alive, but the rest is unfortunately hard-won experience."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Aybara: "I can't say I know much about the nature of the fire that everybody experiences when they become one of the Lost; my emphasis has always been one of survival rather than speculative ruminations about mysteries.&nbsp; I understand there was a man who did such research, but I don't know him personally, though I heard he had disappeared quite some time ago, and I don't know what happened to any knowledge he may have horded over his time.&nbsp; Perhaps somebody at the sanctuary can be of more use than I am."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Mysterium:</strong> Taking the mirror from diminutive woman, Philip did not place within his robes, but instead places it before him in easy reach of anybody who desires it. <strong>"An unfortunate occurrence missy, though few of the Lost are entirely displeased with the bodies they now inhabit.&nbsp; Still you may take heart - in this world, magic, or perhaps something we don't understand, but call it magic, is real and even shaping your body to one you find more pleasing is not impossible.&nbsp; That may come in time, and there are those who may do it for you, though no such alteration is permanent, and in time the body must resume its true form."</strong><br><br><br><strong>"I have answered many of your questions, but now I have some of my own to pose; you have the advantage of my name, but I not yours.&nbsp; Likewise, I should dearly like to know - what time period do you come from?&nbsp; Do you know the outcome of the Second World War?&nbsp; Whilst I fought in it, I'm afraid I found myself here shortly thereafter we had began to land on the beaches of France."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 22:35:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael shrugs, <strong>"History was never my strong point, but the allies won World War 2. Didn't the guy from 2139 tell you that tidbit? Regardless I was from the State of Georgia in the United States of America, year 2011. For my name, it was Brian, but I'm going by Michael now."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 22:42:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise nodded at Micheal "I'm from a similar time myself and the allies won in nineteen forty five. There have been wars since by nothing on quite so large a scale thankfully." He stood up though he was naked "My name is Cruise." He held out his hand and decided not to add his first name, these people had enough to worry about without thinking he was a murderer and someone might recognize the name.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phaia</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 22:48:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<br><span style="font-family: comic sans ms;" class="bbc_font">Eliza blinked as she took in a slow breathe, some small amount of nausea remained but she knew the difference between having an unsettled stomach and being sick. The second shifting, for that was what it had to be, had left her stomach unsettled. She thought as she laid there listening to the others stir. Reason had that some force had changed her and brought her someplace else. Until proved otherwise she would thank the goddess for the deliverance.<br><br><br>Her eyes followed the soft raise and fall of the silk and fabric of the ceiling…*desert or something similar* was her thought. She shifted just enough to look as the tent flap opened. Uncannily similar to old Arab garb that clothed the man, so there were parallels. <br><br>She stayed lying as the other man walked in and began to talk, and answering questions. *‘Secret…makes a bit of sense how this Cornelius explains it…sort of like witness protection.’*<br><br>Finally she shifted, naturally sexily and sensual in her movements to stand, her hand s sliding through her thick hair as a smile curls her pouty lips. “Well Cornellius, I once called Eliza, a Wiccan witch and a lawyer which some of my friends said was just another form of being a witch. I was dying of cancer and will give thanks to the goddess for this body and hope that its prior owner is in someplace nice. Cloths would be nice as will food. For now I will keep my questions and answers till I have had a chance to clear my head and get used to pointy ears and a super model’s body…”</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>12-11-2011, 23:36:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chastian didn't know a great deal about wars.&nbsp; Her education had not encompassed such weighty matter. Nor had she felt it was important at the time or since.&nbsp; She had been about to answer the man when the fellow with the long red hair spoke up. Those amber eyes of hers widened and she just stared numbly. <span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><strong><em>C...Cruise? Is that really you?</em></strong></span> She asked with a trembling voice. <span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><em><strong>I sent letters. I went to hand deliver them too.</strong></em></span>&nbsp; That said something too. Chastian really did NOT like cops or anything even close to resembling them. Oddly, she had accepted Cruise. She finally straightened and stood, though her arms covered her bareness protectively.<strong><span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><em> It's Chastian, Cruise. </em> </span> &nbsp;</strong> She looked as if she were going to cry.<span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><em><strong> I...I saved your most favorite things, in a safe place. But...</strong></em></span>She sighed sadly. <span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><em><strong>They're gone now.</strong></em></span> She didn't make her way over to him, he might not even want to see her now. He might hate her for all she knew. She didn't mean to ignore everyone else. Cruise had been her rock in the midst of life's storm. Once again, it was quite a maelstrom of a storm. Here he was quite mysteriously.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>13-11-2011, 00:01:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise looked at the woman in confusion, no one had sent him letters but she seemed to know him, it was only when she said her name it all clicked though she of course too looked different. He ran over the short distance though she was shorter now it seemed and had pointy ears and well didn't look the same at all but it was her. He lowered a little as he made the last step and wrapped his arms around her and just rested his head on her shoulder trying not to let his emotions overwhelm him. He didn't say a word, he just held the smaller woman.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>13-11-2011, 02:01:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Skylar listened to the other's stories and upon seeing one of the crowd rush over to hug another one, she cleared her throat awkwardly before throwing her story into the mix.&nbsp; <strong>My name is Skylar...&nbsp; Or at least it was...&nbsp; I don't know what I'm going to call myself now...&nbsp; And I came from the year 2012.&nbsp; I was a computer engineering major at the university of Washington.&nbsp; I just tried taking a short cut on my way back to my dorm through an alley and found myself being engulfed in green fire..."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>13-11-2011, 03:58:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka stretches, arching her body as she tries to release tension.&nbsp; She tells Cornellius, "My name is Madoka Aukawa.&nbsp; I'm Ni... Japanese, and I come from 1991.&nbsp; We did end up losing the great war." She shrugs, and looks around at the other naked soul stealing people in the tent.&nbsp; "Great, future people in a fantasy."&nbsp; She continues to look at the others appraisingly.&nbsp; "I might ask if any of you were classical music fans... I might find out what happened to my family after I disappeared.&nbsp; Does anyone know the composer, Aukawa?"<br><br>She looks around without any expression, deadpan, but her eyes are wild with fright.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>13-11-2011, 05:07:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She was nervous those few seconds it took to dawn on Cruise.&nbsp; She trembled against him like a leaf in the wind. As his arms wrapped around her, she reached up to put her arms around him as well.&nbsp; She buried her face against his chest and did cry. In between sobs she spoke in a hushed whisper.<em><span style="font-family: arial;" class="bbc_font">They wouldn't let me see you. They laughed as I left, like I wouldn't hear. I tried. I swear I tried hard to get word to you. The landlord, let me take my things. Let me tay another night. </span> </em> &nbsp;Her words trailed off. She just stood there quietly after that within the safety of his embrace.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>13-11-2011, 05:18:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise made soothing sounds as he held the halfling woman he apparently knew. He sat down with her in his arms and watched the others his head cast down a little to look at her. His nose in his hair she smelt different now, he supposed he did too and that was a little sad he couldn't help but think. But he was free and she was here. His eyes moved over the others as he spoke lowly but the others could still hear if they listened. "It's alright we're both here now, there is little more I could ask for."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>13-11-2011, 11:19:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka looks more and more frantic as the minutes pass, and she finally asks, in a low hiss.&nbsp; "These... the people who's lives we've stolen... have they ever been saved?&nbsp; Is there a way of... exorcising the interloper's spirit?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>14-11-2011, 17:04:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>"Then I suppose it is all I could ask for, though I must admit it all seems so long ago that any fire I once had for it has long since died out.&nbsp; I won't hold any grudges; I faced more battles here than I ever did there and you'll quickly come to realise that there isn't any measure of who is right and who is wrong - only protecting a way of life that is supreme importance to you, as well as though who are likely to ensure that the way of life you value continues."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Phaia: "I'm afraid I can't claim to be familiar with your religion missy.&nbsp; Is it something akin to paganism?&nbsp; But I'll can tell you that you'll certainly have plenty of chances to explore being a witch, possibly in a more practical manner than you were familiar with, which may well make earth's traditional witches look like superstitious charlatan's with no real imagination.&nbsp; But be warned that even though witches and warlocks exist here, they have no better a reception than back in our home."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Aybara &amp; Mysterium: "As for the two of you, it appears that some good has come of your situation, though the likelihood of it happening would have been so small I would not really thought it possible; but then again stranger things have happened."</strong><br><br><strong>@ hgb: "As for the man who claimed he was from 2139... apparently there wasn't that much of the world left to recount of - he was a very tight lipped fellow and quite paranoid, even a little crazy - but I feel some great disaster happened, one that has rendered the need for the knowledge of history quite redundant in his time.&nbsp; That is of course if his was the <em>truth</em>."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Group: "But let me tell you one thing - all of you in fact.&nbsp; Whilst common logic would dictate that the Lost should be united, do not believe all of the Lost to be your friends, or even to accept you.&nbsp; Some of us are here living their little deluded fantasies of our own.&nbsp; It is not entirely unlikely as it may sound: some of these people where nobodies in our world, sometimes even the dregs or the criminal of society, and then they suddenly find that they can attain the power to shake the foundations of cities with but a word, or gesture.&nbsp; Try telling them now that they are nobody or even that they should listen to anybody.&nbsp; Other members of the Lost are potential threats, people who may know who they once were.&nbsp; This is especially true of those who have integrated themselves into the societies of this world."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Tagan: "As for what you suggest Miss Aukawa - I should not care to delve into that line of thinking too much; that your soul replaced another's is not something that weighs easily even on my hard old conscience, but as it were, yours is the invading spirit and as such 'exorcising' it, as you so put it, is still no guarantee that things will be put aright.&nbsp; It may simply kill you outright.&nbsp; Indeed there is no successful telling that the Lost have successfully returned to Earth, or that a displaced soul has returned, not even in rumour.&nbsp; If all this disturbs you that much Miss Aukawa, then let me say - <em>live</em>.&nbsp; Live long enough to find out the cause of all this and then put a stop to it that others will not suffer the same."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>14-11-2011, 18:18:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka listens, and she shudders with some inner turmoil, but as Cornellius finishes speaking, she nods, her face softening somewhat. "Kind words.&nbsp; Thank you, Philip... Cornellius."&nbsp; In another moment her eyes flash again... Words aside, there is still some powerful emotion roiling through her.&nbsp; Despite this, she says softly, "You said we were leaving here soon?&nbsp; Perhaps we should be getting ready then?"<br><br>She is thinking.&nbsp; <em>Can I actually trust this man?&nbsp; Even if I can, he says he does not know for certain how we all came here.&nbsp; He mentions 'arcane' study... perhaps I should try and seek my own answers?</em><br><br>Though her eyes are still flashing, she has mastered herself again, and she stands, glancing around the tent for something to do, wear, or help with.&nbsp; <br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>14-11-2011, 20:46:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael nods accepting Cornellius's explanation at truth. Looking around Michael stands, at a loss for what to do next. This entire situation was just too foreign, and while he apparently was out for some time, it wasn't sleep. He was hungry, thirsty, tired, and needed to establish some security in this world. This sanctuary sounded like just the place he needed to be while he grounded his mind in this new reality. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>15-11-2011, 00:53:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise held the halfling woman, or as near as in his own mind he could reconcile Chastain was now an elf. He looked at the others and Cornellius "Well if no one else has any questions perhaps we should get moving and start pulling our weight. Regardless of what some people might want to ultimately do we should be at least get out of this area." His hand stayed around the smaller woman's waist. Perhaps he had died and the after life was this or this was some kind of in between stage, it was not an unpleasant one either way he decided.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>16-11-2011, 00:31:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The gentleman in blue drew Chastian's attention again. She had forgotten about the others for a moment.&nbsp; Amber eyes flickered in his direction. She remained at Cruise's side, her arm wrapped about his waist. <strong><span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font">Aye, mostly it is good. Could've been a bit gentler. I'm ready to be a goin too. I don't think I want to be staying here.</span></strong>She seemed ready to be leaving. She was pleased to help if she could.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>16-11-2011, 21:46:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/069___caravan_by_e_will-d373jhz.jpg)</div><em><strong>Outside, the sounds of the men who are packing up what remains of the caravan finally make it to this particular tent.&nbsp; A man clears his throat from outside the tent and a turbaned face looks inside inquisitively, whereupon he is immediately assured Cornellius before the man in blue turns his attention back to all of you:</strong></em> <strong>"It would appear that our time has finally come friends - clothes proper for travel will soon be provided, as will proper fare to sustain you through it.&nbsp; From here it will be nearly a two and half week journey by horse-drawn cart northwards, before we shall take a ship westward on less than half a day's travel.&nbsp; We shall then have arrived in the Sanctuary of Al-Cairsinal.&nbsp; Many hard months await you from then, but hopefully you will pick up all that is necessary to survive in this world.&nbsp; We shall meet occasionally whilst you are there, though I have other duties to attend to, I shall visit as best I can."</strong><br><br><strong><em>As promised, shortly after Cornellius leaves, a robed servant arrives with bundles of rough-spun clothes, which if a little uncomfortable are quite unassuming.&nbsp; On cart you all travel over hilly lands, dusty landscape gradually breaking in sparse grassland, before becoming the temperate regions of grassland and trees.&nbsp; To east, great mountain ranges rise, hazy with great distance.