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 Posted: Wed Oct 27, 2010 1:58 pm
World
the world of Rojnod is still a troubled. No one knows their place in the world, no one can remember their purpose, and no one seems to care. Some continue as if nothing happened, attempting an honest living at a trade that really isn't suited to their talents, and others have taken up nothing at all because no one needs worry about food to eat, beds to sleep in, or children to keep - because no one can remember!
the heroes of this tale, alas, are having no better luck. Beset upon by both wolves and apes, they have narrowly escaped their first adventure. with the willing sacrifice of both a brave Cavalier and Troll in attempts to sway the attack and attention of the wolven pack of pursuers the rest of the party has made it a fraction of the way closer to their destination - the Witch's tower. Some have gone now, parted ways with the troupe out of fear and some out of attention deficit disorder, but none can blame them for wanting little to do with the affair. The bounty is still set for many of their heads and travelling together can only spell further doom and misery upon them... if they remember to spell at all.
what new horrors face the heroes in this forest of broken mirrors, trust, and dreams? Will they encounter new friends or only find foes in the shadows, and what awaits them at the peak of the tower?
only time will tell... or a fortune teller. ------------------- Major Places
Rojnod: The world as the adventures know it. One single continent on a flat world that has only one other island. The only way to travel the oceans safely is on the vessel of well weathered Officers or Pirates.
Weatherby: a small village where the heroes met in the first Chapter. Recently plundered by marauding winged monkeys, this village is extremely hostile to any strangers.
Broken Forest: so named for the many broken trees that have fallen and seem to never rot. It is as if whatever grows in this place is either frozen in decay, or become so tainted by the Witch's tower that the earth will not reclaim it. Even the waters appear shattered and the bottoms of the pools are never seen.
Nyarob: The ocean. The vastness of this ocean can be measured only by it's edges. At the edge of the world the water runs down and only the gods know where it lands and how it doesn't run dry.
Lynset: The Royal Island. The only landmass that is apart from the mainland is claimed by the Royal family. The King and Queen reside here while they have sent their children off to learn the ways of the world by studying in various monasteries.
Nabrond: The Underworld. When adventurers fail to escape an enemy or simply fall off the edge of the world they are sent to Nabrond. Through extreme cunning or high promises an adventurer can sometimes find a way back to Rojnod.. or if their friends love them enough they can sometimes be rescued by anyone crazy enough to sail of the edge of Nyarob and bring them back.------------------- CreaturesCreatures are randomly found as adventurers travel the world of Rojnod. You do not encounter creatures, creatures encounter you.
If you meet the requirements to rid yourself of a creature then you may continue on your merry way, HOWEVER, if you do not meet those requirements or choose NOT to follow them your options are;
1. Run
2. Die
If you decide to run then you can escape your enemy. You may ONLY flee a total of three times before you HAVE to face the requirements of the encounter or die.
Or there's dying. When you die you are sent to the underworld. See Underworld rules for application.
Bears, Wolves, Lions: Wild and un-tamed, but not always aggressive. In some forests it's said that animals can be spoken to if you are in the company of a Witch...
Dragons: Can be found in the air, on water, or on land. Always aggressive, always guarding treasure, will just about ALWAYS kill any number of party members with extreme ease. Can only be convinced to leave an adventurer alone if they hand over a Princess or a Maiden...
Kracken: Will attack any boat that travels far enough from shore which more often than not happens to be ANY boat. Can only be defeated or driven off by the crazy tactics known only to drunken Pirates...
Orcs: Orcs travel in numbers and are vicious and brutal fighters. Often the only thing that can stop an Orc or group of Orcs in the midst of their blood-frenzied attack is the feminine whiles of a woman not afraid to flash a little of their "goods".
Brigands: Brigands are good for one thing and one thing only - killing nobles. While a Nobleman or Noblewoman isn't enough to stay the hands of bandits and keep them from slaughtering anyone who may simply be traveling along for the fun of it, a Prince is. Ransom a Prince to them and they may also give you some coin for the road.
Golem: Golems manifest when too many magic users and magical creatures merge together, taking form in rock, water and air. The only thing that can banish a Golem is a wizard...
Fairies: Fairies are tricksters and extremely malicious sprites. They will stop at nothing to lure careless adventurers into their traps and once there will bargain only the highest of prices to release the adventurer.. maybe. The only being that can wrestle with the will of a Fairy is a Halfling, their lies telling truths only a Fairy can discern
Fairies include: Sprites, Brownies, Nymphs, Mermaids, Dryads, Satyrs, Fauns, Sirens, Wisps and other woodland spirits. -------------------------- Nabrond (underworld) rules:
No one is above death, Prince, Pirate, or even lowly merchants. However Death is not above a little bit of competition.
Challenge Death to a game and you MAY just win back a one-way trip to your body. You are returned to the place of your death with any time that has passed taking effect. Your companions may be gone, your equipment looted, but you'll be alive.
If you fail your game with Death then there is ONE other way that you can be saved. MAYBE you have someone up on top-side that cares enough for you to come for you in the underworld, is charismatic enough(or knows someone charismatic enough) to sway a pirate into sailing the ocean and braving the Kracken, and MAYBE you know someone tricky enough (or who knows someone tricky enough) to barter a few extra one-way tickets back to top-side...
But that's a lot of maybes.
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Posted: Thu Oct 28, 2010 9:02 pm
[Tristram]
'How in the nine hells did I end up here again?'
