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 Posted: Mon Oct 11, 2010 12:33 pm
Carsan crossed the distance to the crag swiftly, traveling directly in Mugan's foot steps. His form moved low to the ground, allowing his cloak to blend in with the dark rocks around him. Two arrows were notched in his bow by the time he quietly slipped into the crag. As he ducked into cover, his eyes caught the glimpse of a dart of darkness flying away from Dredge.
His mind was open to Krayth, but no harm came to the hawk in the moments that followed. Carsan knew his companion was fine, for the time being. He moved forward, down the crag until there was a narrow space that gave him vantage of Dredge. By the time he'd arrived at this window, the wizard was calling out again, requesting parlay. As no blood had yet to be drawn, Carsan weighed the option.
"Continue moving down. Find a vantage point on the wizard, and remain hidden. I'm going to speak with him. I'll give another signal if we are not in jeopardy, but assume we may be ambushed."
Carsan waited for Mugan to clear some ground before he scaled up the crag, ascending to the top of another small outcropping of flint that looked out towards Dredge and allowed for an immediate drop back into the crag. He squatted at the top, positioning himself so that he could take advantage of a quick escape should the wizard attack.
"I am but a traveler, in search of something lost! And what of you? Why do you walk The Crossroads? If you truly mean no harm, then state your name and intentions! "
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 6:16 am
"My name is Dredge, Necromancer of the Dark. I travelled these roads long ago, in search for something lost." Dredge said and dropped the magic level in his hand, but made sure to keep enough their for a quick response of a barrier. Dredge did not trust this man who walked the same dark roads that he had walked before. "I sensed a calling from these same roads and immediately came, and to find it so populated I wonder what is going on." Dredge said "And what of you, traveller, why do you walk these dark roads?"
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 10:38 am
Carsan's glimmering eyes revealed that the Necromancer, Dredge diminished the magic in his hand. He could confirm this through the softening pull on his soul. As Dredge relinquished his hold on much of his dark energy, Carsan unstrung one of the two arrows set in his bow. He looked silently to the sky as his mind hailed Krayth.
Signal to the other. This danger has passed, but others may come. Be my eyes.
I shall
The great bird cut down through the clouds like a knife, descending swiftly towards Mugan. As the silver hawk drew near, it spread its mighty wings to soften its landing. Krayth cocked its head to the man, and screeched at him. If his eyes were on Carsan, Mugan might see him replacing an arrow in his quiver.
Tensions had calmed, but Carsan was still cautious to trust the man, particularly being a Necromancer. The Crossroads were a dark place, and Dredge's presence seemed to betray that even darker forces were at work.
"My companions and I are heading towards the town of EverGray, just beyond this place. You can see its lights beyond the fog! I have been traveling long, and am in need of supplies. Have you been there?"
Carsan's life was one elaborate, masterfully spun lie. The lie he just told was mild in comparison, especially as it was laced with truth. He was in need of supplies, but that was not why he traveled to EverGray. He had not a clue what brough his sudden ally to this place, nor who the third mysterious wizard was, but accounting for each of them would save time, and smother suspicions. As for himself... Carsan felt drawn there... it had been calling out to him since he set foot in The Crossroads. Promising guidance to that which was lost; that his truest desires lay past the road to EverGray.
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 11:41 am
Mugan watching from his position had made sure to keep ready at a moment's notice, the bomb in his hand would cause enough mayhem needed to regroup and/or flee.
The bird that had descended from the sky had caught him by surprise but as it squawked at him he gave a nod of slight understanding. Mugan's coiled muscles relaxed but only a fraction.
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Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2010 7:58 pm
Dredge laughed a laugh that held no joy, "Those lights in Evergrey, as you call it, are the biggest ruse in the entirity of the crossroads, coming a close second with the actual inhabitants of the town themseves." Dredge said with no emotion in his voice, he knew very well that the man had lies in his voice, Dredge has spent so much time around liars that he could easily see hear the lie, but Dredge also knew it was mostly truth so let it be. "If you would take the advice of a lonely necromancer, I would almost call it better to venture naked and alone through the barrens of this area and hope to find a way out, then to go to town and attempt to restock."
Dredge has attempted the same thing this man claimed he was going to do, all Dredge had gotten out of it was a price on his head for being a foreigner. "If you insist on going to the town though, I would recommend two pieces of advice, one, don't tell them you aren't from the crossroads, second don't keep all your money in one place. The people in town seem helpful and indeed it might just remain that way if you bow on your knees and lick their shoes." With this Dredge was done giving advice, he could hardly believe he'd help as much as he did, or perhaps its because he reminds me of myself the first time I was here. Dredge thought to himself.