&nbsp; The weather is kind though, and the skies remain clear with only wispy clouds that barely shield from the warm light of the sun.&nbsp; By night, a different sight than you are used to - Emaeril's three moons; the silvery Ellistrae, Farryn the scarlet-tinged, and the emerald disc of Syraneous.</em></strong><br><br><strong><em>More and more days pass by, but there appear to be no travelers upon this road - Cornellius explains that with the appearance of the Desolation of Garynthil several decades ago and it expanding borders, people now to choose to go around it by sea.&nbsp; More days pass by until finally the caravan arrives to a small sheltered cove, isolated by the surrounding forest and cliffs.&nbsp; A small merchantman awaits you arrival in those placid waters and soon enough you are all sailing towards your destination - the small island in the distance - with the tang of salt in the air and the breeze through your hair.&nbsp; The island grows steadily, and finally as the sun begins to set on the nineteenth day since you set out, you reach your destination - the Sanctuary of Al-Cairsinal.</em></strong><br><br><div class="floatright">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/Al_C.jpg)</div><em><strong>The isle itself is not large and if you wanted, you could cross from end to end in a day and a half.&nbsp; The boat sail on, around to the other end of the island where a small port appears and you are there.&nbsp; Though sanctuary in name, Al-Cairsinal is more akin to a fortress.&nbsp; Though intimidating outwardly the atmosphere is friendly inside, and for the first time since you have come here, you find a welcoming group.</strong></em><br><br><em><strong>As Cornellius promised, the work is hard, but you quickly become acclimated to some of the workings of the world you now find yourself in.&nbsp; Whilst the sanctuary promises refuge, it is no refuge to hardship and aches, and more often than not you wake up tired and go to bed exhausted.&nbsp; Nor are you limited to training within the fortress itself, but find yourselves across the entire island at times in special secluded locations that aim to test you.&nbsp; But the first three months since your arrival go by in a blur, and soon you are deemed ready to test out the skills of the professions you have invested yourselves in.&nbsp; Soon you are to learn the various lore that will help you pass as natives in the world, as well as provide you with your first real insight into Emaeril that has sorely been lacking so far, but today Cornellius has called for you and you are to meet him at mid-day.</strong></em><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">GM Info</div><div class="spoiler_body">You're currently in the central square of the sanctuary and you have a few hours until Cornellius arrives at this spot to meet you.</div></div><br><span style="font-size: 12pt;" class="bbc_size"><span style="font-family: verdana;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Al-Cairsinal, Sanctuary of the Lost</strong></span></span><br>N Citadel (Village-equivalent)<br><strong>Corruption </strong>-1; <strong>Crime </strong>-2; <strong>Economy </strong>-1; <strong>Law </strong>-2; <strong>Lore </strong>+0; <strong>Society </strong>+3<br><strong>Qualities</strong> academic, insular<br><strong>Danger</strong> +0<br><span class="bbc_u">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; </span><br>__<span class="bbc_u"><strong>DEMOGRAPHICS</strong></span>___________________________________________________<br><strong>Government</strong> council<br><strong>Population</strong> 120 (humans 52%, elves 16%, halflings 12, dwarves 8%, half-elves 4%,<br>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; half-orcs 4%, gnomes 4%)<br><strong>Notable NPCs</strong> unknown/undiscovered<br><span class="bbc_u">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</span><br>__<span class="bbc_u"><strong>MARKETPLACE</strong></span>____________________________________________________<br><strong>Base Value</strong> 500 sm; <strong>Purchase Limit</strong> 2,500 sm; <strong>Spellcasting</strong> 4rd<br><strong>Minor Items</strong> 2d4; <strong>Medium Items</strong> 1d4; <strong>Major Items</strong> n/a
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phaia</strong> on <strong>19-11-2011, 19:40:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<table class="bbc_table"><tbody><tr><td>(http://i1217.photobucket.com/albums/dd394/Vithe_rothe/07235_05b_123_565lo-1.jpg)<br></td><td><span style="font-family: comic sans ms;" class="bbc_font">Azile, as she now forced herself to begin to recognize as who she would called, had spent the time in travel getting used to the newness. The new body had abilities she had to learn. Better vision in dim lighting, tougher, able to handle temperatures, and goddess did the skin feel so silken and the lack of hair save on her head was a gift she loved. The youthful look made her at times a bit uncomforable she still felt old but then they told her that the boby she had was at least 120 years old and considered a young adult by the standards, leaving her speechless for nearly a day as she thought it through. She learned to flirt and tease first as a human then with discussion with Cornellius and others of the caravan she learned to flirt and tease as an elf would, strangely similar yet subtly different.&nbsp; She also one night seduced a caravan guard just to see what it was like again …it was better then she had remembered and so she was light hearted and cheerful as they traveled.<br><br>The moons and stars were by far the hardest to get over… 3 moons made the night less dark then she knew and often only the brightest stars could be seen. She often wondered if one of them was Sol. At times she would sing old songs she knew, Stevie Nicks “Landside” had always been a favorite and she found she had a fair voice though she needed training to use it to its best ability. <br><br>When they reached the sanctuary she dove into the training with gusto, she hadn’t felt this good in years and even being exhausted at night was a welcome, since it was from hard work and not a sickness. She laughed when she found out she had the ‘gift’, the blood or magic for a witch. A witch for real, one with magic and hexes and even a familiar and books to read about magic, languages to learn that seemed to just pop into her mind. She was thankful she had trained herself during law school to focus and keep her mind ordered and clear. With magic and hexes she realized that was important, her mind, her intelligence would be her main weapon in this world…that and her body.<br></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: comic sans ms;" class="bbc_font">Azile also found the time to have sex with several, a human guard then a half orc guard just to see the different, the fur was weird as well as exotic. A servant, even an instructor she realized soon that women here in this world were often much lower class…even those that adventured.<br><br>By the time Cornellius called she had learned to control her powers and had a good start on other skills and abilities so she went with her familiar curled around her neck, her ice blue eyes alert but her movements sensual and sexy</span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>19-11-2011, 23:21:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise, or as he more grudgingly now was begin to accept Kurze, spent much of the journey to sanctuary either by himself trying to figure out what had happened but the young halfling woman seemed to always be welcome company. After the first night the two of them decided to share a tent once they had had time to talk alone. It had been a little difficult at times to get used to his new body. The man's body was shorter but the shoulders broader and his appearance a bit fairer. He considered cutting his hair but decided that it would be wrong in a way, he wouldn't change that it would remind him of the previous owner... not that he would forget anytime soon.<br><br>He seemed to consider and ponder not necessarily the how but the why of what had happened to them. It was difficult to figure out without knowing much about the previous bodies hosts. He warmed somewhat as they traveled and talked to the others more often as time went by but he was a little odd, always trying to examine the situation in a detached manner just pleasant much of the time. He was protective of Chastain it was clear to see.<br><br>He tried to take in the lands they passed through and appreciated them for what they were. When they reached the sanctuary he continued to ponder the mysteries of the force that had brought them here the Jade Fire for lack of a better term. As the training went on he discovered that he was able to tap into certain abilities, magical abilities. He moved more quickly and even walking around in full armour was able to keep pace with an unarmoured man. He trained with weapons as best he could but steered clear of the more complicated weapons, the Jade Fire had saved him once and may do so again but he would rather not having to rely on it unless he needed to, saving it for when needed most.<br><br>Bye the time they were to meet Cornelius he was more confident in his abilities but was under no impression that his training was complete, it had only begun.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>20-11-2011, 07:43:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka refused to change her name. &nbsp;It fit in well enough with other Hyrkanian names she'd heard. &nbsp;She also was a puzzle for the people offering to retrain her. &nbsp;Madoka had come to accept that she was in a new body fully, once she started trying to use her martial arts training. &nbsp;The body was flexible, agile... but all her muscle memory was gone. &nbsp;Madoka began at the beginning... with one change. &nbsp;She knew what she had to do. &nbsp;Repetition. &nbsp;10,000 times. &nbsp;That was the key. &nbsp;Her kata was strong, and soon, so her form would be. &nbsp;<br><br>One thing her new body's muscles remembered.... Madoka had found a small metal harp, and her hands grasped it naturally. &nbsp;With her own classical strings training, she found the instrument easy, even natural to play. &nbsp;She enjoyed the relaxation the music brought her and those around her.<br><br>Much tougher was retraining her mind. &nbsp;Cornellius's words had focused her. &nbsp;If some arcane magic was the cause of this phenomenon, then, if possible, she must learn this arcana... recognize it. &nbsp;So that when the time came...<br><br>When her body was resting then, she studied the arcane. &nbsp;It made no sense to her at all... still every evening she tried to break through her mental blocks. &nbsp;Her body, she discovered, had a knack with wizardry... if she could only release the power, the magic flowed more powerfully than a novice's ever should... &nbsp;But still, she had only released the magic under strict supervision, supressing her own mental restrictions of what 'should' be impossible.<br><br>Still, her wizard trainer was optimistic. &nbsp;As she left, he presented her a small book, it's first pages filled with the basic spells they had tried together.<br><br>He smiled encouragingly, saying. "Give it time. &nbsp;Find yourself again, Madoka, then try again. &nbsp;Soon, your mind and body will feel as one again. &nbsp;When they do, you will be ready."<br><br>Madoka had bowed low, unable to express her gratitude properly. &nbsp;"Thank you for all your help."<br><br><div class="floatleft">(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs5/i/2004/306/8/b/Monk_of_Cail_by_LunarSeraph.jpg)</div>Then came the day they were to depart this refuge. &nbsp;Donning the&nbsp;traveling costume she had chosen, she headed out into the square, ready to rejoin her new 'lost' companions. &nbsp;Already she felt a tie to them, though only a few months had passed.<br><br>She set her pack down as they waited, pulled her cloak off, moving into the small grassy area in the middle of the square, she bowed to them, and then, using a tree near the edge of the area as a focus, she began again the basic Kata of her school. &nbsp;She flowed from move to move, feeling her new body's response, so much like her old. &nbsp;Already with the training she'd lost some of her curves, her body becoming harder in it's intensive training. &nbsp;But it was truely becoming HER body.<br><br>Ending the Kata with a small smile, she turned to look at the others. "I'm ready." She said simply.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>20-11-2011, 08:34:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Skylar had had a hard time adjusting to the new body, though she stopped worrying so much about the radical change the second she caught sight of herself in the mirror...&nbsp; It was almost as though she had stepped out of a dream!&nbsp; Knowing that she would be treated to that every time she stepped in front of a mirror calmed her down a lot!<br><br>While at the Sanctuary, Skylar began schooling in magic, finding it came surprisingly easy for him...&nbsp; Certainly much easier than most of the others, they said it was because she was a sorceress, and magic would come naturally to her, but that if she didn't know how to cast a spell, she just didn't know how to cast it.&nbsp; She could read the intricacies of a spell for years and still be no closer to casting it than the firat day she saw it.<br><br>More difficult for her though, were her lessons in how to act like a woman as opposed to as a man.&nbsp; This was try difficult for Skylar and at times almost seemed more like she was being brain washed than being taught lessons, but while she would of course never lose some habits from having lived as a male for 21 years, she certainly did act much more feminine now.<br><br>It wasn't until after the first few weeks at the sanctuary that Skylar began to realization how boring her life had been, spending most of her time on the computer, and now that she was learning so much more interesting things, she finally began to get more excited at the whole ordeal, even taking up the name Phoenix, as she had been given a new life by way of fire, just as the mythical...&nbsp; or perhaps not so mythical bird.<br><br>On the day that they were to set off, Phoenix grabbed her favorite new outfit (http://www.episodeseason.com/digital-art/hot-elves/sexy-elves-girls.jpg) and walked out to meet up with the rest of the group and wait for Cornellius to arrive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>20-11-2011, 15:40:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael spent the days during their journey to the sanctuary in silent reflection. This new body took some getting used to, and the thought that someone else used to own it was disturbing. Michael didn't like the fact that he had essentially stolen someone's body one bit. He wondered if somehow it's inhabitant was in his own body back on Earth.<br><br>Once they arrived, Michael began exploring his options in this new world. He had always wanted to be strong, to protect, but had never been able to before. Now though, that was within his possibilities. He studied hard to become a warrior and protector. He even took faith for the first time in his life. With his faith, he seemed to grow only more powerful on the field of battle. <br><br>Soon Michael had reached a level of competency, that would prevent an embarrassing demise. He knew he had much to learn still, but with the guidance of his goddess he would grow. Gathering for Cornellius, Michael took a seat nearby. Pulling out his whetstone, he sharpened his axe to pass the time. He had a feeling this wasn't the normal training. Today his life would begin.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>20-11-2011, 15:51:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				During the trek to the city, it became clear that Chastian returned Cruise's feelings. Where she was reserved with others, she was warm and open with Cruise. She confided in him.&nbsp; She was afraid of this new place, but she would do her best to fit in.&nbsp; If there was work to be done, Chastian was in the middle of it helping or asking for directions on how 'to' help. Hard work did not bother her one bit. She wasn't to good to deal with the most mundane of chores either. <br><br>Chastian as well had to grow accustomed to her new form. But it was not perhaps, quite as hard as it was for others. She retrained herself as she had been trained growing up. She worked at making her body more flexible, and becoming as agile as she possibly could.&nbsp; She learned as many languages as she could stuff in her cute little head. She was adamant about learning to both read 'and' write these languages. She learned to handle a dagger and the sling just seemed to be second nature to her. <br><br>She also set out to learn about the economic structure of this new world. She focused specifically on the 'value' of items. She wasn't sure what else she should learn, so she sat though many hours of history of this world. There was perhaps, one odd thing she did seek teaching for. She wanted to learn to sew better. Perhaps, learning a bit of the trade could help down the road. She already had a fine hand. Her stitches were small, and nicely placed. She had worked from the beginning on her fingers. They had to be as flexible , agile and nimble as the rest of her.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>20-11-2011, 18:48:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It had been a little unsettling to be told that those things that were reaching out for them might have been figments of his imagination.&nbsp; They seemed so real and there had to be a cause for that intense pain they were experiencing.