Alvirad Arts Thread

[Ronyo Storm]

Necro King

Story 1:
Enter the Fox

The hammer struck again, and then one final time before the smith held up the curved blade in his tongs. The blade bent ever so slightly away from its bladed side, a scimitar’s blade. The smith grinned and laid the naked blade next to its sister, which carried the same slight curve. Each blade seemed to give off the most subtle of glows, the newest and youngest blade a feint blue hue when the light reflects on the blade, and its older sibling a pale orange red like the very fire that forged it. Small writing could be seen towards the bottom of each blade and the writing seemed to hum with the respected colors of each blade. Both blades were then taken and fired one final time to properly temper the metal and make them stronger. As the blue hued blade touched the flame it hissed and the smith had to pump his billows harder to increase the temperature. The blade hissed the whole time and steam joined the smoke that normally puffed out of the forge. The blade was removed and dipped into cold water to stop the tempering. The blue hissing blade hit the water with a cloud of steam, and when the steam cleared the water appeared to be freezing. The blade was removed and set on the table, while its sister now began the same process. This time when the sword with the orange hue touched flame the flames roared and the smith had to let off the billows and lower the temperature. Coming out of the fire the sword glowed brighter than ever before, and then the blade was plunged into the same water its sibling had made to start freezing. Massive gouts of steam poured out of the water and when the white water puffs vanished the water was almost gone and the blade still held a slight glow to itself. The blade was set next to its sister, but on a thicker piece of wood. The sisters were then sharpened, polished, and clothed in bone handles in the shape of fangs. Leather was bound around the grip area and the blades set in green scabbards and laid on racks to rest.

In a few hours a man in green pants and shirt came into the forge. He had brown leather boots and gloves both adorned with bone scale mail. A leather tunic lay over the man’s shirt also with the bone mail armor running down in a triangle on his chest. The tunic bound up by a crimson red sash and then a thick leather belt. Past the belt the tunic continued but only along the man’s legs and only to the man’s knees. The bone mail also flowed down the leg flaps protecting the man’s legs. Draped around his neck and a bit over his tunic a long crimson scarf lay. The garment covered his neck and the ends fell playfully behind him. Seeing the scarf ends would bring eyes to the long white pony tail that led up to the man’s head. The white locks had a wild yet tamed look about them. A few strands fell and framed the man’s gentle face and emerald eyes. The man smiled at the smith who smiled back. The smith walked into a back room and returned with the sister blades in their scabbards and a special leather belt.

“You came right on time, as always Ronyo. I finished your swords not a few hours ago. The enchantments on them are interesting but I noticed not as intense as most people put on their weapons.” The smith looked the blades up and down as he spoke.

“I don’t want them burning trees and freezing streams I come to. I just wanted the extra bite that those two wondrous elements give. Plus I’d rather rely on my skill with the blade rather than the power of the element to save me,” Ronyo smiled as he took the odd leather belt.

As he strapped it over his left shoulder and around his right side small slits in the back of the belt could be seen. The smith helped Ronyo place each sheathed blade into the slits along the belt. When both swords were in place they could be seen behind Ronyo’s left shoulder, both of them.

“Why both blades over one shoulder? Is it not difficult for your right hand to get its blade?” The smith asked with confused eyes on the swords.

“It was. I learned to draw them this way so it allows me to lean my right side against trees and the ground while still letting me stay armed. Also I’ve come to enjoy the idea and can bring them out almost faster than someone drawing from the hip,” Ronyo smiled and to show what he meant he drew.

The blades were in his hands in an instant and no sign of difficulty in the least. The blades did hum with the familiar sound of blade being drawn. With just as much dexterity the white haired man replaced his new friends in their scabbards.

“You make a fine point my druidic friend,” the smith said playing the pun.

“And you make finer ones each time you create such masterful weapons. I can tell their both strong and fine blades, but their almost lighter than I thought. You truly have a gift master Vinsunt,” the druid bowed to the smith and the produced a coin purse.

“Oh no, I cannot accept payment for those blades. Swords like that cannot be priced so they are gifts, and I know they will be in good hands. Plus, you wouldn’t have the coin,” Vinsunt said with a wry smile.

“I’m glad their priceless. Thank you again friend and now I have to run. I’m already late for the council meeting.”

“One of these days Trisha is going to have your hide for being late to those meetings. You are always on time except when it comes to the council.”

“I don’t like the council much, and most don’t like me. Only Trisha and Deakon are worth being there for. Most of the time it’s news I already know or new edicts and rules that must not be broken. All they ever do is gripe about events and ideas that they have no sway over. We’re druids, we don’t lead nature we protect it,” Ronyo said with annoyance.

True, but the rest of the world does not follow a natural course. Since the war ended the four nations have been at the edge of a sword’s blade. Small battles brake out all over and the Holy Empire has begun their Arcane Inquisition. This has made anyone from Vidal and many from Galifar nervous. Lhazaar is about the only decent place and they have pirates to contend with.”

“The Inquisition is wrong and that’s about the only thing I’ve ever agreed with the council about. Reports say men are looking for any black mages and I have a feeling they won’t see a difference is in black magic and druidic. Well I’m off, wish me luck Vinsunt.”

“I’m not sure how much you have left, but for what it’s worth, good luck,” Vinsunt waved at the druid and went back to his forge.