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 11:48 am
Carsan heard the lone Necromancer's advice, and decided against following it. Perhaps Dredge had difficulty blending in, or the people of EverGray loathed men of darkness - their world was surrounded in it, and the circumstances were beyond their control. Either way, it would not affect Carsan's arrival. He was a man of charisma, and throughout his travels he had always managed. This place would be no different.
The back of Carsan's mind whispered doubts. The Crossroads was unlike the rest of the world. He should not be so quick to trust the shelter offered by a town built in the middle of such desolation. The villagers might pray on fallen travelers. Or, perhaps they needed outside help to continue their survival. Carsan would find out when he got there. For now, there was the matter of Dredge.
"Why do you travel alone, Dredge? The Crossroads are a dangerous place - something you are familiar with. If you are traveling within the region, consider joining us. Our time in EverGray will be brief; we will travel out the morning after our arrival."
He gestured for Mugan to step out into the open. It was clear to Carsan now that if Dredge meant any harm, he was saving it for later. For the time being, a show of numbers would be an effective deterrent.
Carsan opened his mind once more to Krayth.
Return to the wizard, and I shall speak through you
I shall
The hawk gave Mugan one final look before spreading its great wings, ascending from the ground and soaring out to the west once more. It took no effort for the raptor to find Xeg. Krayth swooped low, touching down a yard ahead of Xeg. The bird's actions were unusual. Krayth bowed his silver feathered head, pressing his beak to the rock at his claws before rising. When he did, a human voice came from his mouth.
"Greetings, Wizard. What is your business in The Crossroads?"
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 3:45 pm
Xeg was slowly approaching the crossroads, he was only fifty yards away now, when he heard a faint swoosh from the sky above. Turning upwards towards the ever-present fog, Xeg saw the silver hawk come flying down through the air at him. Reacting quickly, he flipped backwards, his cape receding off his shoulders as he drew one of his blades. At the same time, he started an incantation in the ancient language, one that called for lightning to strike down the winged beast.
As the hawk landed on the rock, Xeg stopped, one syllable away from the trigger word that would unleash the power of the spell, which was already gathering in his other hand. The spell remained incomplete, but stayed in his hand, crackling with yellow energy. He did not lower his sword, and then the bird spoke. Xeg was startled, and jumped back another foot, before replying. "I travel to wherever the road takes me. I come, and I go, offering my help wherever it is needed,."
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Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2010 4:27 pm
Krayth cocked his head and hopped a step back as Xeg's spell came to life. Watching the yellow energy cautiously, the bird half opened his wings. Strange as it seemed, the gesture showed that Krayth meant no harm, and his wings remained suspended as he spoke.
"Do not be alarmed. I am Krayth, of the Moonwing Aerie. My master has granted me the knowledge to speak. He requests your presence, that we may travel together."
Krayth pivoted on a claw, extending his right wing to its full length. Its primary feathers, like fingers, appeared to point off ahead of them.
"He is a good man, who will not harm you. Please, follow me."
The hawk extended his other wing, and together they beat down across the stony ground. He ascended, perching atop another large column of stone to wait for Xeg's response. He called out to Carsan
I have found him. I believe he shall follow.
Thank you my friend. Be swift.
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Posted: Thu Oct 14, 2010 5:05 pm
Xeg's only response to the bird was to pull his hat down lower to cover his eyes and continue walking forward. He did not put his sword away, and he did not release the magic still gathered in his left hand. He did not trust the familiar, and he probably wouldn't trust this master either. The crossroads were a dangerous place to meet new people.
He reached the meeting point of the crossroads, and he stood there, watching, waiting, listening, for anything that might attack him. His wards were still up, and he had lightning prepared to blast anyone who tried to jump him.
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Posted: Sun Oct 17, 2010 11:49 am
((As Lucid has yet to post again, I'm going to move things forward.))
The great bird took flight as Xeg moved ahead. He flew smoothly,matching the rhythm of his wings to the strides of Xeg's feet. It was not long before they arrived at the site of Carsan and Mugan's encounter with Dredge.
The dark cloaked figure was the first to see Xeg, as he was made aware of their approach some time before. He kept that single arrow strung in his bow, but the weapon itself hung loose at his waist. It was simply cautionary now. Even if none of these men meant any harm, they still resided in The Crossroads, and it was only a matter of time before something else transpired.
Carsan took his off hand from his bow, raising it to greet the wizard as he drew closer.
"Hail, wizard. My name is Carsan de la Nox, Mercenary and Ranger of the North. I am pleased to see you have met Krayth, and no harm has come to either of you."