&nbsp; Though, in retrospect he hoped they were actually hallucinations; at least then he wouldn’t have to worry about what may have happened to him while unconscious.&nbsp; They were found alone after all, meaning if there truly was something there it had their opportunity to do whatever it intended.&nbsp; Shaking his head away from those thoughts, Nick listened to the wisdom being provided in silence until it was time to move out.<br><br>As the group travelled, he got the impression from a few of his comrades that this turn of events was not wholly wanted.&nbsp; Or perhaps it was just them trying to cope with the drastic change in their lives.&nbsp; Nick, or rather Lathus Placida as he now refers to himself, leaned further towards the side of joy and excitement.&nbsp; For the past few years he had lived his life as a wanderer of sorts.&nbsp; Staying in towns long enough to experience a new slice of culture, meet new people, hear new stories, then move on to the next location.&nbsp; It was a life he loved and now he would have an opportunity to live it in a way he had never even fathomed.&nbsp; The prospect of adventure and the unknown was enough to make him giddy.&nbsp; The prospect of residing in another individual’s body didn’t really weigh on his emotions since he was a firm believer in the universe’s tendency towards balance.&nbsp; If he presently resided in this new individual’s body, then it only stood to reason that the old owner now resided in his previous one.&nbsp; If it had been the case where they were sharing the same body, wouldn’t there have been incidents that the other soul would make itself known in one manner or another?&nbsp; Surely that would have been noted if it happened before.<br><br>The time spent at the Sanctuary had, for the most part, been far more exciting than the college he attended on Earth.&nbsp; Combat training appealed to him, but at the same time the allure of being able to utilize real magic was significant.&nbsp; It had been like Christmas morning when he found out there was an individual who could train him in a way that incorporated both elements.&nbsp; Lathus hadn’t expected himself to ever be instigated to attend another class after how thoroughly he burnt out in college.&nbsp; Of course, this was entirely unlike any class he had ever taken.&nbsp; Well, save for the language lessons which he managed to get through by sheer will.<br><br>Just as he had begun to feel comfortable wielding his new sword in tandem with utilizing magic when he was informed that his attention was needed with the rest of the people he had been discovered with.&nbsp; Lathus was excited at what would instigate such an assembly; hopefully it was an opportunity to finally visit the world he had spent so much time studying.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 06:27:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div>At roughly the appointed time, Cornellius strides into view, and noting that you have all gathered in him, he wastes no time, but makes a bee-line towards the centre square, looking at each one of you in turn before he finally arrives before you.&nbsp; His lips finally twitch in a grin and he nods his head almost imperceptibly.<br><br><strong>"It would appear you've all coped well with you time here - that is good, adaptability is an admirable trait.&nbsp; I'm sure you've noticed that lessons on the outside world have been neglected but don't worry, that will come in time, for the sanctuary believes that it would be better to all of you to concentrate on but a single lesson at a time.&nbsp; The outside world is moving on however, and, for those of you who weren't asleep during the brief history that was given to you, you'll know that closure of the world gates has everybody on edge recently - and when people can't find an answer to a problem they must find someone to blame.&nbsp; You can rest assured that the Lost will be that 'someone'."</strong><br><br>Finally with a deep sigh, he reaches into his robes, pulling out his pipe, taking a moment or two to light, before continuing:&nbsp; <strong>"At the forefront of convincing the world that the Lost are that threat is the Order of Saeropane; I think I did tell you about&nbsp; them once before, did I not?&nbsp; They won't come out and say it naturally - their very existence is secret and anathema - but their considerable resources are bent towards this task, enough so that there are many who will wake up in the morning firmly believing that they thought it themselves, so subtle are the influences being pressed upon them."</strong><br><br><strong>"At the risk of sounding clichéd, rest assured that the Saeropaneans will be your most implacable foe in this world; their agents reach though every strata of society - peasant, merchant, nobleman and woman, leper or obese glutton; the resources of the Saeropeneans are vast enough that they could be their own country in all but name.&nbsp; In an indirect manner, possibly unrelated, this is what brings me here today."</strong><br><br>Removing a gold-lined ivory holder from his pockets, Cornellius twists open the cap and produces a scroll from within which he unrolls on the marble before you.&nbsp; <strong>"I'm sure that you're aware that you've all come to more or less the end of your 'career' training as it were,"</strong> he notes with a sardonic grin, <strong>"and naturally there is a customary test.&nbsp; Usually this would pit you through some obstacle course of unimaginative description, but I have managed to suggest something more... interesting and hopefully more productive: see here."</strong><br><br>His finger taps on a part of the map, which you can all see is on the exact opposite end of the island from the sanctuary.&nbsp; <strong>"This place was originally meant to be the site of small outpost for the sanctuary but the area was rocky to build foundations, but what was discovered is a deep cave, which our diviners have spent time mapping and realised that it eventually will lead under the sea and out onto the mainland.&nbsp; The lasts group that explored it reported <em>mi'raks</em>... or goblins - a type of degenerate orc, lanky and scrawny, but much more nimble - found infesting the caves in numbers that makes them little more than a nuisance: that last group made it out to the other side with only a few scratches.&nbsp; You'll win no prizes for guessing that your test will be to clear the passages out.&nbsp; Still, I would not look down on it as a menial chore - any silver, gold, or precious stones you find within is yours, though the rest the sanctuary will take possession of."</strong><br><br><strong>"It will take you about a day to get there, half a day if you take some short cuts though I wouldn't attempt it unless one of you is skilled in woodscraft.&nbsp; Three or four more days to make it through the caves, allowing for an extra day to clear the caves.&nbsp; The idea behind all this, if you're interested, is that we'll be provided with a much more covert way to transport goods to the sanctuary, as Kalandorian ships have been sighted even as far south as here, and we're not the kind to want to have to answer awkward questions, if you know what I mean."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 09:36:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka looked at Cornellius, the smile sliding off her face as she takes in his words.&nbsp; She grimaces as he talks about the Order of Saeropane, but keeps listening without interruption.&nbsp; When he finishes, she shrugs.&nbsp; "Are these, 'Goblins' unwilling to negotiate then?"<br><br>She sighs.&nbsp; "I'm of course ready to help this community... after all that you've done for us."<br><br>She stretches, sighing again, and glances back at the rest of the group.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 11:50:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael stands once he sees Cornelius arrive. He quickly puts away his whetstone, and listens to what the old man had to say. Nodding carefully considers what Cornelius has to say, that is until the goblins are mentioned. Michael frowns deeply for a moment, until of course it was mentioned that they would be eliminating them. A deep grin appears on his face. The smile turns to a scowl when Madoka speaks, "Are these, 'Goblins' unwilling to negotiate then?".<br><br>Michael turns and spits, <strong>"<em>All</em> orcs are degenerate. These evil creatures may negotiate while we have an upper hand, but only to delay while they get their knives planted firmly in our backs. The world needs be rid of their evil."</strong><br><br>Despite his hatred of his foe, Michael stands relaxed. The rest of the group would see as he did, and if not it was of little matter. Leaving alive someone who knew of the tunnels would risk the Saeropane discovering them, and that could not be allowed. They could not trust the mi'raks, and therefore the caves would be cleansed of their evil for the greater good.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 13:30:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise found the idea of a whole group of creatures being described as evil a little disturbing, but in this world it was entirely possible and he theorized that a large enough display of force could scare the majority off. Still he didn't know much about these mi'raks except what he was being told here, and they were faster than orcs but he had didn't really know how fast an orc was, he had met a half orc or at least some one in the body of a half orc before so he assumed they'd be fast enough.<br><br>He looked at Cornellius and asked "Do you have any idea on numbers or the kind of equipment do they generally have?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 13:33:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka nodded to the Dwarf, acknowledging his words.&nbsp; "You have obviously studied this, Michael, so I will willingly defer to your judgement.&nbsp; I have not heard of these creatures before, and so I spoke in ignorance. Forgive me?"<br><br>She smiles shyly at him.&nbsp; Then as Cruise speaks, she turns to listen.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 14:18:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div>Cornellius suddenly laughs softly, though it is without derision.&nbsp; <strong>"It is a shame that they have not had time to teach you more about the world, but experience is often the best teacher.&nbsp; Let us see... the <em>mi'rak</em> are not evil, though it is true that they have few friends, even amongst their own kind.&nbsp; The best way to describe a goblin is that of an emaciated orc whose intelligence is barely above that of an animal - their primitive minds are so underdeveloped that even the magic of mages that can influences the mind fails to affect theirs - but they are highly territorial and on that ground alone, they come into conflict with others more often than not."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Tagan: "To answer your question Missy, if the <em>mi'rak</em> could be negotiated with, be certain they would have advanced past the stage of living under crags and in caves.&nbsp; Unfortunately, they are mostly instinct, respond better to threat, and have a magpie's love of shiny objects which will always put them in conflict with the civilised world.&nbsp; They lead miserable existences, that are pitiful by any standards, and nature's only compensation to them is great resistance to disease and a propensity to multiply like rabbits.&nbsp; That is all there is to it."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Aybara: "However Mr. Cruise, you needn't fear a goblin's military prowess, even though you are all relatively inexperienced - the last expedition had naught but four and you are seven - if that does not assuage any concerns you may have, I don't know what will."</strong><br><br><strong>@ hgb: "But tell me Brian... in my time there was a man named Tolkien and before I found myself here I know he had published a book entitled 'The Hobbit'.&nbsp; Some of the Lost have told me his works have gained some degree of fame since, and have influenced how people see the world of fantastic imagination.&nbsp; Indeed a lot of the Lost come here thinking that orcs are a wholly wicked race.&nbsp; The more accurate term would be savage or feral.&nbsp; I myself have never taken up the call of the holy warrior, but I understand that the ability to sense malevolence is within their power; remember to use as liberally as good manners would dictate - good and evil exists in orcs in about as much proportion as in mankind, though I must admit they are rarely orderly creatures.&nbsp; However..."</strong> With a sudden laugh, he pats you good-naturedly on the shoulder, <strong>"I am thinking you will make a convincing dwarf... your comments on the whole of orc kind would certainly earn you many a raised mug of ale from the stout folk!"</strong><br><br><strong>@ Group: "But as I said before, try not to let preconceptions colour your views of what exists in this world - you will find the reality of things somewhat different than what common literature paints in very broad strokes."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 14:51:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chastian listened quietly.&nbsp; Her face colored&nbsp; good deal. With outrage, anger, and finally frustration. She didn't speak the first word.&nbsp; Amber eyes went dark and somewhat distant as she thought things through a little. At mention of the Hobbit she came back too. <strong><span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font">I'm a box without key or lid. But inside me golden treasure is hid. What, am I?</span></strong>She asked the riddle looking at Cornellius. She flashed a look at Brian, her eyes still dark with distaste.&nbsp; <strong><span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font">WE are considered evil because we were dragged her against our will.&nbsp; Are 'you' evil?</span></strong>She was quite pointed about it. He should think about what he'd said in her estimation.&nbsp; She looked back to Cornellius after another few moments of thought.<strong><span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font">Is there no place these poor creatures can live in peace? Why has no one attempted to capture them and release them somewhere they can do no harm?&nbsp; It's hardly fair to kill them all just because they are an incovenience.</span></strong> Cruise would recognize Chas' propensity to respect all life.&nbsp; <br><br>There'd been one time a group of baby mice had somehow gotten into the trashcan beneath the sink in his apartment back home. He came in to find her carefully plucking them out by their tales. The'd gone into some plastic container or another. When asked 'why' she had told him she was going to release them at a nearby park. That it wasn't their fault they'd been born in his apartment. WHY should they suffer for it?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 15:27:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phoenix listened on with interest.&nbsp; The idea of taking a different way out of here as a group certainly did appeal to her.&nbsp; What was the point of living in this world of what had once been fantasy if she just got a job at a tavern after all?&nbsp; She had always loved reading sword and sorcery books, certainly including Tolkien's works, and now she effectively got to be one of the main characters in such a tale...&nbsp; Perhaps she should make a diary and cronicle their adventures...<br><br>Still, as excited as she was to be able to finally have a practical use for her new powers, what Chastian said somewhat bothered her.&nbsp; "He never for certain said that we <em>did</em> have to kill them!&nbsp; He merely said we have to clear the place out!&nbsp; We will just have to see what happens...&nbsp; Maybe we can just find a way to scare them out...&nbsp; I don't know...&nbsp; They could be afraid of fire...&nbsp; But he never for certain said we had to kill them all."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 18:25:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lathus listened to the group plan their course of action in dealing with the mi’rak. As had become an unconscious action during his training, he absent mindedly held the sheath of the blade resting at his hip. He was still a long way from being proficient with his Iaijutsu, but his instructor had told him that it was something that would come with patience and practice until his instincts sharpened. The more he learned about the creatures, the more he was convinced that a civilized alternative would not be a viable option.<br><br><strong>”Between their primal nature and probable vast numbers, I don’t see humane tactics being successful. I cannot even fathom how difficult it would be to uproot an entire…”</strong> Unfamiliar with the term, he looked towards Cornellius for guidance. <strong>”What is a group of mi’rak called? A horde?”</strong> Giving their advisor an opportunity to provide an answer, Lathus continued. <strong>”As was mentioned they procreate like rabbits, which will likely lead to issues down the road in regards to sanitary and safety issues. If left unchecked, I’m willing to bet that their numbers can grow to the point where they will become emboldened enough to venture into the area immediately outside of their cave in order to seek food what is bound to become scarce within the tunnel. Genocide might be overkill for this situation, but at the very least we will need to do something that will instill fear into their animalistic minds. Something that would be drastic enough to make them associate life-threatening danger with anybody who they notice passing through the tunnel; if we don’t find a way to curb their aggressive tendencies then it will be a reoccurring issue.