Ronyo meanwhile was on his way through the small druid city located in the great forest. The city was small enough to hide among the trees and secluded enough that unless you were looking for it, or were extremely lucky, you would walk right by it. The city was like a castle to nature with large trees acting as turrets where druid archers watched those unlucky wanderers as they passed by. Bushes and smaller trees, as well as small boulders and hills, acted as walls and ramparts. Rope bridges also made paths among the trees for the druids to travel along. Inside the timber walls a few huts stood as small mercantile vendors for simple and practiced crafts. Vinsunt’s forge was one as well as an armourer, a leather and tanner, a tailor and seamstress, several food vendors, and the occasional jewelry shop. Since druid’s lived in the forest these vendors were used little, but they served a purpose. A druid starting a journey could come here and get equipped, get directions, or come to get repair work done on their weapons and armor. Most items had prices because the vendors were usually not druids themselves. Most, like Vinsunt, had other shops to keep them in business in other towns. They would either travel back and forth or have family run one shop while they ran the other, Vinsunt was the former. The traveling merchants allowed for news to be easily spread amount the druid community. Each merchant was picked by the druid council and sworn to secrecy about the location of the city and where they went. The city is also used as a combined temple for both Kyi and Nyn and allows both followers to meet and talk. For this reason the city was dubbed Castle Gemini, and many of the druids seemed to like the name. The only living quarters were close to the council chamber and where for the council members, the only permanent residence, and the Chosen Voice. The council meets in a circular ring of stone animal statues and large trees to symbolize both Kyi and Nyn. The council is arranged with four key members and two sub members under each of the four. After that the four held small council over a group of about ten who usually sat in during the large meetings while the four and their subs stood. Each of the four represented an element; fire, water, earth, and air an each of the subs represented a version of that element. Fire had lava and meteor, water had ice and rain, earth had mountain and forest, and air had thunder and tornado. To outsiders the names and titles would sound silly but to the council and all druids they were serious and completely normal. Members from the fire and air side usually were represented by followers of Kyi, given the followers more aggressive nature and since many powers given to the followers of Kyi were of the fire and air elements. Members of the water and earth sides were populated with manly followers of Nyn given the healing and gentle nature of the followers. This allowed the council to stay impartial in matters and allowed for equal representation. Heading all of the council was the Chosen Voice. The Voice, as many called the position, was not appointed by men or women but by Kyi and Nyn themselves. The Voice was the one druid given both powers and knowledge of each following. The Voice was passed from one chosen to another as the generations went on. Most of the time the Voice had final say in all council matters, but the council could overrule the Voice with a majority vote. The current Voice was Trisha Black who had served as the Voice for many years now. Her husband, Deakon Black, served as her confidant and sat to her right during council meetings, while Trisha’s son sat to her left. Alexander was a fine druid and many thought he would become the next Voice, but as proven time and again the line of the Voice does not usually pass from parent to child. However if Alexander did become the next Voice there wouldn’t be a better choice, at least in Ronyo’s mind.

The white haired druid had just made it to the council chamber as the last meetings minutes were being read. Ronyo found his way to the air council seats and looked for his chair. Through continual patrols of the forest, the many fought battles against brigands and would be vandals, and with the good word from his animal companions Ronyo had earned a seat on the air side. Ronyo spied his almost empty chair and made his way to it. In his chair was his fox friend sly and beside it was his friend Kal the wolf. Both gave him looks that probably had sighs follow them.

“Your late again, I kept your seat warm,” Sly said with a grin, or it looked like a grin.

Only followers of Kyi could hear the fox, and other animals, speak. Unfortunately almost all of the air council was formed by followers of Kyi, so all looked to see Ronyo try and sneak in. The head of the air council was the only woman among the four and one of the few woman who followed Kyi. Silvia Cloud, now there was a woman. She has long blonde hair that was always braided. Her light blue eyes were almost white and she held herself like all strong women do. A sky blue top flowed around Silvia’s shoulders and chest and left her mid section bare. Lengths of white and soft blue cloth flowed off her shoulders down to her bare feet. A many layered skirt, also in blue, danced with her hips as she walked. Slight slips of purple could be seen within the folds of her skirt, and when she walked fast her legs also. She held her spear with its obsidian and jade point in her left hand and her right hand rested on her hip as she looked at Ronyo.

During the minutes everyone was free to sit and talk among themselves before the main meeting. Silvia would use this time to talk with her late member.

“I just don’t get it. You show up everywhere else before anyone. You can fly through the trees and cross half the forest in little time. Yet you show up late to a meeting that would take you seconds to run too.”

“I’m sorry Lady Cloud, this time I do have a just reason. I was picking up my swords from Vinsunt’s forge,” Ronyo said with a smile to the only member of the four he respected.

Silvia looked and saw Ronyo’s two blades behind his shoulder. She sighed and walked over to the late druid. She held her right hand out and looked at Ronyo. He knew what she wanted and he drew out his right hand sword and handed it to her. She held it and seemed to be judging it. Silvia smiled and handed it back.

“Vinsunt has out done himself. I feel the chill from the enchantment.”

“That would be Wolf Fang.”

“And the other?”

“Dragon Fang.”

“Appropriate names for both. Out of respect for your new blades and master Vinsunt I’ll let you off, and since I share your dislike for Malkite. However that is no reason to be late. He is still a member of the four and has helped in many affairs. Now sit, the main meeting is about to begin.”

