|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 1 6-sided dice:
3
Total: 3 (1-6)
|
|
|
 Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 5:37 pm
Day 1
Spelunking
It was dark, and cool. Oura's fingers brushed the rocky wall, eyes glinting in the dim light. How he had arrived at this mysterious cavern he could not remember... but now that he was here, he was intrigued.
The quiet enveloped him, along with the strange, distant hum of something unknown. At the edge of his vision, Oura could see various grooves in the wall-- niches that would fit someone of his size perfectly. His feet began to move unconsciously, bringing him to the groove directly to his right... something in there called to him. Ouranos had to know what it was.
He meandered down the narrow passageway, eyes moving to and fro as he entered a new room. It was vast and empty, save for a lone pedestal in the center... and atop it, a necklace accented by a magnificent, sparkling emerald. His eyes grew wide. Slowly, Ouranos approached the pedestal.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 10 10-sided dice:
10, 2, 7, 5, 8, 1, 9, 1, 5, 3
Total: 51 (10-100)
|
Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2012 5:57 pm
10, 2, 7, 5, 8 - Hurt Scarelings
9, 1, 3, 1, 5 - Healing ability
----------------------------------
9, 9, 6, 6, 7 - Healed Scarelings
Unable to stop himself, Ouranos gingerly touched the gleaming emerald. When nothing happened and he remained very much alive, Oura picked up the necklace; though this was the kind of thing that guaranteed instant death in a nightmare, he could not help himself. This curious cavern, this peculiar room twisted his sense of reason... the boil slipped the necklace over his head.
He blinked. In his field of vision appeared five little Scarelings, gleeful and waving. Oura raised a hand to wave back, but found that he could not move an inch; his entire body was frozen. What was this?? The boil's pale eyes widened as he watched the Scarelings skip off, tumbling and giggling... right into a flock of monstrous black demons. He could only watch helplessly as the monsters tore and swiped at the Scarelings, sending them flying to the ground. One scareling fell, and did not get up.
After what seemed like an eternity, the black monsters scattered and dissolved with a last cackle. The bonds restraining Ouranos disappeared; he ran to the Scarelings, which lay in various states of distress and injury. The emerald dangling from his neck began to glow; Oura realized that it was telling him to do something. But what exactly?
Gently, he picked up the Scareling who had fallen unconscious. Closing his eyes, Ouranos touched the emerald to the creature-- and after a few seconds, it opened its eyes, smiling weakly. Oura sat back in relief. The necklace, despite his misgivings, was a healing item! With luck, he would be able to restore the Scarelings back to normal... as much as he could.
After Oura finished touching the emerald to each creature, they seemed much better. The weakest of them was still able to stand, and offer a little salute in thanks. There was a sudden burst of light, and Ouranos' head snapped around... but to his surprise, it was only an exit that had opened. It looked like he had managed to pass this trial!
+2 Horseman Points (success + perfect roll)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 2 100-sided dice:
51, 86
Total: 137 (2-200)
|
|
|
Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:58 pm
Day 2Trials of the PriestessToday, Ouranos would be paying his respects to the priestesses of Death. Silently, he followed the long line of students and residents up the winding staircase, feeling as if he were rising into the heavens-- very dark, somber underground heavens. At the top, he faced an impressive room, if it even could be called that. It was a vast, open space with no walls or ceiling; sheer black cliffs were visible on every side. Ouranos had no further time to explore his surroundings, as he was soon led to the third altar on the far side.
The woman who stood there, her eyes haughtily sweeping across his face, was not what he expected of a priestess. Yet there was power behind her gaze, a blood-soaked strength that could bend anyone to her will. Ouranos looked back at the priestess, his eyes empty and calm, though his insides quaked beneath her stare. She was like a dark Valkyrie, something born from nightmares...
That was what Ouranos had in his mind as he made his offering. To the Sandmen, a revered and often feared talisman was the dreamcatcher-- said to bring safety and peace to dreams, and to banish all nightmares. To a sandman like Ouranos who specialized in the latter, the dreamcatcher was a dangerous symbol... something to treat with care, and respect, while going about his work.
Thus, to the priestess Vari, Ouranos offered a dreamcatcher he had woven himself-- but with a twist.
It was a Nightmare dreamcatcher, made to devour and destroy beautiful dreams. It would ensure the most terrifying nightmares to those unlucky enough to see it by their bedside. Black and crimson in color, woven with spider's silk and bloodied feathers, it was quite a grotesque item to look at. But Ouranos had felt a faint sense of pride in his work, and with this pride, he presented the dreamcatcher to her.