</strong><br><br>Considering what he had just proposed for a moment, Lathus scratched his head nervously. To think, just a short while ago he would never had needed to rationalize such a decision with anything larger than a hornet nest. <strong>”Though, to be honest, I must admit that my opinion is slightly skewed. I’m somewhat starstruck with this new lifestyle and am somewhat eager to figure out what my new body and skills are capable of. I’m not planning on actively hunting down a bunch of goblins, but I just won’t stand by as they attempt to assault us. From the sounds of it, the situation is ideal to test out our group potential and ability to function as a team in a way where defeat is unlikely. It’d be best to get a feel for our limitations before we go up against something a lot more threatening than cannon fodder.”</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 18:32:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka tries to reason it out a bit.&nbsp; "I've no objection to finding a better way than killing these creatures... I'm fairly good myself at knocking out things without killing them.&nbsp; But we need to remember, these creatures are dangerous."<br><br>She nods at Lathus.&nbsp; "And I agree.&nbsp; This misson will help us adapt to our place in this world. Besides, we're being sent on an important misson for this community, a community that has taken us in with kindness. We can repay a bit of that today."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>21-11-2011, 19:35:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael shrugs, <strong>"Apologies if my tone upset some of you."</strong> <br><br>He turns towards Chastain, <strong>"Just trying to get into the spirit of my current host, if you would. An act can been seen through, but if you live it, keep it with you always, surround yourself with that, and hold true, even when alone. Then the act becomes much harder to see through, and becomes much more real. If there is a way to swap bodies back, I don't want this one injured during my stay, especially because I couldn't convince others that I was a dwarf. Of course if there is an alternative to just killing them we could, but forced relocation have hardly worked any better or been more humane." </strong><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>22-11-2011, 00:27:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise listened to the others "Finding a more reasonable and less violent way to deal with them will likely require us to take a closer look to these Mi'kar. Even if we do have to employ some amount of violence we can try and keep it to a minimum. Being reasonable even if they were true devil spawn they are a community and that means children and the old. There are some things I wont do flat out. We can make an assessment and come up with some kind of agreeable plan to come to resolution to the Sanctuary's needs and our own consciences, we just need more information."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>22-11-2011, 00:54:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her eyes narrowed as she turned to look at Phoenix evenly. She took a moment to think on what she was going to say.&nbsp; <span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><strong> It may not have ‘specifically’ been said that we were to kill them. But in point of fact at least one member of this party quite obviously construed that particular meaning from what was not said.&nbsp; </strong> </span> &nbsp;<br><br>Pausing she listened as Lathus spoke.&nbsp; She did so with consideration.&nbsp; <span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><strong>The functionality of any team boils down to its cohesiveness as a group. We have yet to work as ‘a team’.&nbsp; I agree it is a good idea to know the limitations we must work against.&nbsp; </strong> </span> &nbsp;<br><br>She tilted her head looking at Madoka curiously.&nbsp; &nbsp;She didn’t have a comment to give in return. <br><br>She did look at Michael again, listening.<span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><strong>I’m glad you feel that way. Because I happen to be acting as I always have.&nbsp; As for relocation,&nbsp; when it is done without consideration or respect for those being moved then yes you are correct.&nbsp; Knowing these things at the onset should serve us well. </strong> </span> &nbsp;<br><br>She agreed with Cruise giving a nod.&nbsp; &nbsp;<span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Yes, recon is always important.&nbsp; Without it you’re walking blindly.</strong></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>22-11-2011, 16:45:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>@ Group: “Well, don’t intellectualise too much on the task,”</strong> concludes Cornellius with a hard slap of his hand upon the map, <strong>“you’re all new at this and when the task is before you, you’ll figure the best recourse to deal with it: if you’re resourceful enough you may even find a way to drive them out.&nbsp; Be aware that some people will not share such sentiments – dwarves certainly, but even the dwarven grudge against goblins is a pale thing compared to a Hyrkanian’s hate towards them; if there are a people who will drive the <em>mi’raks</em> to extinction it will be the Hyrkanians.&nbsp; So I’ll leave this with a word of friendly advice: never stand between a Hyrkanian warrior and his <em>mi’rak</em> prey, for they will feather you with arrows or ride you down without even a flicker of remorse or moments regret, not since Bloody Khorosal have they ever shown a <em>mi’rak</em> any mercy or quarter.”</strong><br><br>Reaching into the scroll case, he pulls out just enough of another parchment to show all of you that there is another map within.&nbsp; <strong>“This map will show you the most direct route through the caves and locations where <em>mi’rak</em> encampments are most likely to be.”</strong>&nbsp; Taking the map of the island, the old man deftly rolls parchment, replacing it within case before tossing at <span class="bbc_u"><em><strong>Chastian</strong></em></span>.<br><br><strong>@ Mysterium: “Once lass, when I was younger and had curiousity for such things, I connected my mind with that of a <em>mi’rak</em> to learn what I could of their nature.&nbsp; There is no evil or ill-will to be found in such simple minds.&nbsp; The only things that reside within a goblin’s mind are three – pain, fear, hunger.&nbsp; Mostly hunger, and intense enough that even I felt the pangs in my gut.”</strong>&nbsp; With a sigh Cornellius stands, wincing slightly as he does so, before patting you lightly on the shoulder and though he speaks it does not seem to be at anyone in particular, <strong>“You have a good heart girl and a kind soul; save that mercy and good-will for those who deserve it, and, more importantly, for those who need it.&nbsp; Otherwise you’ll grow old and hard and live in a world of lost dreams.”</strong><br><br><strong>@ Group: “Tomorrow you begin.&nbsp; I advise an early start, which will let you get to the cavern entrance by mid-afternoon.&nbsp; You can spend the rest of the day preparing and planning as you please.&nbsp; Tonight however, we shall drink and feast and perhaps speak of other things.&nbsp; This old man has a few concerns, which I would like to discuss with you, if you are willing.”</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>22-11-2011, 19:07:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka nods at Cornellius's last words.&nbsp; "I don't think I have many preperations to make.&nbsp; I'm for the feast, Cornellius.&nbsp; Lead the way!"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>23-11-2011, 07:13:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phoenix listened as the old man continued to address them and upon hearing that they would be feasting that night and setting off early in the morning, she thanked the man and politely excused herself to go speak with her various teachers thanking them for all they had done and telling them that they would be heading out the next day.<br><br>Once that was done, she retreated to her room and began to really sit down and think about the fact that the next day she would be setting out on an adventurer...&nbsp; The idea of getting to be a potential hero was almost too much.&nbsp; Then she suddenly remembered that she had planned on chronicling her tale and ran off to go shopping for a pen and parchment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>26-11-2011, 03:42:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise nodded at Cornellius, he slipped an arm around Chastian "We'll all come to some kind of accord." He was glad to have her close by and often when they were together tried to show some quiet sign of affection. He smiled at them "A feast does sound like a welcome change of pace."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>26-11-2011, 19:27:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael nods at Cornelius, <strong>"I am prepared for our journey, and will be glad to speak with you of your concerns. As far as a feast, why not? A feast sounds wonderful."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>27-11-2011, 11:13:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">GM Notes</div><div class="spoiler_body">Anything bought can be had here at 50% of normal prices marked (with note to the 500 sm limit for this community), for those who are intending to do shopping.</div></div><br><div class="floatright">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/Al_C.jpg)</div><em><strong>Without the usual chores that occupy you, the day goes surprisingly quickly and it is not long before the pale disc of Emaeril's silvery Ellistrae is becoming visible in the sky and cool night air descends upon the sanctuary.&nbsp; Torches flare and the busy pace of life slowly comes to a relaxed hubbub as everyone comes to let out the stresses of the day and sink in at their favourite watering-holes.<br><br>When the time comes, an eerie whisper, without doubt Cornellius' magic, directs you to one of the towers on the north-west side of the fortress.&nbsp; Though kept tidy, it is obviously a little visited corner of the sanctuary and beyond the door near the top it is evident that this place was once a study, but now converted into small gathering point.&nbsp; Though Cornellius had promised a feast, it is more of a hearty repast, but there are drinks aplenty to compensate for the lesser quantity of food than you expected.<br><br>Only Cornellius is there to greet you, but the old dodger has clearly started before you, unceremoniously gnawing on a beef joint, before espying you and raising it, as if toasting you with a mug of ale - unseemly behaviour for a wizard to say the least - and it looks as if he means to finish the meal without you if you don't get started!<br><br>The old man's table manners and uproarious attitude would non-the-less make any dwarf, or soldier, proud; reaching for a fresh cut of meat before he is done with his own and slamming his mug down whilst blowing foamy froth from his silver beard, laughing loudly.&nbsp; Indeed the entire night is more that of a festivity.</strong></em><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Cornellius' Feast</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Those who choose to join the old frothblower and revel to the fullest gain the following benefits for 48 hrs:</strong> +1 morale bonus to <span class="bbc_u">attack rolls</span> and +2 morale bonus <span class="bbc_u">Fortitude</span> saves.<br><br><strong>Those who choose to be more modest in their intake gain the following benefits for 48 hrs:</strong> +1 morale bonus to <span class="bbc_u">Will</span> saves and +2 morale bonus to <span class="bbc_u">Initiative</span> rolls and <span class="bbc_u">Perception</span> checks.</div></div><br>Some time later, you're not sure when, but it can't be too late at night, old Cornellius takes his last mug before setting down with an audible sigh.&nbsp; With an unsteady gait, he hobbles to the window overlooking the entirety of the sanctuary, where the ocean breeze of the night gently stirs his beard and hair.<br><br><div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>"You will remember earlier today that I mentioned the Order of Saeropane,"</strong> he begins abruptly.&nbsp; <strong>"As I said it may possibly be an unrelated matter, or perhaps I am simply thinking too much, but for whatever reason, some of you may know that within the Elven Territories, there exists the last relics of an ancient civilisation that dwelt on Emaeril 'ere the elves set foot on it.&nbsp; That is not entirely true however - 'twould be more accurate to say that the Elven Territories holds the most plentiful number of such relics on Emaeril."</strong><br><br>Pacing up and down as if some inner fire will not let him sit, he continues: <strong>"Even here at Al-Cairsinal, such has been found.&nbsp; More specifically, deep beneath our very feet right now.&nbsp; The council here keeps things quiet as best they can, but any person with some free time on their hands will hear about it eventually, so it's not like I'm revealing 'state secrets' in case you're wondering.&nbsp; Nay, friends.&nbsp; This old man has a worry on his mind.&nbsp; Very recently, a particularly large relic has been unearthed and has lit the proverbial fire in council's underwear.&nbsp; Now normally even something like this would not even concern me... what has been my concern however is that there are those who are my friends who helped to dig it up.&nbsp; And now they are missing."</strong><br><br>Finally he returns to the window where he visibly calms himself, tapping his gnarled fingers on the windowsill.&nbsp; <strong>"Something is bothering me - the council has never refused information before, especially when a comrades life may be at risk, and yet now they give me some silly good-for-nothing excuse that my friends have left the sanctuary on some errand for the council.&nbsp; Old and addled as my wits may be, I know well enough when someone is feeding me a falsehood - the council is comprised of kindly scholars, men and women who care dearly for those under their watch - lying is not one of their skills and it shows when they try."</strong><br><br><strong>"I'm hoping that the Saeropaneans are not involved in this matter or it will put us all in deadly peril.&nbsp; However, I want to know what it is that they dug up that is so damn important that it has become the first of their relics to have a guard placed on it, where formerly they left them lying about for any one who could be bothered to look at them.&nbsp; I have attempted to scry upon it magically, but some blasted and clever fool must have placed some contingency against that, and my efforts were for naught."</strong><br><br><strong>"I think most of you should know where I'm going with this.&nbsp; I just need someone to take a peek inside to see what all the fuss is about - the guards who watch it are poorly trained, or more accurately have never been trained, and I'm sure if some of us distracted them with flamboyant behaviour, others could take a look inside - the place is just an adjusted storehouse and it should be easy to get into.&nbsp; You need not spend more than a few heartbeats to see what is inside."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>27-11-2011, 18:05:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka does not seem distressed by Cornellius's table manners, she sits down near him, a glint of mirth in her eyes.&nbsp; However, she does not fully enter into the spirit of the occasion, her eating habits being much more civilized.&nbsp; <br><br>However daintily she eats, she enjoys the food and drink. <br><br>When Cornellius finally speaks, she listens carefully, and nodding, says.&nbsp; "This is your personal request, and unconnected to the earlier mission you mentioned, correct?&nbsp; I am game enough.&nbsp; I would be, perhaps, willing to investigate this for you... if I could get a little help, I could not do so alone."<br><br>She looks sharply at the old man.&nbsp; "As this is a personal favor however, and not a job for the community, I would expect to be compensated in some fashion?&nbsp; I believe that's appropriate, correct?"<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Sense motive above 12</div><div class="spoiler_body">Madoka is more interested in this project than she's saying, and added the bit about being compensated to make it seem that she is not excited about it.<br>Madoka's bluff check, 11 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=33312)<br></div></div><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Phaia</strong> on <strong>28-11-2011, 19:04:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: comic sans ms;" class="bbc_font">***Before the party at First meeting***<br>Azile listened to the old man talk, her agile mind filing away what he said and what he didn’t say. Cornellius was a wizard, his mind sharp and focused enough to command powerful energies and so what he didn’t say might be more important then what he did. <br><br>She looked over the map and noted points on the map, cul-de-sacs, off caverns and such as the others talked and expressed their views.