Ronyo gave a slight bow and took his sword back and sheathed it. He sat in his chair, after moving Sly, and watched as the main meeting got underway. Silvia walked out with her subs behind her as did the other four. There was Silvur Dracarius the earth head and one of the few men who walked the path of Nyn, Victor Lasator head of the water council, and then there was Malkite Devont the fire head. Out of all the four Malkite is the most disliked and the one with the hottest temper. He was getting old and the idea of old age did not sit well with the councilmen. He had passed the age when most receive the role of The Voice, and has become sour since. He stood with his red robes and his black wooden staff like an irritated owl that had missed its chance for dinner. Silvur stood wearing a simple brown and green tunic with gold pants with his bow and arrow quiver strapped to his back, and Victor yawned as he waited for the Voice to appear in his turquoise colored robes and white hilted rapier. Finally Trisha walked out to cheers and claps from the surrounding council and from outside the council’s modest walls. She whore, as always, her robes comprised of scarlet, jade, sapphire, and silver. She had short brown hair with a small white streak off to one side. She held her staff topped with jewels of ruby, emerald, topaz, and diamond. The same staff every Voice that had preceded her carried. Her husband Deakon in his leathers and a red cloak and her son Alexander in light green tunic and pants followed her out.

As feared the council was the same as always. Talking about new rules that must be followed and news of the world affairs and what they were not going to do. When word of the Inquisition came up uproars came from all four sides of the council, but in the end they simply talked of how to avoid the Empire. Then something interesting was brought up. One of Silvia’s scouts had reported strange black knights roaming the forest. They seemed mindless but drawn towards something. Trisha gave the order to observe the knights but to do nothing to them unless provoked. Ronyo took special interest in this as he noticed Trisha looking his way. He was not known for just watching and observing much of anything. After that the meeting began to die down and then the final announcement was made about new followers that had been pledged into the serves of either Kyi or Nyn.

After the meeting Ronyo made his way to the back of the council chamber where Trisha meets with the four in a more private meeting. All it was for was to make sure certain orders were followed and some less important subjects were addressed. There Ronyo found Alexander waiting with his father for Trisha.

“Alex, how have you been?” Ronyo asked the young druid as he got closer.

“Not bad, mom is just finishing up with the four. Did you need to speak with her?”

“You shouldn’t be so carefree about your mother’s title in the open son. She is the Voice after all. I heard from Silvia that you were late again Ronyo. Keep it up and you might set a record.” Deakon smiled as he leaned against a tree.

“Well I try to do my best in everything, including being late.”

“Only you would take that as a complement. Silvia also told me you got your swords finally. Can we see them? Alexander asked with a bit more anticipation then he wanted to let out.

Ronyo grinned and drew his blades with the same speed he had shown for Vinsunt. The blades reflected the light well and gave off their respect colors in there reflections. With a snap of his wrists he flipped them and handed one each to Alexander and Deakon. The two looked at the blades with a smile and handed them back.

“Vinsunt does fine work. We plan on asking him to make Alexander something on his next birthday. He’ll be of age to choice his path and he should have a weapon to reflect that choice.” Deakon looked at his son who nodded.

“Have you decided yet what path?” Ronyo asked.

“No, Mom was originally a follower of Nyn before she became the voice, and Dad follows Kyi like you.”

“It will come to you. My path was pretty clear but everyone’s path is revealed in due time. Just let nature take its course.”

“Fine words from someone who’s always late.” The voice came from behind Deakon and Alexander.

Trisha walked out with a smile on her face as she greeted her husband and son. Then she eyed Ronyo like she usually did after meetings.

“Even so, they are good words to live by Ronyo. Did you need something of me?” Trisha always got right to the point.

“I just wanted to ask more on the black knights. Silvia didn’t say anything to me before so I assume there is more going on then was said.”

“You are brighter then I like to admit sometimes and that ends up being a strength and weakness Ronyo. You are to curious, just let things happen like you just said.”

“I know, but nature usually drives me to be curious. Plus I don’t like watching people or animals get hurt.”

“I know which I am grateful for but others would look at scornfully.”

“Just one.”

“Now Ronyo, leave Malkite alone this time. He gets enough from his own council.”

“For now, just because I respect you Lady Trisha and your family.”

“You have been a friend to us for a time now Ronyo and I know Alex enjoys your company and stories. Just be careful out there.”

“I’m always careful, just sometimes a bit careless is all, so what of the knights?”

“As long as you do nothing rash I shall tell you. The scouts reported the knights seem unnatural and move like…,” Trisha bent lower to where only Ronyo and her family could hear, “the undead.”  

[Ronyo Storm]

Necro King

Story 2
Dead Man Walking

Within the great forest, between the nations of Galifer and the Holy Empire, many come to pick, scavenge, and harvest from the plants that inhabit it. Many just to find sweet treats like berries and some just to find herbal ingredients, on this day Lyda was attempting the former. The young woman decided to gather berries for a pie she wanted to make for her mother. Lyda’s mother would celebrate 50 years of living in Alvirad and Lyda wanted to make sure her mother’s birthday was a grand as it could be. Not many lived to their 50s with so much conflict and disease around, but Lyda’s mother had done it and done it well. Through her years Lyda’s mother had fallen in love, bore Lyda, lost her love in the war, raised Lyda by herself, and managed to keep a nice bakery open in the process. If that wasn’t disserving of a special birthday pie Lyda didn’t know what was.