He gestured out towards Mugan.
"My companion and I are traveling to EverGray. It's not far from here - another day's journey, at most. What brought you to The Crossroads?"
He felt that tug again, urging him to abandon words and to run to EverGray. It felt like the wind was pushing him in its direction. It was beginning to disturb him. He wasn't sure how long he'd be able to differentiate between his desires and the ones imposed upon him.
"Do you feel it, wizard? The calling? Can you explain it?"
Surely Xeg felt it- he had to. Why would it only call to Carsan? The ranger looked at Xeg pensively, awaiting his answer.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 1:56 pm
Under the veil of his black cloak, Dredge fingerd a ring. "I have decided, ranger. I will accompany you to EverGray, but I will not enter the city, even if I wore different clothes, the stench of myself would not have been forgotten from that city." Dredge said and noticed Xeg coming from the surrounding fog, "I will hide in the fog and follow you as you proceed to the city, I suggest you don't stay in that city for more then two nights though, things change after two nights." Dredge finished his talk by walkin deeper into the surrounding fog that had stirred up while they had talked. As it often did near EverGray, Dredge had two reasons for hiding in the fog for the trip, first the people of EverGray actively scouted around the city during the day, and at night, which only came about around the town, they carried armed weapons and shot anything dark that moved. Secondly, Xeg had just joined up and Dredge knew from previous experience that mages tended to get nervous while they travelled with a necromancer.
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 4:24 pm
"Hail, Ranger Carsan" Xeg simply said as he approached. Seeing three people before him, one of them obviously a necromancer, Xeg was very cautious about approaching. He sensed no others nearby, besides Krayth the Eagle Familiar. The necromancer, whose arcane stench was almost overpowering his senses by now, took leave of them, and moved into the mist, where he said he would follow from behind. It did not reassure Xeg, but after making sure that Dredge left no listening cantrips, he felt i was safe enough to approach them.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintances, Carsan and Companion. My name is Xeg. I come to the crossroads so that I might leave it, Albeit from a different direction from whence I entered it. I came following a call I received, but the call was lost, and now I am as well until the drums of fate sound once more."
As he said this in reply to Carsan, he felt the gentle nudging of some unseen power. Of a wind that whispered ideas in his head. Of a force that permeated his mind, thrilling him to do things that he himself did not want to do. It was becoming hard to differentiate between his own ideas, and those of the one guiding him.
These fools hinder your path, strike them down so you may continue. Xeg knew not where this unbidden thought had surfaced from, floating to the top of his mind where it stood there, leering at him daring him to follow through. Xeg shook it away, and the thought flew from him, back down in the recesses of his mind.
"It is a dark force that permeates these lands." Xeg said, after a moment's silence. "I would be glad to leave here, so I may once again find my calling."
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 5:09 pm
Mugan after seeing there was no longer a need to hide jumped from his hiding place and landed next to them. "Well then as everyone is introducing themselves, I am Mugan, of Helena. I was on a trip across the continent when I became lost in this desolate place... It's a pleasue to meet you all...
Mugan then gave a small playful smile. "...cept you Necromancer... to be blunt... you give me the creeps."
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:33 pm
Carsan donned a slight smile, looking between the other three as they convened before him. No blood shed yet, and they were now five strong. He hoped that bode well for them. The ranger couldn't shake the chill that cut through his cloak.
"Then it would appear we are all lost, in some regard..."
That realization suddenly hit him, and immediately after came the calling. Liabilities all, chaining you down... they will abandon you for their goals, such is the curse of greed... Carsan would have looked visibly paler, were he wearing his face. What was noticeable was the shake of his head, and his hand rising to his mouth. To the others, he may appear to be stemming a cough. Within the confinement of his hood, his teeth gripped the leather of his gloves fiercely. He did not release his jaw until he assured himself out of such dark thoughts. When his hand returned to his side, Carsan was calm; still sporting a small smile.
"I cannot rightly say the time of day here, which I find to be a cause for concern. Unless one of you is opposed, we should head out immediately. Can't say I'll be sad to put this place behind me."
Krayth rose from the ground to Carsan's hand. They had a silent correspondence, and then the hawk flew up and back into the clouds.
The ranger looked to the trio, and nodded ahead of them, down another winding path that began to descend into a rocky stretch of bluffs.
"Shall we?"
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Posted: Mon Oct 18, 2010 8:55 pm
Mugan sneezed and he gave a nod of agreement. "Anything to get out of this blasted dust." With that said Mugan slipped the orb in his hand back into his pouch. "Time to get a goin."
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