<br>Azile kept quiet as she listened, realizing quickly that the others were trying to impose earth values and ideals on a world where the concept of individual freedom and rights was rare. Here, now laws were medieval at best, Low, Middle and High justice prevailed and though she had never taken a life and had strove to protect the well being of people and the land here she had come to realize that one had to be willing to fight to kill……no that was wrong one had to be willing to fight to live and do what it took. She had read of the mi’raks, goblins, and realized there could be no talking with them…no discussion, they would try and take the little they had and gnaw on their bones. <br><br>She decided there that she if needed she would be hard one for the group the one that would kill. She would still follow her belief in treating those as she would like to be treated but she would also carry her weapons at the ready.<br><br>“A party sounds excellent but I do need time to rest and relearn a spell, the ones I have are for more training, I need my combat spell.”So she left and rested and mediated and took a bath.<br><br><br><br>***the party***<br><br>Azile arrived wearing what could almost be called tan jeans, cotton leggings with leather bindings that hugged her lithe frame and showed the shape of her rear and legs, a tight black tank top and a cotton waist length jacket of a blue that matched her eyes hung around her shoulders. Feet clad in calf boots that had a dagger on each side while around and between her feet a black furred weasel darted.<br><br>Azile ate properly, sipping at wine and even taking a mug of ale.{modest} Her eyes watched and noted the others and their reactions.&nbsp; She laughed and blew kisses at the men, and once after an exchange of crude humor from Cornellius and others she leaned across the table to kiss Cornellius on the cheek, showing amble cleavage in the process.<br><br>When the elder wizard finally got up to pace and talk she listened. Finally she spoke, “it seems to me they are scared, an old earth saying comes to mind ‘they planned to catch a rabbit and got a lion instead’… I am curious as to what they found and have no problem being a ….’distraction’ for the guards…heck they might even get lucky”<br><br>Nodding to Madoka “I am in dahling”<br></span>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>28-11-2011, 20:13:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka blushes at Alize's suggestion, but can't deny the effective beauty of the Elven woman.&nbsp; She smiles shyly.&nbsp; "Thank you!&nbsp; I think that such a distraction would be more than sufficient.&nbsp; Perhaps I should take lessons from you?"<br><br>Madoka gives the older woman a long, appraising glance, still smiling shyly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>29-11-2011, 00:24:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				BEFORE the party<br><br>Chastian listened quietly as Cornelius spoke.&nbsp; She didn’t regret having spoken her mind.&nbsp; It took a bit of courage on her part. Ordinarily, she was very quiet among groups.&nbsp; She held Cornellius’ gaze as he focused on her. She filed away everything he was saying.&nbsp; Still, she couldn’t&nbsp; change how she felt about dealing with the mi’rak.&nbsp; She was very much aware of the fact that others may decide to kill the poor creatures.&nbsp; She was swift and caught the case as it was tossed at her.&nbsp; It was tucked into her belt.&nbsp; She simply nodded as the feast was spoken of.&nbsp; For the time being,&nbsp; a feast didn’t excite her. <br><br>AT the Party<br><br>Chastian had gone along to the party. She was relatively quiet as she ate.&nbsp; She chose to drink more water or tea, if available, than alcoholic beverages. She was very adamant about keeping her wits as keen as a finely honed blade.<br><br>She listened quietly as was her wont.&nbsp; Whatever emotions or thoughts flitted through her head were kept from her delicate features.&nbsp; It was a curious thing Cornellius&nbsp; spoke of.&nbsp; She waited a bit before speaking with a thoughtful look on her features.<br><br><span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Well, with the proper distraction in place mayhap I’d be the one to do the sneaking.&nbsp; So long’s Kurze isn’t the one set to keep those what get to sneaking out.</strong></span><br>It was meant as a joke. The impish curl to her lips and mischievous twinkle in her eyes said as much. Chastian had kept the skills from her past life, and learned a few others. She’d set out to learn how to adapt&nbsp; what she’d known to this strange new world.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>29-11-2011, 02:21:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cornellius' mention of the feast had caused Lathus' brow to raise with interest and excitement.&nbsp; In the time spent training, he had never really gotten much of an opportunity to cut loose in this new world.&nbsp; Such an evening of lighthearted merriment was exactly what he had been craving.&nbsp; The next several hours were spent ensuring he had everything packed and prepped for their journey to preoccupy himself until they were summoned to the tower.<br><br>It wasn't exactly what the half-elf had pictured in his mind when he thought of a feast in the more medieval setting, but his discontent was quickly abated when he noticed the lively state of their host.&nbsp; Taking Cornellius' lead, Lathus promptly set about taking his own hearty share of the meal and drink being offered.&nbsp; He was still having trouble grasping his new place in society; Nicholas understood that he would be looked down upon as a half-breed and was still in the process of feeling the full measure of that aspect of his new body.&nbsp; There was no doubt in his mind that life inside the Sanctuary was a sheltered one and he would not gain true insight to his place on the totem pole until he ventured into the world.&nbsp; However, that was a secondary concern compared to his uncertainty on how he was to behave in his new body.&nbsp; As he imbibed in generous quantities, he couldn't help but wonder if he was betraying his more reserved elven ancestry for the sake of following his more impulsive human tendencies.&nbsp; &nbsp;Of course, it also wouldn't be the first time he believed that he was simply over thinking matters.<br><br>An eager smile traced Lathus' lips as Cornellius mentioned a need for their assistance, his own curiosity piqued by what could possibly be so precious to cause an entire team of excavators to disappear.&nbsp; The mission seemed straightforward enough and he couldn't help but chuckle as the effeminate half of their group begun strategizing.&nbsp; <strong>"I'll help in whatever way I can, but something tells me that Azile would be able to distract the guards enough for a bull elephant to charge through the warehouse, which will make the job all the more of a walk in the park for the three most agile individuals amongst us.&nbsp; I suppose if nothing else, Michael and I can have a faux street brawl should Azile's plan fall through."</strong>&nbsp; Lathus shot the resident dwarf an amused grin.&nbsp; <strong>"Who knows, this mission might turn out to be quite fun."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>29-11-2011, 03:08:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Kurze or Cruise as he still thought of himself spent the time before the feast having a bath. He had scrubbed as best he could and now sat in the water just soaking and meditating. He felt the lap of the water against his chest as it was disturbed by his breathing. He was still having trouble reconciling their current objective for the next day with the hope that he had previously had of leaving violence against him. The feast and any covert subterfuge to help Cornelious's friends seemed far easier to accept. He dressed again after trying to scrub out any stains in his clothes.<br><br>At the party he had taken to enjoying the meal, not racing through it however he was going at a steady pace. It had been some time since he had this much food to eat and it might be a long time again before he got another chance. He was eating meat from a plate with his hands as he listened to the others. He swallowed and spoke clearly<strong> "I'm not the lightest on my feet, I do seem to be able to move quickly now but I'm as noisy as ever."</strong> He grinned and licked his thumb, one way or another he was set to enjoy this party.<strong> "I'm sure there is some way I can help though."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>29-11-2011, 06:37:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael stops by to grab some extra trail rations before double checking his things, ensuring he would be ready for the journey in the morning. After that he takes his time to say a brief prayer to Valkauna, <em>"Valkauna grant us swift victory in our task, and watch over your faithful. Help guide my axe and lead me down the path of righteousness."</em><br><br>Arriving at the feast, Michael wasn't disappointed in the lack of food, the ale was all the nourishment he would need. Diving right in, Michael makes an attempt to catch up to the old man, downing more than was probably healthy. After his fourth cup he slows down to a more moderate pace, having to wake up early was on his mind. It had been too long since he had a drink, and it was nice to relax. <br><br>He was well into his cups when Cornelius began, and at first the poor dwarf didn't realize the topic had gone serious. Michael listens closely to Cornelius speak frowning slightly as he gets to his request. Waiting patiently he lets the others finish speaking before he opens his mouth, he already knew his opinion wouldn't be the popular one. When the others said their peace he stood stroking his beard, <strong>"While I can understand your concern for your friends, we should respect the councils wishes. There is obviously a good reason behind their decision. The decision was made with more information than we have, and shouldn't be undone without a better understanding. I will make an attempt to learn about your friends, find them, but I won't be part of sneaking around behind the council, and would have to insist that you go through the proper channels instead of acting like vagabonds." </strong><br><br>Michael sits back down, quietly finishing off his current drink. He didn't think his opinion on this was likely to win him any favor, but he felt like this was the right thing to do anyways. He clears his throat turning towards Cornelius,<strong> "You said you tried to scry the artifact. Have you tried to scry your friends?"</strong><br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Sense Motive</div><div class="spoiler_body">When conversation turns serious at what was supposed to be a party it puts Michael off slightly. He tries to get a feel to see if he is being told the whole truth, or if someone (Cornelius) was leaving parts out. Sense Motive 16 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=33360)<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>30-11-2011, 08:11:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phoenix had indeed gone out and bought an empty book, finding she would have to settle on an empty spell book as most of the people around cared little for diaries, though perhaps that was for the best as with the arcane markings on the front, if she was ever captured and her things taken away from her, if her captors didn't look inside the book, they would assume she had to look inside to study her spells every day and leave her much less heavily guarded making escapes almost too easy.<br><br>Upon arriving back at her room, she took a bath and made one last little test at trying to find the best way to arouse a woman by simply testifies it out on herself as she had to help wind down after studies in case she found herself a lady friend on her travels.<br><br>She washed the outfit and set it aside for the next day and chose a much more simple one for the feast and quickly made her way up to where it was to be held when she gets the message to go and upon arriving, she tried to keep her lessons on how to act like a lady, thouh as the old man and the dwarf began to prove, if she didn't get her food fast, she wouldn't get enough, though not wanting to wind up accidentally agreeing to something she really didn't want to do, she took the drinking rather lightly.<br><br>When the mew discussion of the underground relic came up, Phoenix thought about it for a while before saying "I personally have no problem helping to look for it!&nbsp; After all, the book I plan on writing about my adventures would be rather boring if I never went and did anything worthwhile!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>30-11-2011, 22:42:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>@ Tagan: </strong>At Madoka's quick response, the old man's face breaks into a smile, which slips fraction at the mention of possible rewards.&nbsp; Then his smile broadens even wider and more amusedly.&nbsp; <strong>"I suppose even an old man like myself can't rely on the good will of others,"</strong> he nods, as if at some amusing secret.&nbsp; Pondering for a few moments, his eyes roll this way and that at the ceiling as though shifting through ideas and discarding them.&nbsp; Finally he give final nod to himself and digs into his robes, and with a rattle of stone, he opens his hand to reveal what appears to be several small obsidian pebbles, before explaining: <strong>"Money is always a nice thing as are items of power, but I've always found the aid of friends to be the most useful - if you are amendable, I shall 'reward' all of you with these Lesser Abryin stones; made with my own blood, they are keyed specifically to me and should you hold them and call for me, I will be able to find you and come to you in moments.&nbsp; However unlike a True Abryin stone, I will not be able remain indefinitely and when the stone's power fades within an hour, I return to where I once was.&nbsp; So?&nbsp; What say you?"</strong><br><br><strong>@ Phaia:</strong>&nbsp; As he made his offer of the Abryin stones, his ears pricked to the suggestive offer of aid that Azile was offering.&nbsp; <strong>"I assure you Miss Eliza, you would be the dream incarnate of many a man, and that is well here in the sanctuary, but remember that the outside world has different ideas on the behaviour of the fair folk,"</strong> he muses with a tug of his beard, <strong>"and whilst you attention would still be welcome, it in itself will draw attention, which may come to the notice of certain undesirable elements, if you know what I mean."</strong><br><br>At the comment by Lathus, Cornellius nodded with a laugh, <strong>"See here.&nbsp; Even your own friends are not unaware of the impact you have with you unabashed manner.&nbsp; I'm not complaining, mind you, as I doubt any other will, but I do worry for your safety my dear.&nbsp; A little discretion before the wrong crowd and a bit of indiscretion in front of the right ones may get you a long way, as well as provide you with... continuity to your desires, should I say."</strong><br><br><strong>@ hgb: "Your mind is still sharp, even after such drink Michael - being of the stout folk has suited you well I am thinking,"</strong> laughs Cornellius softly, though does not turn to look at his guests as he speaks.&nbsp; With a sigh he continues, <strong>"That I did though, I still do.&nbsp; Everyday.&nbsp; I cannot find any of them, save one, though he numbers only amongst those who dug up the relic, not amongst those who are friend to me.&nbsp; I would have talked to him, but he was sick, feverish, and delirious - I simply could not get him to give me proper answer, and even recalling his own name was taxing on his mind.&nbsp; He passed away some three days ago."</strong><br><br>Finally, old Cornellius does turn to look at Michael appraisingly.&nbsp; <strong>"You are a devout of Valkauna are not Master Michael?&nbsp; Perhaps you will join me a little later to visit his grave and help me say a prayer for the poor man's soul?"</strong><br><br><strong>@ Group:</strong>&nbsp; At the mention of a visit to the miner's grave, Cornellius pauses for a moment, his brow lined as if in deep thought, or perhaps even wracking his brain.&nbsp; Finally he speaks, <strong>"Thinking upon it, there was never any mention that the relic could not be seen.&nbsp; Only that it should not be moved from where it has been kept.&nbsp; I simply assumed that because there were armed guards... of course I could be splitting hairs here.&nbsp; Still I've always been one to be discreet about matters, so I had not really thought to go through the front door, so to speak."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>01-12-2011, 01:10:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael sobers up quickly when Cornelius mentions the dead man. Feasting was fine, but the conversation had turned serious, and the dead deserved respect. Duty was not to be taken lightly. Michael nods affirmative when asked if he would say a prayer for the dead, <strong>"I am indeed sir. It would be my honor to speak to The First Daughter on behalf of the departed's soul. "</strong><br><br>Michael sat silently contemplating this strange artifact and the deaths. It couldn't be a coincidence that people were dead after discovering the device. Perhaps some latent power was unleashed, or worse it could be a malevolent entity itself. Michael sighs thinking, <em>"Perhaps I have had a bit too much to drink. Ancient artifacts being malevolent... Absurd!"</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>08-12-2011, 19:15:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div>In the crackling torchlight of the room, Cornelius’ head leans forward, his eye closing as if he might be falling asleep, but creases on his brow betray the meditations that are on his mind.&nbsp; It is only a few moments before his eyes open once again and he is once again regarding the room.&nbsp; With a clap of his hand, he calls all attention to himself.<br><br><strong>@ Group: “Well we have had a long night,”</strong> he concludes, <strong>“and perhaps it will be well to get a good night’s rest as soon as we are all done with whatever other personal business we may have left.