It had only been an hour into Lyda’s journey and she had yet to see the berries she wanted for the pie. The forest was becoming thicker and less light danced through the tree canopy. After a frustrating sigh the woman sat down and looked in her small basket full of some rather poor blackberries that she had only picked because they were the first she came across. As she looked at her meager findings she noticed a small pair of eyes watching her intently. She stood up quickly and began to back step slowly ready to run if a wolf was to jump out at her, but then out leapt a red fox looking at the woman’s basket more than at the woman and Lyda sighed and laughed at her scary attacker.

“You gave me a start ya did. You shouldn’t sneak up on people like that,” The woman sat back down and the fox began to sniff, “What are you doing here on your own? You should be off looking for something to ea..ah. You smelled my berries didn’t you?” The woman smiled and opened her basket to let the fox take a look, “Not much I’m afraid, just a few black berries and not the best of the lot. You’re welcome to them if ya like.”

The fox looked at the woman and then slowly approached the basket. He sniffed and then grabbed one of the berries with his tongue and ate it. Then he did so with the next and the next.

“Glad to know someone likes them. You wouldn’t happen to know where I could find some blueberries would ya? My mother loves blueberries but we don’t get many in our little town. What we get we have to buy off the traders from Galifer of the Empire and there always in poor standards by then,” The woman smiled and decided to reach a hand out to the small fox. She put her hand on his soft orange colored fur and stroked it. The fox lay down as he ate the berries and got a nice petting, “You’re a nice little fox aren’t ya. I’m glad you weren’t a wolf or anything or else I might have never made my mother a pie. Although it still looks like that pie will never be made. Oh well maybe I can just buy a few berries, Mom will just like getting one for herself instead of having to sell them off.”

The woman smiled and patted her green dress to knock off a bit of dirt. Then she reached into her semi-white apron tied around her waist and took out a small piece of cheese. She broke a piece off and ate it while she looked around at the trees and then up at their tops. She felt a nudge on her hand and looked down to see the fox looking at the cheese.

“Berries and cheese? You eat too much and you’ll make yourself sick. Just a small piece, I need this as well so I don’t starve out here. I have a few more pieces so I can share a bit,” The woman broke a piece off and handed it to the fox. Who took it in kind and decided to take his time eating.

The woman continued to look around as if the spot with the berries would just come to her. Then she heard an odd sound coming from the forest. It sounded like something moving but it was like it was bumping into things. He sound was drawing closer and the woman saw the fox sit up and stare hard at the sound. The fox went low and growled a bit to tell the woman it wasn’t another friendly creature. Lyda ran around a tree and peaked out in time to see a black armored man walking through the forest. He was dragging his sword and seemed to be almost limping, or was it slouching? In truth he just looked hurt and mindlessly walking on. Thinking the man was injured Lyda came out and called to the man.

“Sir!? Are you injured!? Do you need help!?”

The man’s helmeted head turned in an odd way to look at the woman. It turned the rest of its body towards Lyda and began walking to her. The man’s walk got quicker and then the sword raised over the black knights head and swung like a whip towards the woman.

Metal hit metal.

Lyda had covered her eyes to avoid watching her own death but found no pain just the sound of metal hitting metal. As she looked up she saw the black armored man pushing his blade into two blades crossed over a white haired man’s head. A long crimson scarf billowed from behind the man as he pushed the attacker back and made a small step backwards toward Lyda.

“Are you ok?”

“I…what…what is that thing?”

“I’m not sure, but I don’t think he’s friendly. If nothing else I’d say he’s very rude to have answered your question with an attack. Oh, here he comes again watch out…” The man stepped in and parried the black knight’s sword with his right blade and came in and sliced the man’s shoulder with his left.

The armored man did not cry in pain nor did he flinch from the bite of Dragon Fang. The white haired man retreated back closer to Lyda and put his right sword in front of the woman in a defensive manner.

“This is not going like I thought. Can you run?” the man in the red scarf asked

“Well yes but…”

“No time for a chat, follow the fox and you will be safe. His name is Sly and he’s good at running so run hard,” at that Sly took off and the woman watched, “I don’t mean to be rude, but move!”

The woman ran in the direction the fox had. She found the fox still moving and followed as fast as she could. The black knight did not give chase but focused itself on the new person in its way. The mindless warrior made an odd rotation of his shoulders and then thrust his blade hard at the white haired man. Both of the defending man’s blades snapped out and deflected the blow and the man in the red scarf rolled with his double parry along the armored man’s shoulder and gave a quick double slash with both his swords. The black knight moved forward from the blow but made no attempt to grab for the open wound. A wound that did not bleed like a wound should, the man with the two swords jumped back and watched the knight turn and face him again. With a growl the white haired warrior knew what he was up against now.

“By Kyi, you’re an undead knight, so Trisha was right after all. Ok you mindless freak come and get me.”