Vari's eyes seemed to flicker as she observed the dark little talisman. Reaching out, she plucked the dreamcatcher from Oura's grasp, turning it around in her long fingers; blood stained her skin as she touched the feathers. Vari's mouth quirked maliciously to a side. She gave Ouranos the slightest of nods, placing the nightmare-catcher onto her altar.
The boil walked away, his spirits buoyed. She had accepted the offering! +2 Horseman Points (success + drawing)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 2 100-sided dice:
17, 80
Total: 97 (2-200)
|
Posted: Wed Apr 11, 2012 5:59 pm
Emboldened by his success with Vari, Ouranos returned to make one more offering to the priestesses. Up the spiral stairs, onto the vast platform, wind-blown and breathless... he was soon led to the first altar on the far side.
The priestess who waited there was as every way different from Vari as imaginable. Her stare was cold and strict, her back straight, robes pure black... he could not see her face, save for the unamused line of her mouth. What could Ouranos possibly offer a priestess as severe as Ameton...? He had thought about it, and brought with him a small, intricate incense burner, pitch black as night. It was round and made of heavy iron, etched all over with designs of the moon and stars. Oura was fairly certain that it was serious and practical enough for the priestess.
Finally, it was his turn to make the offering. Ouranos walked up to the altar, feeling her invisible stare on his every movement. The boil became so nervous under her scrutiny that he missed a step... and threw up his hands in the air to regain balance. Unfortunately for him, the incense burner had been in his hands, and now was flying in a graceul arc off the side of the platform...
Ouranos ducked his head and moved away as quickly as possible, feeling the priestess' displeasure boring through his back.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 1 10-sided dice:
8
Total: 8 (1-10)
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 11:09 am
Day 3
Meditation
Medea's classes were trying on his mind and soul; every night Ouranos staggered back to the dorms, head filled with visions of blood and despair. Thus, it was with relief that the boil entered the training room for Meditation. He gazed about slowly, but saw noone to approach. Numerous cubicles filled the space, each shielded by a thick drape; the boil drifted into one, settling down on the plain carpet. Behind him, a soft swoosh signaled the closing of the curtain.
Ouranos was alone, alone with the blissful silence and the sweet, distant musk of incense. Finally he could calm his battered soul, and hopefully recharge for tomorrow's class. The boil's eyelids lowered, his breathing slowly evening... in and out, in and out. He was no stranger to meditation; it walked hand in hand with trances and dreamweaving. Before long, Ouranos had withdrawn deep himself, his body light and incorporeal. He floated on air...
+2 Concentration
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 1 10-sided dice:
7
Total: 7 (1-10)
|
Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 11:10 am
His trance-like state continued. Ouranos pushed away the sounds of his breath, the thudding of his heart; he could feel himself calming down, entering a blank white world. But it was not the world Medea stood in, her hand pressed against yet another ominous door. It was his own place, deep within him, that noone could encroach. His own personal sanctuary...
The boil continued in this weightless state, his mind drifting and wandering...
+2 Concentration
+1 Horseman Point
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 1 100-sided dice:
36
Total: 36 (1-100)
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 12, 2012 11:12 am
But alas, his peaceful concentration was not to last. Unsettled by the events of the last few days, Ouranos suddenly found himself back on the battlefield... the cries of the dying and the crunch of bones filled his head. He was back there, bloodied and bruised, an iron grip squeezing the breath out of his throat.
Ouranos was normally the one crafting nightmares... not the one experiencing them.
After a few moments of mental struggle, his eyes flew open; the boil looked unusually shaken. His shoulders trembled faintly, mouth stretched in a taut line. This wouldn't do... what were these classes doing to him, that he could not even enter his dream state calmly? The boil rose to his feet slowly, exhaling in disappointment. He would have to try again another time.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 1 6-sided dice:
6
Total: 6 (1-6)
|
Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 5:19 pm
Day 4
Spelunking
Once again Ouranos found himself in the gaping cavern, eyes adjusting to the dim glow of light. It was soothing here, the air chilly and crisp, though the hum of ancient power was certainly a distraction. The boil's feet drifted forward, leading him to a niche on the far side of the cavern. Somehow, he felt that this one was right for him today... what would await him on the other side?