&nbsp; The trip to the cave will be long, and though I doubt the wildlife on the isle will trouble you, the terrain may test you – these are not cultivated lands after all.”</strong><br><br><strong>"And you needn't worry about the clean up - there are plenty of insubordinate apprentices who require extra chores!&nbsp; I shall bid you all a pleasant evening, save perhaps Master Michael..."</strong><br><br><strong>@ hgb: "... seeing as I shall be visiting Richard's before I retire, shall we see to it together then?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>08-12-2011, 20:00:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael nods affirmatively. Standing he walks towards Cornelius staying by his side until he should lead the way.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>09-12-2011, 01:22:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise turned to the others<strong> "I suppose it's a good night to you lot then we'll have our hands full soon enough."</strong> A slight smile spread across his lips just touching his eyes before he looked down towards Chastian <strong>"We might be out longer than we plan stuck in tents."</strong> He held a hand out to take hers, not being too shy about his intentions by this point in front of the others. He didn't come outright and say what he was talking about but it would take the completely socially inept and blind not to notice how they interacted with each other.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>09-12-2011, 01:38:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phoenix smiled and nodded her head at the idea of going to bed so they could get a good start the next morning and quickly excused herself, rapidly making her way down to her room to write the first page in her diary before hitting the bed, already dreaming about her adventures.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>09-12-2011, 03:21:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lathus was excited about what awaited them in the coming days.&nbsp; Even though his lessons had been far more enthralling than the ones he had attended in university, he still felt a sense of restlessness growing over the past few weeks.&nbsp; Thanking Cornelius for a bountiful meal, he made one last trip to gather a few more trail rations just to be safe and readied his gear for the morning.&nbsp; He then piled himself in bed and savored the comfort it had to offer since there was no telling how long it will be until he had another opportunity to enjoy such luxuries.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>09-12-2011, 03:25:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka hugged herself as she headed back to her room for one final night's sleep in a real bed. <em>I can hardly believe this.&nbsp; Time to test myself.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>09-12-2011, 19:22:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chastian listened quietly as the others spoke. She wasn’t anti social, so much as she was simply one to listen more than speak at times. She bid the rest of the group goodnight.&nbsp; With a broad grin she took Cruise’s hand.&nbsp; For all the ease with which she hid her thoughts and emotions most times, she could not when it came to Cruise. Her eyes danced brightly with the warmth of emotion she felt. Her face was transformed to a thing of beauty when it shown with the light of love in it. <span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font"><strong>Tents are still better than ditches.</strong></span> She responded with a chuckle.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>12-12-2011, 10:13:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>"Well, I shan't keep you all longer than is necessary.&nbsp; Since I'm heading off to see Richard's grave before I head off the island again tomorrow, Michael can accompany me there, otherwise I'll leave the rest of you to your own devices.&nbsp; If anyone wishes to see me, I'll be in my quarters shortly before the stroke of midnight, otherwise a good night to you all!"</strong><br><br>There is little fanfare as Cornellius leaves, though from the window outside, it is evident that your group was not the only ones to have been having their own celebrations - various cheers and sounds, some unfitting for such a fantastic place as this citadel, and even the sounds of various music as might have been found on Earth; metal, country, rap, and various others, lend a certain disjointed atmosphere, though it does not detract from the celebratory mood that generally permeates the fortress.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>09-01-2012, 21:01:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatright">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/Al_C.jpg)</div><strong><em>After what has seemed to be a very long night, dawn breaks over the sky, streaking the thin cover of clouds in brilliant reds and orange.&nbsp; With the dawn, Al-Cairsinal slowly comes awake, with the gentle hubbub of activity slowly rising as life begins once again.&nbsp; The night has been short for some and longer for others as today several groups are to be tested that the sanctuary might gain a general guideline as to how well they have adapted to their lessons and transition from world to world.<br><br>Not a moment to be ignored as one such group is your own, and before you all lies the task of making the underground route between Al-Cairsinal and the mainland safe enough for supply travel.&nbsp; Cornellius himself comes to see all of you off once your mentors have relayed whatever instructions and advice they can offer.&nbsp; The old soldier turned wizard does not appear to have had too much sleep, to judge by the dark rings beneath his eyes, but, despite this, he appears to be in good spirits.</em></strong><br><br><div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div>Approaching the group, Cornellius gives a nod of acknowledgement to everyone present, with his fists on his hips he almost looks like a sadistic drill sergeant about to put the men through their paces, or at least one who has high expectations for those before him.<br><br><strong>“I shall hope that you are all ready.&nbsp; As you know, one cannot remain all their lives in the sanctuary and at the very least we require skilled individuals in the outside world to see if any answers can be found as to the reason we all find ourselves here.&nbsp; Today will be the day to see if you shall get off the proverbial leash, not that sanctuary is eager to keep you on one you understand.&nbsp; Have you the map I gave you?&nbsp; But here...”</strong><br><br>Cornellius deftly tosses a small black pebble to Madoka.<br><br><strong>"Take one of these Abryin stones, just in case things should become complicated, but don't use it unless somebody's life is in danger, otherwise I shall be most unimpressed!"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>10-01-2012, 10:22:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka grabbed the pebble out of the air with grace, then opened her hand, and looked at the stone, puzzled.&nbsp; "Uh... what is it, and how would I use it if I needed too?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>10-01-2012, 11:01:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>@ Tagan: "Not a particularly difficult task lass,"</strong> said the wizard in blue, <strong>"for you need only have the stone in your hand and speak my name.&nbsp; Just remember that stone can only keep in place for a limited time - no more than a few minutes, so use it judiciously."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>10-01-2012, 13:10:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise woke up beside Chastian and kissed her lightly offering her a smile before climbing out of bed to get ready for the day. With all that seemed to be going on behind the scenes here he was loathe to leave but the local trade route had to be reopened he just hoped no foolish person would go poking about the device. <strong>"Perhaps the local authorities here had placed the bomb under guard precisely because they know what it is, disposing of such a weapon is complicated at the best of times but they might not have the luxury of the correct professionals to handle it safely and so are just keeping it safe from idle innocent hands til they can find a solution."</strong><br><br>-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br><br><strong>"Are these- abyrin stones? Are they a natural forming item or do they have to be created specifically using some kind of arcane means?"</strong> He was curious as by the way Cornellious was talking it seemed like a magical object he was begining to think in a world with Dwarves and other unusual creatures would magical objects all have to be crafted or would some wondrous substances simply exist.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>10-01-2012, 23:28:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lathus didn’t say much, or anything at all when it was announced what was being hidden within the warehouse.&nbsp; His few years at university studying the physical sciences had given him an appreciation for such high-yield explosives.&nbsp; It wasn’t that he knew the inner workings of such a device apart from the basic “how it works”, but it has given him a better understanding of the scale of devastation that can be achieved based upon the amount of energy that is contained.&nbsp; It was a sobering experience being in such close proximity to something so powerful and yet grossly under protected.&nbsp; If all it took was him putting on his drunken face and singing a few slurred songs was all it took to bypass the security detail, what was to stop another group without the understanding of its nature from doing the same and wondering what sort of treasure was inside the big metal case.<br><br>As a result, sleep did not come easily for the half-elf and it was only through worrying himself to the point of exhaustion that he managed to finally doze off.<br><br>When the group met the next morning, Lathus’ anxiety to leave was pretty apparent through several nervous ticks.&nbsp; Before it would have been due to his excitement to setting forth on an adventure, now it was a matter of putting as many miles between him and the WMD as possible.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>11-01-2012, 01:39:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael wasn't happy with the discoveries of last night. He was even more unnerved to learn that no one seemed to care to investigate or pay attention to it. It created a paradox that would require thought and careful planning to avoid creating a worse situation out of what seemed to be relatively stable for the moment being. <br><br>Putting thoughts of evil aside Michael double checks his belongings as he listens to Cornelius talk. This journey was the beginning of his life here, and Michael had no intentions of watching it fail at such an early stage.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>11-01-2012, 08:27:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phoenix was not at all happy about what was being held around, especially as it was being kept a secret, as secrets of that nature usually spelled disaster, but as much as she didn't like it, she did indeed hold her tongue.&nbsp; Perhaps once she was more skilled in the arcane arts she would be able to do something to unmake the weapon, but as of current she knew of no real way to do such.&nbsp; She would simply have to return one day when she was more knowledgeable of such acts and see what could be done.&nbsp; There was no good to come from worrying about it now.<br><br>Thus, when the time to meet up with the others came, she once more put on her favorite outfit and made her way to speak with the old wizard.&nbsp; Once there, she listened to the man's quick speech, making sure to nod at the appropriate times to keep him from thinking she wasn't listening and finally spoke for the first time since her earlier outburst, "I'm ready to go.&nbsp; Certainly can't bother worrying about what is to come.&nbsp; If I do, I may be too afraid to go find out and experience it.&nbsp; And where is the fun in that?"&nbsp; She then cracked a little smile and waited for time to take off.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>14-01-2012, 16:58:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/human_wizard_by_saturnoarg-d3kpdus.jpg)</div><strong>@ Aybara: "Abryin stones, of any variety, require at least some of its creator's vitality instilled into it - in this case, my own blood.&nbsp; They can be made, though they require some special materials and a fair bit of personal time to create.&nbsp; If you have the time, I will be pleased to discuss the means of their creation upon your return, seeing as it is a fairly lengthy ritual."</strong><br><br><strong>@ Group: "I believe I've given you all that can be done to make your little journey safe and relatively easy to complete, so I shall wish you all a safe return.&nbsp; If there is nothing else, you are free to head out at any time you desire, though you have at most a ten-day plus two more to complete it - it should be a cinch for people of your calibre <em>and</em> numbers.&nbsp; Remember that <em>mi' raks</em> have a certain fascination with fire, and so long as your group holds together, they won't try to lynch you - though if they do, rest assured you've most likely wandered into some trap.</strong><br><br>With a nod, Cornellius leaves you all to your own devices.&nbsp; The day is fresh and winds seem good.&nbsp; It seems relatively easy to find the cave, given the map that Cornellius has provided you with, though it will take you through all the main routes used to get there, which will take you the better part of a day to reach the caves without risky shortcuts.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">GM Notes</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Time Units (<em>TU</em>) until Nightfall:</strong> 27; <strong>Light:</strong> Full daylight; <strong>Weather:</strong> Fair<br><br>Players have the following general options at their disposal:<br><ul class="bbc_list"><li><strong>Shop or Engage NPC for information:</strong> <em>7 TU</em></li><li><strong>Follow Cornelius' route to cave:</strong> <em>25 TU</em></li><li><strong>Attempt to take short-cuts to reach cave:</strong> <em>19 TU</em>.&nbsp; Survival check (DC 16) required by one person nominated to get the team through.&nbsp; Secondary character can make a Survival check (DC 10) to aid the other for a +2 to the main check.</li></ul></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>20-01-2012, 05:09:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Chastian was quiet if perhaps a little bleary eyed. Sleep had not come easily for her. But she payed close attention to all Cornellius had to say. Each word marked in her memory. She waited , simply listening to see how the rest felt their excursion should begin. There was a haunted look in her eyes. She was dressed and ready to go, needing only to retrieve her gear.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>20-01-2012, 05:44:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm eager to get moving.&nbsp; There's only so much light in the day, so we might as well make the most of it."<br><br>Lathus hoped the others were already prepared for the journey ahead of them.&nbsp; Though he would wait for any who had things to do at the last minute, he had his gaze on the horizon as he grew anxious to head out.&nbsp; As far as he was concerned, that town was a ticking timebomb in a very literal sense and it was only that much more incentive for him to venture forth and see what the rest of the world had to offer.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>20-01-2012, 05:49:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael listened to everything Cornelius had to say, trying to store it all in memory. His head was still spinning slightly from the drink last night. He had indulged himself a bit too much perhaps, but it was worth it in the end he thought. With any luck the journey would go smoothly and they could rest outside the caves before beginning the tedious process of clearing them out.<br><br>Michael rested his things on the ground. He came dressed and ready for their adventure. He had assumed they would just leave from here to go towards the cave. Looking around he quickly realized that not everyone had the same idea. If he was correct they would have enough time to make it to the caves before dark if they left soon.&nbsp; Michael shrugs looking around, "Ready to go whenever you guys are."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>01-02-2012, 17:28:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a start that promises unusual vigor, the seven companion left through the gates of Al-Cairsinal to make for the caves that was their objective.&nbsp; Having decided they would attempt to shave some time off to get to their destination, the compared the map to check for their heading.&nbsp; It was not an easy task, to look at the open road which promised sure and safe travel and then at the woods within which it became impossible to see further than a dozen and half feet ahead.&nbsp; Like so many who found themselves plucked from the mundane world of highways and city block, with clear cut road signs, the allure of adventure and the unknown beckoned strongly.<br><br>Madoka stepped forward, convinced that she could find them a path through forests.&nbsp; It took several long and weary hours as the moved through the canopy of trees, dead leaves crunching beneath their feet, or clambering over rocks and through shallow brooks that dotted the landscape.