The knight seemed to oblige, but whether it was from the taunt or just the task of killing it was hard to tell. The undead knight made another whip like swing with its sword and the white haired man parried with his left sword and came in with his right, but the knight surprised his attacker by forcing its blade through the parry and into the attacking blade, thus becoming a parry itself. Now both the living man’s blades were thrown to one side and the knight swung in at the opening. With grace only afforded to druids of Kyi the man pushed himself back. The blow did catch him across the left arm but not near what could have happened. The druid moved his arm to make sure it was still battle ready and he brought his defense up. The knight came in again this time with more speed and less strength. The undead warrior attacked with several combat routines that the druid parried and riposted accordingly. Unfortunately every blow made by the druid was shrugged off and gave the knight a chance to counter which only made the druid’s job harder. The druid began reciting a prayer in the middle of his parrying. The wind picked up and seemed to push the druid’s movements and make them quicker and sharper. With a strong double parry the knight was wide open and both of the druid’s blade cut into the knight’s sword arm. The arm fell away revealing only bone and nothing more. The knight bent down and picked up its blade with its remaining arm and continued to attack.

“This thing doesn’t stop. Guess I’ll have to get serious.”

With that the druid ran at the knight and began a series of attacks that were meant to drive an opponent using one blade into hard to reach parries. The undead creature had no trouble stretching itself beyond a normal man’s limits but still could only reach as far as he could while alive. After a few moments the knight’s guard had become too wide and the druid struck home with a disarming parry from his left blade and a dis-heading blow from his right. The white haired man stepped back breathing heavily and watched the knight stay still. Then in a horrible turn of events the armored warrior began walking towards the druid once more.

“Oh come on, that’s just not fare. I had plans to make a joke at your expense now you ruined it. I’d say heads will roll, but they already have and still you come at me. Hey, I still got my joke in, now I don’t feel so bad.”

The druid sheathed his swords and brought his hands together and began another prayer. As the words rolled off his tongue clouds began to form over head. Thunder could be heard within the mighty storm clouds as they grew larger. The knight was getting closer but having trouble with the loss of an arm and a head. With a final word the druid pointed at the knight and a bolt of lightning streaked down from the clouds and blasted the abomination to pieces. The strike resulted in a small fire that seemed ready to spread until the rain came. The clouds followed the bolt of lightning by a large down poor of rain that soaked the surrounding area and put out the fire. The druid looked around to see no more knight and he gave a sigh and sat down.

The rain stopped and the clouds began to dissolve and float away. The druid looked around and then moved his wounded arm a bit. He touched it and the sting went through his entire body. With a grunt he stood up and looked around for any sign of the knight, just to be sure. After a few minutes of wondering the druid found the woman huddled near a tree with Sly in the bushes nearby.

“Well that was an adventure. Now we have time for that chat you wanted.”

The woman was stunned but oddly curious about this man who seemed so relaxed about fighting whatever that was. She composed herself enough to sit down next to the man and cleared her throat.

“Um…ok. First off, who are you?”

“My name is Ronyo Storm; I watch the woods for anything that shouldn’t be. That guy was on the odder side though.”

“Ok, Mr. Storm, what are ya and what was that?”

“What am I? I’m a druid. Technically I’m a follower of Kyi, God of the animals and storms. The whole thing can be a bit complicated for someone who’s never heard of us, but just know we try and make sure nature stays natural, and nothing unnatural happens to anything living, and that guy was about as unnatural as it gets. I won’t scare you with the details but just know he was as bad as they come and it’s a good thing he’s gone. Anything else?”

The woman was trying to take everything in and just sat there looking perplexed. Out of having nothing else better to ask she simply added.

“Know where I could find any blueberries?”

“Ha-ha, I know a place follow me and then I’ll make sure you get home safe,” Ronyo smiled but made a mental note to bring this up during the next council meeting.  

[Ronyo Storm]

Necro King

Story 3
Wizard of Odd

Ronyo had made his way back from his excursion into the forest. He was going over the events of the battle with the Dread Knight over and over. He wanted to make sure he remembered every detail when he relayed the message to the council. The council wasn’t in session now but they were having their dinner together about now in one of the fours dwellings. They changed the location every night as to keep things interesting. Fortunately tonight they were at Silvia’s house, so it would at least make it easy for Ronyo to enter. Silvia’s house was just like the other council members houses except for the few details the air councilwoman had put in. The most noticeable was the many wind chimes that dangled all over the outer edge of the house’s roof. Also many of those chimes hung from trees and even some on tall stones. When the wind past though Silvia’s house everyone knew it and enjoyed it.

Upon entering Ronyo found Silvia’s husband, Nicolas, coming out with a plate of food for the council. The spouse of the councilwoman smiled as he saw Ronyo enter.

“Ronyo, it’s nice to see you again. You so rarely come by anymore, I hope Silvia hasn’t scarred you away with her lectures on you being late.”

“Oh no, she could never scare me away. She’s not that lucky,” Ronyo laughed a bit to underline the joke and Nicolas joined in a bit, “No, I’ve actually come on business I’m afraid, and it’s not good either. You will want to hear this too I think.”

With that Nicolas led Ronyo into the dining area where he was greeted warmly until he relayed what he was there for. The white haired druid told his story of the knight who attacked the woman in the forest, how he jumped in to save her, but only to find out that the knight was in fact undead. He went through the details he had been running through about the knights walk, fighting style, and lack of weaknesses. After Ronyo ended the room stood silent for several nerve racking minutes, until Ronyo finally broke it with a simple question.

“What do we do?”

“I think that what we’re all pondering right now. It’s not every day we have to decide how to deal with a necromancer,” Victor said with less enthusiasm then most people would have used.