The boil walked through the narrow path as he had done days ago, and entered a large, empty room. It was the same as last time, dark and silent, save for the pedestal in the middle... and this time, atop it, a glittering brooch studded with sapphires. Oura's breath caught, and he moved forwards quickly. The deep blue jewels sparkled at him invitingly, and without further thought, Oura's fingers closed gently about the brooch. He pinned it to his cape, and waited.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 3 100-sided dice:
40, 65, 21
Total: 126 (3-300)
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 13, 2012 5:20 pm
What was that noise? It was low and steady at first, rumbling at the edge of his consciousness... but quickly, it became a full-blown roar as boulders tumbled from nowhere. Oura whipped around, grasping the brooch protectively. Finally, when the avalanche died down and the dust settled, Oura realized the dark truth of the situation. The boulders completely blocked the exit-- there was no place for him to go!
He gritted his teeth and approached the boulders, laying a hand upon one. They were enormous! He'd have to chip away at them somehow, maybe dig his way out, seeing that the boulders were obviously immovable-- Oura gave one a little push for emphasis. With an echoing crash, the boulder rolled away and smashed to the floor, narrowly missing squashing him. The boil's eyes grew wide as saucers.
He worked quickly, grunting and panting, heaving boulders out from the pile. Even though the brooch lent him strength, Ouranos was quite a weakling when it came to boils... he began to tire fast, breath coming laboriously. Two thirds more boulders to go..... half more to go.......
The boil collapsed against the pile, his chest rising and falling rapidly. It was no good... he couldn't go on. A small shaft of light shone past him, illuminating the floor; Ouranos turned his head weakly. It seemed that his efforts hadn't entirely been in vain; he'd opened up a tiny entrance in the wall. Perhaps someone of his slim stature would be able to slip through? It was worth a try.
After much groaning and struggling, Ouranos was able to squeeze through to the other side. He lay for a moment on the cool cavern floor, covered in scratches and scrapes. To think all he'd wanted to do was look at the pretty sapphires!
+1 Horseman Point for success
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 2 100-sided dice:
38, 91
Total: 129 (2-200)
|
Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 3:44 am
Day 5Trials of the PriestessOn this final day of training, with Medea's startling, eye-opening classes fresh in his mind, Ouranos decided to bring an offering to the priestesses. He'd come to respect their silent, knowing ways, and realized that they probably knew more about the universe than any Halloween citizen could ever hope to. Ouranos thought about all this as he ascended the steps, up and up into the vast, open platform.
The wind whipped at him, fires glowing faintly from the black cliffs all around. He faced the four altars, feet moving lightly as he was led to the second one; the priestess who waited there smiled at them, clasping her hands before her lacy robe. She was pretty, and did not speak a word. Ouranos felt strangely nervous as he bowed his head, then offered her the trinket he had brought.
In his hands was a small pouch, made of a beautiful sky blue velvet, wrapped with a golden rope and tassels. Whenever he moved the pouch it sparkled faintly, like stars in the night. The priestess Kalia's eyes gleamed as she took the offering, turning it about in her fingers, feeling its soft material. When she opened the drawstring, she found a pinch of glittering gold sand-- the mystic item of the Sandmen. Kalia beamed at Ouranos before placing the pouch gently on her altar. His entire body felt light and free-- she had accepted his offering happily. +2 Horseman points (success + drawing)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Stratham rolled 2 100-sided dice:
46, 99
Total: 145 (2-200)
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Apr 14, 2012 3:45 am
He came back later at night, knowing that their time in Death was almost at an end. Somehow, he felt that he had to connect with a higher entity, to dispel his mind of the fear and uncertainty that Medea had shown them. It was with this heavy feeling that Ouranos climbed the stairs once again, twisting up into the black sky.
He stepped upon the platform-- it was dark and cold, almost deserted at this hour. But there were the altars, and the priestesses, always a formidable presence. Ouranos was led once more to the second altar; Kalia's eyes twinkled with recognition as he approached, though she still spoke naught a word.
His chest felt a bit lighter as he faced the familiar priestess. She seemed gentler, less frightening than the others, as if she could feel your thoughts and emotions. This time, Ouranos had brought a satin dream packet, its color a rich, deep plum, stitched delicately with silver thread. Patterns of stars and moons were embroidered on either side. The boil offered it up to the priestess, who took the envelope-like satchel with interest in her eyes.
When her fingers opened the silver clasp, she discovered dried, scented herbs and flowers inside-- the smell was warm, and comfortable, and somewhat familiar-- like an cherished memory. It was a dried potpourri that induced peaceful, dreamless sleep. Kalia's eyes were closed as she smelled the mixture, a slight, dreamy smile upon her lips. Ouranos smiled faintly as well, seeing the priestess enjoy his offering. He was glad that at least one priestess could enjoy his gifts.
+1 Horseman point (success)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Reply