&nbsp; There was truly no one out here, no people, no houses, not even the passing of an airplane overhead.&nbsp; There was naught but the wind, and the birds, the crisp air through the trees and boon friends at one's side.<br><br>Time passed and it seemed that Madoka might have erred in her interpretation of the map and distances, but she had charted true, and they found the coastline, following it eastward the came at last to the rocky regions of the isle and in it they found the cave.&nbsp; Yawning wide into the dark earth below, the cave was a little wider than a wagon, but a great many supports had been built into the entrance to prevent sudden cave in, for the rock was apparently unstable.&nbsp; It was here, before this opening of jagged black igneous rock that the adventurers were to decide what was to be done...<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">GM Notes</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Time Units (<em>TU</em>) until Nightfall:</strong> 8; <strong>Light:</strong> Late afternoon; <strong>Weather:</strong> Windy with approaching clouds<br><br>Each player have the following general options assuming they want to set up camp:<br><ul class="bbc_list"><li><strong>Set up full camp:</strong> <em>8 TU</em> You set up your camp essentials, eat any meal you possess, and relax to work out the strain of the long march.</li><li><strong>Set up quick camp:</strong> <em>3TU</em> You pitch and set up your camp essentials.</li><li><strong>Scout surroundings for enemies:</strong> <em>5 TU</em>&nbsp; You scout the surrounding area of the camp, approx 50 ft all around the area.&nbsp; Make Perception &amp; Stealth checks.</li><li><strong>Scout entry area of caves:</strong> <em>5 TU</em> You scout slightly into the caves for any signs of enemies or anything unusual, approx 100 ft into the cave.&nbsp; Make Perception &amp; Stealth checks.</li></ul>Otherwise, they can head straight into the caves.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>01-02-2012, 18:30:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"I suggest now that we move back into cover and take a break to talk things over and rest our legs. Has anyone come up with any ideas on how we might be able to solve this problem without causing unnecessary risk to ourselves or deaths overall."</strong> He still hoped that there wouldn't have to use too much violence and pain to resolve things here. He didn't want to be going into a dangerous situation being distracted by aching legs. Still he took the chance to look over the scene and the landscape a slight smile spreading across his lips.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>02-02-2012, 07:50:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phoenix was getting tired of all the walking through the woods having thought many times that they were totally lost, but not spreading her negativity to the rest of the group.&nbsp; Eventually though, they did indeed eventually make it to their destination.<br><br>When they arrived, upon hearing that at least one more person was ready to set up camp for the night, Phoenix quickly spoke up saying, "Sounds good.&nbsp; I like the idea, though maybe we should scout out the area first before we get too comfortable.&nbsp; I will go check out the entrance to the cave if someone else will check around while the rest of us start setting up camp.&nbsp; Does that sound good to anyone else?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>02-02-2012, 15:55:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka nods, lowering her small bundle of items to the ground.&nbsp; "I'll scout around the camp, make sure the area is clear."<br><br>Moments later she has faded into the woods, her head tilting left and right cautiously.<br><br>((Rolls sent))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>02-02-2012, 16:07:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Alright.&nbsp; Sounds good.&nbsp; You do that and I'll check the cave.&nbsp; I will see you guys in a bit."&nbsp; Phoenix said before heading into the mouth of the cave.<br><br>(As have been mine)
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>03-02-2012, 06:33:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With each step Lathus begun to feel more at ease bit by bit as they put more distance between the city and themselves. The fresh air and chance to stretch his legs certainly helped matters.&nbsp; When the girls volunteered to scout the perimeter, he knew he would only make it more difficult to remain hidden so passed on the opportunity.<br><br>"I'll stay back and set up camp. If you find yourself in over your head, call out and I'll be there as fast as my legs can carry me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>03-02-2012, 18:37:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael moves swiftly trying to keep up with everyone in the woods. It had always been the same for him, a step in a half for every step someone else takes. At least the forest seemed peaceful, and it was a beautiful day. He soon lost track of where he was. Had he been by himself he surely would have taken the road, but since he had companions with him, he would rely on their ability to navigate. After they arrive at the area, Michael is surprised to find that he isn't more sore from the journey. Surely if he had his body, he would have been exhausted right now. <br><br>Looking around he nods to himself as the others take off to go scout or start doing their own things. Apparently the group wanted to rest before entering the caves, a sentiment Michael found sensible. Michael takes his bedroll and finds a decent patch of ground to set himself down on. He sets his bag down stretching his back before sitting next to it. With nothing more pressing to do, Michael pulls out his whetstone and begins honing the edge on his axe, lost in silent contemplation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>05-02-2012, 11:08:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Whilst everybody else set down their belongings, Phoenix set off into the entrance area of the cave, which angled down gently.&nbsp; As the shadows concealed her from sight, Madoka likewise disappeared from sight as she went into the surrounding woods to make sure they would not be taken unawares by any dangers that might be lurking in the surroundings.<br><br>As they waited, the sun had already begun to set turning the sky into a brilliant vault of orange, streaked by the silver of clouds that had come in from the mainland.&nbsp; The buzzing of night insects had already begun and the shrill cries of birds returning to roost for the night filled the sky.&nbsp; Beneath this scene the camp was a quiet place, seemingly focused more on reflection of events past.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">GM Notes</div><div class="spoiler_body">Due to the time order; Aybara, hgb, Loki Aesir, Mysterium, can make their replies first (or waive that with a quick note in the journal just to let everyone know).&nbsp; Mysterica's Phoenix returns first and can post after, and then followed by Tagan's Madoka who returns latest.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>05-02-2012, 14:04:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cruise took a blanket from his bag and went over by Chastian putting his arm and it around her shoulders and kissed her lightly on the temple. He knew his feet were a little sore from the journey but he walked quickly now it seemed, her shorter feet must have had to work twice as hard for her to keep up. He would have much preffered to set a small fire now and cook something but thought better of it, the locals might be attracted by it if they were too close. <strong>"It all seems so oddly real now that we are outside the Sanctuary again."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterium</strong> on <strong>08-02-2012, 20:55:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				*Chastian was just a little uncertain once out of Sanctuary. But she had remained very alert. She had not complained at all of being on foot. She'd made certain her training had included dealing with long treks afoot. She smiled at Cruise and hugged him tightly.* <br><br><span style="font-family: arial black;" class="bbc_font">It's more than a little daunting. I have to pull my weight. Hesitation will only get someone seriously injured or worse. I suppose we should set up a watch rotation.</span><br><br>*Her suggestion was made not only to Cruise but those still in camp.*
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>09-02-2012, 16:01:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka came into the clearing quickly, her steps faster than stealth would advise.&nbsp; She looked back over her shoulder, her face a bit troubled.<br><br>"I have found no creatures or persons, nor sign of such nearby to trouble us this evening, but something else I saw does trouble me.&nbsp; There is a cliff nearby, from which I could make out the spires of Al-Cairsinal.&nbsp; From that vantage, I could see several airships... perhaps zeppelins, approaching the city.&nbsp; 5 or 6 of them.&nbsp; I do not know what it means."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 01:17:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lathus, who had preoccupied himself by practicing his iaijutsu until the rest of the group returned from their scouting sorties, froze in place upon hearing Madoka's news.&nbsp; "Zeppelins?"&nbsp; The word drifted off his lips as shock made it difficult for his mind to wrap around that.&nbsp; Sure, back in his time it was obsolete technology, but in this new world that relied more on magic than technology...&nbsp; "Al-Cairsinal is one of the few places friendly to people from Earth, right?&nbsp; Surely they must be friendly transports since there would likely be too much disdain for such technology among the outlying nations..."&nbsp; Though his words were hopeful, there was too much doubt in the Magus' mind for him to put any confidence behind that statement.&nbsp; There was far too little he knew of the outside world and there would be no way for him to know their intentions until they inevitably revealed it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Mysterica</strong> on <strong>10-02-2012, 13:00:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Phoenix began making her way back to the group after checking out the cave.&nbsp; She luckily hadn't seen anything too terribly upsetting, therefore she hadn't felt the need to rush back, instead having taken her time.&nbsp; When she returned to camp, pushing a little bit of vegetation out of the way while making those last few steps, Lathus was just finishing up saying something that didn't really mean anything as she only really caught the last word.<br><br>She walked over to a section of the camp and said, "Well there isn't much to report on my end other that that...&nbsp; Something is in there at least.&nbsp; We should probably sleep in shifts just in case, especially if we want to build a fire...&nbsp; So how fared our other scout?"&nbsp; As she finished speaking, she pulled out her bedroll and waterproof bag containing her quill ink and notebook, preparing to write in her journal once the conversation met a slow point before it got too dark to do so.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>12-02-2012, 15:45:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<span style="font-family: impact;" class="bbc_font"><span style="font-size: 24pt;" class="bbc_size">CHAPTER 1: Exile &amp; Discovery</span></span><br><br><br><div class="floatright">(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/96077.jpg)</div><em><strong>Cornellius Argentstaff, once Philip Renfeld of her majesty’s United Kingdom paced quickly.&nbsp; The chambers of the council were far above him, but this was not his concern.&nbsp; Instead, he quickly made his way towards the lower levels of Al-Cairsinal with but one objective in mind.&nbsp; Before he entered into the underground sections of the sanctuary, he spared a quick glance skyward where the great zeppelins were holding position, his eyes fixed upon the stylised sunburst symbol upon them within which a curling flame, stylised almost in an ‘S’ shape, was visible.<br><br>The Saeropaneans had found their way to Al-Cairsinal.<br><br>The old man was certain there was a twisted irony in the situation, but couldn’t find it in himself to smile, though his bright eyes were lit with iron laughter.&nbsp; Fire an bodies were dotted all over the compound as though splashed by the hand of some expressionist painter.&nbsp; Or butcher.&nbsp; They were the lucky ones, he thought bitterly.&nbsp; But there was no time now.&nbsp; He ducked into the stone archway and was gone.<br><br>The door was opened and closed and bared, and Cornellius took a deep breath as he looked upon the great stone column that encased a deadly secret.&nbsp; "It would appear that all things have come to pass as you predicted Lord Ashram," he grimaced bitterly.&nbsp; Looking over the column, he compared it to the message he had received, before he took up the hammer and chisel that had been laid at the floor and began to chip away purposefully at the stone.<br><br>He was still chiseling away at the stone, when the heavy wooden door burst into smoking splinters, raining a deadly hair of broken wood.&nbsp; As Cornellius griped his arm in which a broken splinter had pierced him through, he looked up in time to see a squad of men enter, protected in red steel and gold, the mark of Saeropane emblazoned on their coat-of-arms.&nbsp; The old man did not spare these much time, but rather the enormous figure who was encased in black iron.&nbsp; There was no helmet upon its head, but an elongated pyramid-like construct that might have been a substitute for a helm.&nbsp; Nothing was visible of the body of this giant figure, who stood twice as tall a man, and whose broad shoulders and stooping posture was suggestive of an ape.&nbsp; Now, as it shuffled and pushed past the red reavers, it dragged a great sword behind it upon the ground, that resembled a giant meat cleaver.<br><br>Towering over Cornellius, it stopped before him, looking down.&nbsp; Or at least gave the impression it looked down upon him.&nbsp; Cornellius looked up defiantly, but was aware of a queer chill that passed down his spine.&nbsp; Then the brute lifted the pitted blade, but Cornellius grimaced savagely and he reached down into the hole he had chiseled into the rock.<br><br>"Hail Hydra!" he exulted.</strong></em><br><br>In the distance from where the party is camping, a sudden flash of light brightens the sky blindingly, a thunderous clap, as though of the loudest thunder the mind can conceive and in the distance they can see an titanic ball of fire, red along the edges and white at the core, and accompanying it, an ominous rumbling roar that is approaching at breakneck speed.&nbsp; The shock-wave snaps trees sapplings and hurls rocks and detritus like spume before a storm.<br><br>What more could anyone do as the instinct for survival kicks in and the accompanying mad dash for the only visible shelter of the cave.&nbsp; You are all barely inside when you are picked off your feet and hurled and land tumbling, with all the breath and half the life knocked out of you.&nbsp; The fragile entrance collapses under the shock and crumbles in a deafening roar of rock and dirt.<br><br>None of you are certain when you regain your senses, but eventually you are picking yourselves up in the pitch darkness of the cave's bowels, battered and bruised.&nbsp; Somewhere above you, it seems as if a great rumbling storm is still passing.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">GM Notes</div><div class="spoiler_body">Everyone has sustained 4 points of damage to their HP, and suffered 3 points of loss to their Mental Stability.<br><br>All character's have achieved Level 2, so update those character sheets.</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>16-02-2012, 22:06:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shortly after the news of the zeppelins had been brought to his attention, Lathus had his pack upon his back and begun pacing restlessly. Though he had no irrefutable evidence to support it, his instincts told him that it was a bad omen and that he should be prepared to react. Between the discovery of the nuke, this turn of events, and being sent away it seemed farfetched to be entirely coincidental. What’s more is that he could not be entirely sure they were out of the blast range of the high-yield bomb; sure they’re most likely out of the range that would incinerate them instantly, but the concussive and thermal energy could travel a good amount of distance and still be quite detrimental to one’s health.<br><br>A chill ran down his spine, causing the fine hairs on the back of his neck to stand on end as the darkness broke in the wake of an unscheduled artificial sunrise. Adrenaline coursed through his veins immediately following that realization, intent on finding shelter before the boom following the flash of light could reach them. ”Everybody! To the cave! Run!” Without looking back to the town, Lathus took off in a dead sprint towards the yawning opening in the rock face that would serve as their natural bunker. It wasn’t long before he could hear the first ominous rumblings that were catching up to them and a second later he felt as much as heard the thunderclap of noise that swept him from his feet, tossing him the remaining few yards into the dark tunnel. He hit the ground in a tumble as even more sound filled the room while the very earth shook beneath him as he rolled to dissipate the remaining forward momentum.