“Now we don’t know it’s a necromancer. That’s jumping to conclusions. It could have just been a black spell gone wrong,” Silvur exclaimed, but few thought he meant it.

“No, we all know what this is, and we know what we must do. However we do not have the man power or the resources to deal with this at the moment. We are to scattered dealing with the post war and the effect it’s having on Alvirad. Plus this new inquisition is making it harder to move freely and openly,” Trisha said with her hands clasped under her chin.

“We can’t just let this fiend go about his ways. The Empire may eventually stop him but they will bring more bloodshed than is necessary,” Silvia piped up from the back of the room.

“Why shouldn’t we just let the Empire deal with it? Since they’re so insistent on this inquisition of theirs, maybe we’ll get lucky and the two will take each other down and free up the land for decent people,” The gruff and hard voice of Malkite spoke up.

“Unfortunately we can’t do that because Silvia is right. The Empire will just cause too much destruction. We will have to confront this cretonne ourselves,” Trisha said deflating Malkite a bit.

“Who would be foolish enough to undertake that? You already said we haven’t the man power, so whoever goes will be going alone. No ones that dumb,” Malkite said, with a humph at the end.

The group heard a throat being cleared rather loudly and turned to see Ronyo still standing. He looked at Malkite as if he really wanted to use a joke, but was holding it back.

“Ronyo I can’t ask you to….” Trisha began to protest.

“You’re not, I’m volunteering. I discovered this necromancer’s creation, and at present I’m the only one with something already put into this. Besides I can’t pass up an opportunity like this to prove councilman Malkite wrong. There is always someone that dumb,” Ronyo smiled and the rest of the council had to fight to hold in smiles of their own, while Malkite just glared.

“Very well Ronyo, but I want you to learn something of your enemy before you face him. You will first travel to a small spire hidden within the forest. There lives a black mage who has seen his fare share of all black spells. He only studies now and refrains from casting so he can watch. This is why we have allowed a black mage to live among to trees. He may be able to give you some insight into necromancy and maybe something about this particular Necromancer. Take this,” Trisha scribbled something on a piece of parchment, “to Deakon back at my house. He will provide you with a map and instruction on how to get into the spire. Do be careful while you are there Ronyo.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine, I can handle myself if this mage decides to try anything.”

“I’m not afraid of that. This black mage is a bit…odd. He has been alone for some time and only has his studies to comfort him. It’s very possible he could simply be mad, but you must try and obtain some kind of information from him,” Ronyo nodded at Trisha’s words and left with the parchment to see Deakon about the map.

**********

Ronyo had traveled two days through the forest towards the country of Vidal looking for the spire that was home to this mad black mage. The map Deakon had given him was clear as to where to go and how long it would take, but the instruction on how to get in were a bit puzzling. They said, “If you look for the spire while shadows draw close, you will never find what is so close.”

“Why can’t these things ever be simple? Like turn left at this tree or if you look at it this way you’ll see it. Everything is always a riddle.”

Ronyo continued on while Sly and Kal followed close behind and watched for anything suspicious. By the end of the third day the map showed he was at his destination but the druid saw nothing that looked like a spire. With the sun soon to set Ronyo decided to make camp and look for the spire in the morning.

As the sun crested over the forest canopy Ronyo was already up and watching the sun rise. One of the little fun sayings Silvia had him was, “Everyday you see the sun rise will be a day to remember.” Ronyo smiled and hoped down from the tree he had used as a bed last night. With a stretch and a yawn the druid went about his morning routine and ate a small breakfast of oatmeal he had packed for the journey. He gave Sly and Kal pieces of jerky for their breakfast and then began looking for this mysterious spire.

“Ok, let’s think about this,” Ronyo said looking Kal and Sly as they ate, “If you look for the spire while shadows draw close, you will never find what is so close. I’m sure it’s suppose to make it a challenge or something, and when I figure it out I’m going to hit myself, I just know it. Now, ‘while shadows draw close,’ that could mean a few things. Could mean while evil is around, but then it might always be visible or might always be hidden. Maybe it’s referring to the shadows in the trees. Maybe the spire’s entrance is hidden in the shadow of a tree. That would take days to look over every tree though….” Ronyo pondered on and on, and Sly and Kal listened but didn’t have much to say.

Around noon Ronyo was starting to get frustrated and began just walking around and throwing rocks hoping to hit something. Finally he came back to the spot he had started at and looked at Kal and Sly sitting and staring at him.

“Well, have you two got any ideas?”

“We could call out for the mage,” Sly said

“Or, you could think harder druid. This is a mage we’re talking about, not a druid. The answer may have nothing to do with nature,” Kal said with a sigh.

Ronyo listened but then saw something interesting. The shadows that Kal and Sly were casting were getting smaller as the sun made its way to the top of the sky.

“While shadows draw close, that’s it. Shadows are always around during hr day except noon, so that means it should appear at noon. Now that just leaves the last part, ‘you will never find what is so close’ I wonder what that one means,” With that Ronyo turned to think but ran smack dab into a large black wall. The druid fell backwards and looked up at Sly and Kal who were trying to keep from laughing.

“Well, you said you would end up hitting yourself. Does that count?” Sly said with a giggle in each word.