<br><br>Several moments passed before he managed to pull himself drunkenly to his feet, his balance still wavering from the tossing and turning he had done. He was faintly aware that the sounds had lessened, but had not entirely stopped as he looked around him only to find they were engulfed in absolute darkness. Drawing his blade slowly from his sheath, Lathus focused a minor effort of will before muttering ”Lum!”. At his word, the blade of his sword shone brightly with magical light that pierced the darkness allowing him to see the rocky outcrop that had once been the tunnel’s entrance as well as his friends that were fortunate enough to survive both the blast and cave-in. ”Well… looks like we’re camping in the cave earlier than expected. Perhaps we should take another look around before we consider turning in for the night.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>18-02-2012, 19:52:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Staring at the zeppelins Michael hardly notices the return of Pheonix. Michael begins debating to return back or to use the stone to summon Cornellius, but that was as far as his thoughts got. The bright flash of light spurned him into action as Lathus was yelling for people to run. Michael grabbed his things, bolting to the entrance of the cave, Michael stands outside just long enough to usher everyone in, helping anyone who might trip or need help. <br><br>Once the last of the others was inside, Michael dives in himself, preparing for what could only be an explosion of intense magnitude. If Michael were a better man, he would have said it was a nuclear weapon, but that would have been impossible on this world. Darkness engulfing him, Michael lets it flow through him passing by unharmed. Whether seconds or hours had passed Michael could not be sure, but the darkness slowly receded, replaced by a bright light coming from Lathus' direction.<br><br>Standing slowly, Michael is careful to not put too much weight on anything until he is sure its safe. Looking around he takes note of everyone in the cave, making sure no one was seriously injured or needed medical care. Quietly, carefully Michael takes his axe from it's belt loop, and shield from his pack. He was just grateful that he hadn't removed his armor yet. That might have caused some problems. Armed and ready, Michael approaches the entrance to the cave searching to see if there was still a way out.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>18-02-2012, 22:49:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="floatleft">(http://fc02.deviantart.net/fs5/i/2004/306/8/b/Monk_of_Cail_by_LunarSeraph.jpg)</div>Madoka, having gotten ready for a quick nap before the light, wakes, and rolling out of her bedroll and too her feet, she headed for the cave entrance at a run, grabbing in one hand her belt, and in the other her Spellbook, which she had gotten out for some quick study.<br><br>As the cave collapses, she breaks down, collapsing onto her knees, and begins sobbing.&nbsp; "Oh, goddess, why?&nbsp; Why here?&nbsp; Why?"<br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>22-02-2012, 14:39:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a heavy heart Cruise looked back towards their sanctuary and for a brief time their home before taking out his weapons and following the others, he didn't want to get caught on the way their by some of the locals unable to defend himself but swiftly made up the ground with the others and would have overtook them long before they got to the cave except he slowed to keep pace with Chastian not wanting her with her shorter legs to be left behind in the panic. Once they arrived at the cave he looked around panting and spoke up <strong>"Is everyone here?"</strong> He put a hand on Madoka's shoulder hoping to let her know she was not alone, his face didn't move, no tears rolled down it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>29-02-2012, 14:55:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It takes only an instant for the light created by Lathus to dispel the pressing darkness of the cave, revealing the bare black rock of the subterranean terrain where everyone finds themselves in a broad passage that quickly narrows.&nbsp; A moments inspection reveals the reason for the size of the area - people had previously been working on broadening the tunnel; several supports have been placed and worked stone is evident, as well as the smoothing of the ground - quite likely a major fact that prevented everyone from suffering more harm from falling down here.<br><br><strong>@ hgb:</strong> As the stout Michael explores the collapsed section of the tunnel, it is evident that passage has been completely sealed by the collapse of the rock above - it will not be cleared without a colossal amount of effort on anyone's part, and will still require the ceiling to be braced or risk a further cave in.&nbsp; However, another detail becomes apparent: even through the collapsed rock, Michael can feel an immense amount of heat seeming to emanate past the stone.<br><br>It is a sombre moment, of which Madoka's lamentation adds keen highlight to the point.&nbsp; However come what may, they were now left to make their own futures away from the safety of the sanctuary which would never be around anymore to welcome them.<br><br>The weariness of their bodies incurred by their march, and further compounded by their bruised bodies and damaged psyches presents good reasons to set up camp and take their rest and the grounds here are as good a place as any to try and get uneasy sleep.&nbsp; And yet they are now in the very caves, admittedly at the entrance way, that supposedly provide home to the <em>mi'raaks</em> that might constitute a threat to them.&nbsp; More so over, at least for now, they have been cut off from the bounty of the forest and there is little in the way of food and supplies in these barren depths...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>01-03-2012, 00:44:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Lathus let out a wary sigh after checking to be sure everybody had made it through safely and realizing that there was no turning back now.&nbsp; It wasn't long before he became aware that he was holding the only light source in the pitch blackness and got an idea of how fantastic of a target that would make him.&nbsp; Reaching down to pick up a palm-sized rock, he made the same somatic gesture and word of power he had moments before and the light along the blade of his sword died out while at the same time the rock in his hand became the source of illumination.&nbsp; At that point he sheathed his sword and placed the small light source behind an even larger rock to obstruct the amount of light that was visible further down the tunnel.&nbsp; With another illumination spell, four dimly glowing red spheres of light flickered into existence which he guided with his will to hover at ground level spread out in a line about a hundred feet out from their new camp.<br><br>Not knowing what else to do, he slowly made his way to Madoka before kneeling down next to her and placing his hand on her shoulder in a comforting gesture.&nbsp; "It's not as bad as it seems." He said in the hopes of making some headway in consoling her.&nbsp; "We may be in the cave now, but at least we have solid walls in all directions save from one that offers very little cover for anything to sneak up on us.&nbsp; The only thing that's really changed is that we don't have to worry about quite so many bugs or waking up soaked with morning dew.&nbsp; Granted we're in the unenviable position of having to sleep on compacted dirt, but I hear that laying on flat surfaces from time to time is good for your back.&nbsp; And if I'm wrong, well I'll help you work out any knots in your muscles by means of apology."&nbsp; It wasn't his best attempt at humor, but he was still a little shaken from the explosion and would have to settle with trying to distract her from her worries the best he could.<br><br>"I'll take first watch tonight."&nbsp; Lathus said addressing the group as a whole.&nbsp; "I can keep this light show going for a while to give us ample warning to anything that may grow curious about the cave-in."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>01-03-2012, 02:09:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka hugs herself tightly, shuddering.&nbsp; "It can't be alright... our new home has been atomized... our mentor and our teachers killed, our allies are all dead, save for ourselves."<br><br>She looks around, at the others, sighing, and guestures to the simple leotard like garb she had been sleeping in.&nbsp; "All my gear was outside.&nbsp; I managed to grab my Spellbook and belt, but I've no food, bedroll, or anything..."<br><br>She looks around.&nbsp; "I was trying to get some rest so I could study my spells... I felt ready this morning... perhaps I am ready to use magic, finally."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>02-03-2012, 02:15:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Michael pauses, listening to the others speak before weighing in, <strong>"I'd like to rest as much as anyone else, but would it be wise to stay here? I don't know anything about bombs or explosions, but there's a lot of heat on the other side of this rock, would we be safe here? Well as safe as anyone can be considering...."</strong><br><br>Turning his head he nods towards Madoka, <strong>"I hadn't unpacked for the night yet, so most of my things should be intact. I'll share what I have with you."</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>02-03-2012, 06:29:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka nods, smiling just slightly, though it does not reach her eyes.&nbsp; "Thank you, Michael... and you are right.&nbsp; We should move on soon.&nbsp; It does not pay to linger near radiative dust... my peope learned that lesson."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amethyst Dreams</strong> on <strong>03-03-2012, 12:17:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As everyone is sorting out what they want to do, there is an odd tension in the air and within moments it becomes unbearable as though seeping into the mind.&nbsp; Perhaps it does, as an intense migraine overwhelms.&nbsp; There is a sickly sweet smell of burning flesh in the air, as each one in turn experiences a dizzying excruciating pain on their bodies.<br><br>The very air practically thrums with power, when suddenly there is a crackle of green lightning, then another and another.&nbsp; The stone dissolves and disintegrates when struck, yet strangely those that strike the group seem to pass harmlessly through their bodies.&nbsp; Yet the electricity streams across the ground, the walls, the ceiling, all them culminating to single point on the roof above them.&nbsp; It concentrates, then abates, dimming and in a single moment flares, striking like the tail of some scorpion.<br><br>If the pain was strong before, it is nothing compared to this as strikes at them, seemingly at random on parts of their bodies.&nbsp; Like the hand of a tattooist, the power traces marking upon them and when all has died down, only the vague glow of strange markings on their bodies is seen, and presently that fades as well.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">GM Notes</div><div class="spoiler_body">Character’s who succeed on an <strong>Intelligence</strong> check (DC 10) remember this as the same sort of pain the experienced in the Desolation when they first came to the world.<br><br>(http://i1117.photobucket.com/albums/k581/Am_Dreams/SyrdainMark.jpg)<br><br>1 – Kurze (Throat); 2 – Phaia (Breast); 4 – Mysterium (Backside); 8 – hgb (Left Knee); 9 – Tagan (Upper Left Arm); 11 – Loki Aesir (Head), Mysterica (Stomach)<br><br>The markings are about as small as one hand to as big as both hands cupped together (players can determine the exact size), and are located on the general area mention (players can determine the exact locations).</div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>03-03-2012, 13:23:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka winces then grits her teeth as the pain strikes. She tries to avoid the green lightning, but her human reflexes, dulled by the pain, are no match for it's speed.<br><br>She falls as her arm is incised, and clutches it when the pain ends.&nbsp; She looks at her arm, with a rising annoyance.&nbsp; "今度は何だい？私はこの文字を知らないのか？ she says, then steadies herself as the pain finally passes.<br><br>"Again?"&nbsp; She says.&nbsp; "But the power marks me this time.&nbsp; What is this character?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>hgb</strong> on <strong>05-03-2012, 14:35:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing the green lightning flash up Michael makes an appeal to the first daughter, <strong>"Valkauna save us!"</strong> Unfortunately it seemed divine intervention wasn't going to happen this day, and a bolt of the green lightning surged through Michael.<br><br>He falls to the ground clutching his left knee, <strong>"What in the nine hells?"</strong> Screams fall short as the pain threatens to overwhelm his senses. Lying on the floor, Michael focuses on his breathing, trying to control the pain. Eventually it subsides and he looks over his body. <br><br>He frowns seeing a glowing rune, just at his knee. The size of his hand it wasn't obtrusively large, but it did leave him marked, and he didn't much care for that. Looking around he sees faint glows coming from the others with him, they too were marked it would appear.<br><br>Standing Michael looks around at his companions, <strong>"Staying here doesn't seem safe, though I'm not sure moving would prevent that from happening again. Anyone know what it was?"</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Foxfyr</strong> on <strong>08-03-2012, 00:19:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>"Fair enough."</strong>&nbsp; Lathus said to Michael's suggestion they keep moving, if nothing else other than to get away from the potentially irradiated wall.&nbsp; Just as he had turned to begin guiding the orbs of light further down the tunnel, the fine hairs on the back of his neck stood on end bringing about a feeling of uncertainty.&nbsp; <strong>"Something doesn't--"</strong>&nbsp; Before he could finish his thought he was forced to his knees by a very familiar excruciating headache that caused his vision to tunnel.&nbsp; Some portion of his awareness knew that he was howling in agony, but as focused on the pain itself as his mind was he really didn't care.&nbsp; Even the flickering of green lightning that stood out in stark contrast to his fading vision was a minor footnote compared to his desire for the pain to end even if he had to pay the comparatively minor price of his life, moderately used.<br><br>The next thing he knew, his head jerked back as though stricken by a heavy leather whip with what he imagined to be a very similar sensation.&nbsp; A few moments later Lathus was aware that he was laying on the ground in a heap, his head still swimming.&nbsp; With all the grace of a drunkard well into a bender he pulled himself to his feet.&nbsp; Stars still danced in his vision for a while longer before they cleared and he was able to see odd markings on a few of his compatriots.&nbsp; Meanwhile, he was completely oblivious to his own hand-size marking that was located obtrusively in the middle of his forehead.&nbsp; Though for obvious reasons.<br><br><strong>"Screw this."</strong>&nbsp; He said in agreement with Michael.&nbsp; <strong>"Let's get going in order to stay ahead of the next explosion, lightning blast, plague of locusts... or locii... or whatever they're called, or any one of a billion other highly improbable things that seems to be after us tonight."</strong>&nbsp; Once again he conjured the spheres of light and sent them venturing out a few dozen yards ahead of them to lead the way as he accepted role as surly point man.<br><br><div class="spoiler_container"><div onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button" class="spoiler_header">Intelligence Check</div><div class="spoiler_body">Nat 20 + 4 = 24 (http://elliquiy.com/forums/dicebot.php?r=35687)<br>Oh yeah.&nbsp; He remembers it...<br></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Tagan</strong> on <strong>08-03-2012, 01:50:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Madoka clutches at her bare upper arm, unwilling at the moment to share the image burned there.&nbsp; She sighs.&nbsp; "I care not at this moment.&nbsp; We can move on a bit if you choose.&nbsp; Though I'd like a chance to try and memorize a spell or two first."<br><br>She guestures to them with the Spellbook still clutched in her hand.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: Emaeril: The Crossroad of Worlds (IC)</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Aybara</strong> on <strong>25-03-2012, 11:41:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As the pain wracked him Kurze stumbled to the side and would have surely fallen if he hadn't clumsily gropped at outcroppings of rocks to stay on his feet even if it was in an ungainly fashion. His other hand went to his throat, curving around his neck trying in vain to stop the pain there. Once the pain subsided he steadied himself and stood straight once more. He could hear the others talking about marks but could not see one, perhaps if he had one it was somewhere he could not easily see it. The dull ache in his throat made him decide to stay his tongue a little while.<br><br>The flowing lines of the mark went around his throat and a little downward onto his collar bone, from top to bottom about seven inches in length and about three and a half wide.
			</dd>
		</dl>
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