Ronyo sat up to see a large black spire stretching up so high the druid had to crane his neck to see the top. Ronyo got to his feet and walked around until he found a door with a simple brass knocker. With a sigh the druid banged the knocker three times and stepped back. After a few moments the door swung open and a strange looking man stood in the doorway. He was in long black robes and held a red staff with golden orb atop it. The man had a short grey goatee and long grey mutton chops. Grey tendrils of hair lay about his shoulders and covered his head. He had on an odd pair of eye wear, they looked like reading glasses but the normal crystal clear lenses were black. With a quick hand the man pulled the glasses off and looked at the druid with an inquisitive glance.

“I was wondering how long it would take you to just wait until noon. I see the answer just hit you,” The mage laughed a bit and then gestured for Ronyo, and his companions, to come in.

“You were watching me the whole time? Why didn’t you say something?” Ronyo asked with a bit of frustration still in his voice.

“You would have seen it come noon no matter what, and it was fascinating to watch you try and wrap your head around the riddle. I found it delightful that you got your answer from your friends and not your train of thought. As you can see you were thinking too hard on it, and the part where you slammed into my spire was priceless. You should see the birds at noon when the spire appears; oh they think they’ve lost it. None ever get hurt, if that’s what you’re thinking. Oh by the gods my manners have gone to put, I am Archwizard Karazaan of the Forest Spire. Welcome master druid.”

“Nice to meet you, I think. I’m Ronyo Storm and I need some information,” Ronyo decided to get right to the point and leave his embarrassing act alone.

“Information? Ha-ha, you have come to the right man and the right spire. What plethora of information may I give to you? Would you like to hear my theories on the stars and how to get there? Or how about my potion of love series nine…”

“What happened to the other eight?”

“That’s a touchy subject, and best left just to the mice. Now, what about my idea on the better mouse trap, which I had to make after the eight bad potions. Or I have the history of dragons or at least I think its dragons, it could be a group of women from Vidal I’m not positive yet…”

“Master Karazaan, I need to find out about necromancy. In particular, anything you have on necromancy that has brought a knight back to life recently.”

“Wait, can he tell us about the mouse trap first? I liked that one,” Sly said with a tong hanging out of his mouth.

“I’ll ask him later Sly; this is a bit more important.”

“To you it is…” Sly said with a upraised noise.

“Sorry sir, my fox friend has a one track mind of food. Now please, anything you have on the subject.”

“I know what you are looking for,” Karazaan said with a sigh, “and none of it is good or as exciting as my other research, but I suppose since you did give me some entertainment looking for my spire I can help,” the mage walked over to a shelf and pulled out a dusty book with a skull on the front, “Necromancy is one of the hardest skills for a black mage because it requires such a wide range of knowledge to make work,” Karazaan pointed to pictures and parts of the book as he spoke, “ The mage must know how to capture souls, he must know anatomy and physiology to make the creature move, he must be able to use Nethersight almost all the time, and he must have the will to keep the being alive to do his bidding. Any black mage who knows necromancy is already a skilled wizard by any means, but a master of necromancy is someone to whom even some of the bravest paladins find themselves helpless and soon dead. It’s never wise to get on the bad side of a master necromancer, and the one you want information on is one of the oldest on record. He goes by the name of Lord Vahn, and dwells within a castle of pale white. Some say the castle is built from bones which give it its eerie white color…”

“Is it truly made from bone?”

“That is something I don’t know. No one has gotten close enough to find out and record it. Vahn is the man to do something so macabre though so it’s a safe bet. Anyway, the man is one without a soul and with a heart as black as Rennais’ own. Every servant in the castle is an undead man or woman who Vahn has raised. His control is perfect and his will stronger than any I know. He could thread a needle and still keep his creations alive. He’s done it for so long its second nature to him now, and he only gets better. He is always trying to come up with some new way to put pieces together or take them apart. He excels in the art of torture as well, for he likes to try and use parts from one person to make another move.”

“He sounds like the worst devil you could ever find. From the sounds of it, I would rather face the goddesses of death than Vahn himself. However must face him and stop him, his action have reached the forest and who knows where else. Plus I cannot wait for the Empire to try and stop him because they would just as well send wave after wave against him, and that would only full his power. Is there a way to stop him?”

“Yes, stab him. You could also shot him with an arrow or hit him with a killing spell. He is still mortal, although he wishes he could become what he creates, and as such is just as susceptible to all things that give mortal wounds. If he is spreading his creatures far and wide then his powers are growing and he may have something up his blood soaked sleeve. I will give you a map and anything you need for your journey, but I am afraid I have no special weapon that will reduce him to nothing. That only happens in fairy tales.”

“Thank you for just the knowledge Master Karazaan. I Must ask though, how do you know so much about Lord Vahn?”

“Because,” Karazaan took a deep breath, “I am his father…no, not really. I’m old and I live in a spire and do nothing but read and find out things. I have spells for listening and for looking, and spells to stop both from happening to me. You should see my research on reproductive positions…”

“I…I think I’ll pass sir, but I would like a few things to take to eat other than oatmeal.”

“I think I might have something for you.”

“It doesn’t have any side effects does it?”

“No, at least the mice seem fine so far.”

After a few interesting discussions Ronyo set off again with Kal and a still grumpy Sly in tow. The fox still didn’t get to hear about the mouse trap. Ronyo had a new map and a nice pack that held more than it looked like it could. Inside he had breads and cheeses that were suppose to have extra recuperative properties. Ronyo only hoped he would fare better than the mice.  

[Ronyo Storm]

The Druid Life

Druid Class:

The druid class is comprised of two main styles, or followings, the following of Kyi and the following of Nyn.

Path of Kyi:

The druid who walks the path of Kyi is one who walks on the wild side. This druid is more in touch with his/her animal self, and as such can communicate with all animals. Followers of Kyi also tend to pick elaborate fighting styles that imitate ideas from the animal kingdom. Many of these combat styles are martial arts that focus on either on animal or an idea of an animal. This is not a solid way for Kyi followers but is the norm for the class. Many followers of Kyi have an animal companion of not multiples, which follow them around and assist them in their endeavors. The biggest aspect of a follower of Kyi is the power over the storms. A druid of Kyi can ask the wind to push him/her along or even to become powerful tornados, after longer training. The storm control also allows for the forming of actual storms and the ability to call down bolts of lightning to strike a spot. This act is time consuming and can only be done through concentration.

Path of Nyn:

Walk the path of Nyn and you walk with the trees. Those who pick to follow Nyn gain the gift of knowledge. This knowledge is of the many herbs and medicinal plants found throughout the land. The knowledge also allows the ability to know how to use these plants and where to find them. Also followers of Nyn have the extraordinary ability to talk with the plants around them and as them for their assistance. Many times this is sued to gain access to areas that are hard to reach, or even on occasion act as a defensive tool. To aid in their defense, followers of Nyn are commonly taught the art of wielding a staff or other wooden weapon. Few druids of Nyn have also been seen using whips and daggers, but there is nothing against a follower of Nyn wielding a sword or spear. As with the path of Kyi, the path of Nyn also comes with a greater power. For those under Nyn it is the power over the earth itself. This power is normally used to raise defensive walls of rock or to open crags to stop attackers. The strongest of the followers of Nyn have even been rumored to make earthquakes happens in areas they designate.

Druid Culture:

The druids of Alvirad live all over and are tasked with guarding nature and all things living within it. Although there are druids all over Alvirad the center of the druid culture lies within the great forest between Galifar and the Holy Empire.

Excerpt from the Necro King, Story 1

The city was small enough to hide among the trees and secluded enough that unless you were looking for it, or were extremely lucky, you would walk right by it. The city was like a castle to nature with large trees acting as turrets where druid archers watched those unlucky wanderers as they passed by. Bushes and smaller trees, as well as small boulders and hills, acted as walls and ramparts. Rope bridges also made paths among the trees for the druids to travel along. Inside the timber walls a few huts stood as small mercantile vendors for simple and practiced crafts. Vinsunt’s forge was one as well as an armourer, a leather and tanner, a tailor and seamstress, several food vendors, and the occasional jewelry shop. Since druid’s lived in the forest these vendors were used little, but they served a purpose. A druid starting a journey could come here and get equipped, get directions, or come to get repair work done on their weapons and armor. Most items had prices because the vendors were usually not druids themselves. Most, like Vinsunt, had other shops to keep them in business in other towns. They would either travel back and forth or have family run one shop while they ran the other, Vinsunt was the former. The traveling merchants allowed for news to be easily spread amount the druid community. Each merchant was picked by the druid council and sworn to secrecy about the location of the city and where they went. The city is also used as a combined temple for both Kyi and Nyn and allows both followers to meet and talk. For this reason the city was dubbed Castle Gemini, and many of the druids seemed to like the name. The only living quarters were close to the council chamber and where for the council members, the only permanent residence, and the Chosen Voice.

The druid society actually has a fine governing system that allows for collaboration of information gathering and relaying of news to other druids across Alvirad. Within Castle Gemini the druidic council meets to discuss the state of nature and how best to keep it safe.

Excerpt from the Necro King, Story 1

The council meets in a circular ring of stone animal statues and large trees to symbolize both Kyi and Nyn. The council is arranged with four key members and two sub members under each of the four. After that the four held small council over a group of about ten who usually sat in during the large meetings while the four and their subs stood. Each of the four represented an element; fire, water, earth, and air an each of the subs represented a version of that element. Fire had lava and meteor, water had ice and rain, earth had mountain and forest, and air had thunder and tornado. To outsiders the names and titles would sound silly but to the council and all druids they were serious and completely normal. Members from the fire and air side usually were represented by followers of Kyi, given the followers more aggressive nature and since many powers given to the followers of Kyi were of the fire and air elements. Members of the water and earth sides were populated with manly followers of Nyn given the healing and gentle nature of the followers. This allowed the council to stay impartial in matters and allowed for equal representation.

As stated the current council is comprised as thus.

Councilman of Fire:
Malkite Devont

Councilwoman of Air:
Silvia Cloud

Councilman of Earth:
Silvur Dracarius

Councilman of Water:
Victor Lasator

To make sure the council has a ruling body, one druid is chosen to represent all that is nature.


Excerpt from the Necro King, Story 1

Heading all of the council was the Chosen Voice. The Voice, as many called the position, was not appointed by men or women but by Kyi and Nyn themselves. The Voice was the one druid given both powers and knowledge of each following. The Voice was passed from one chosen to another as the generations went on. Most of the time the Voice had final say in all council matters, but the council could overrule the Voice with a majority vote.

Current Voice:
Trisha Black