The thought seemed to constantly pound into the nobleman's brain as he drove the small wooden cart along the trail. Just yesterday he was finding himself thinking that his daily life was simply too boring and needed a bit of excitement. Now he was regretting that sentiment entirely and seeing the cruel irony that life often enough played. Still Tristram continued to wonder how he in fact ended up with this group. He could have left at any time and been down with the lot and the drama and pain that seemed to dog them every step of the way. Was it honor? No not honor. Was it the woman? She was beautiful but that seemed like only a factor to the problem not the main source (even though it was a lovely factor ).
Tristram just shook his head and continued on the journey to...well where ever it was the road was taking them. In truth they had little understanding of what they were doing, why they were doing it, and what purpose it would serve in the long run. At present it was just looking like a string of bad luck that would turn into a good story to tell a vivacious young vixen at the next pub or inn. A sigh escaped the nobleman's mouth and he gave the reins a small snapped to keep the pace at a moderate speed.
"How in the nine hells did I end up here?"
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Posted: Fri Oct 29, 2010 9:50 pm
[Kira]
A blood-stained cloth twisted around in her hands as she rode along in the cart in silence, wringing so tight that the dried fabric shed flakes of ruby-colored stain into her lap. She didn't mind. Otherwise sweet, honey colored eyes were clouded, distant, and Kira Knightingale was far away from those companions that were left. Her young face was a riddle of expression, neither grief from those lost so soon nor the excitement that would have otherwise been expected from her, being on adventure as she still was. Maybe she was simply struggling with what she was feeling; guilt, for the sacrifice made by those who were responsible for getting this far, confusion at how it had all escalated this far, and denial - how could this be happening?
A question and a curse broke her thoughts and she hardly reacted, simply lifting her chin to look up at the approaching forest. The road seemed to lead right into it without flinching, as if roads could flinch, though it hardly seemed as if anything could look at that forest and not. Trees so tall that the blotted out the sun before they were yet a hundred yards from the perimeter, and foliage dark enough to convince a wandered that it was night even on the sunniest of days, the place was a fortress of its own - no wonder it was said to be home to a witch.
Or was it? She couldn't quite remember.
"Stop the cart. " She said in a quite voice, a unexpected level of command tempered by whatever emotions she was keeping to herself. Kira stood while the cart was still moving, using a hand on the edge to keep her legs from being knocked out from under her, and repeated herself to make sure she had been heard. "Stop the cart, please."
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Posted: Tue Nov 09, 2010 9:30 pm
[Jonathon]
Jonathon rode upon his trusty steed, sword sheathed at his side. Remaining ever-watchful of their surroundings, he made it a habit to note every disturbance possible until he could write it off as not being a threat. A sense of concern followed him down this road, thinking back on the task given to those who willingly sacrificed themselves to allow the rest of the adventurers to continue on their quest. As people came and went, and companions decided to come and go, Jonathon pondered upon how many others that were left carried such doubts and worries. 'Who else would leave?' The thought always present in his mind.
Having spent the time he had with this band of travelers, in the service of his Lord Tristram, He wanted to see this to the end. Most of all, he wanted to keep the promise he had made to Kaiden...
"As long as it is within my power, not a single drop of their blood will go unanswered. I swear it."
He was not one to break promises, but as his eyes shifted to his lord, he knew that it was not up to him to decide where and how he would serve. Should Tristram leave, parts of him knew not where his allegiance would lie. But ultimately, he knew deep down inside, he would leave with his lord and return to the Foxglove House as his Officer. He prayed that he would be permitted to protect both of them, for as long as possible, and not be forced to betray either of his bonds.
"Stop the cart, please."
Jonathon slowed down his pace ever so slightly, in order to match that of the cart's, and rested his eyes upon the maiden. It was in the interests of the group that they not stop for quite awhile, but if something was troubling her, he would see to it that it be settled.
"Is something the matter, Kira?"
A sincere look of concern was made visible in his facial expressions, but this was nothing new. Jonathon was always sincere with his emotions, and openly cared about those under is care. Especially those whom he could call his friends.
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Posted: Mon Nov 15, 2010 11:18 pm
Kira shook her head at the question but it was a dishonest denial. Her head pounded and she was struggling with conflicting emotions while she stood. She was greatly saddened by the recent events and yet a small part of her felt relieved as well, even glad for their absence. It made her sick to her stomach to identify those feelings and she needed to be off the cart.
"I wish to walk from here, that's all." She said, voice and head lowered as she spoke. Thankfully enough of her red hair covered her face for her expression to go masked, but there was little she could do to cover the discomfort in her voice.
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Posted: Thu Nov 18, 2010 10:07 am
ALPHA FEMALE
she stepped out of the line of trees that served as the boundary of the forest and the known world. in comparison to its simple hills, towns, and roads the forest was a mystery indeed, an enigma, and if the travellers chose to continue on their path then they would only discover far worse than what they had encountered thus far.
but would she stop them? the wolf was unsure, not even aware of her own reasoning for being here. and yet she hailed them by raising a hand, sure that they would see her and recognize her in her human shape. her muscular body was modestly covered only by her own hair that framed her face and form. had she cared a spit's distance for the human's senses of propriety and modesty before then she had no reason to do so now, but even then she had only herself to blame.
so what was her reason to help them now? because she had nothing left.
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Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 5:15 pm
Kira looked up from where she stood in the cart and pointed, "Look!" Her voice was raised to be heard but a pained note hit it, as if the effort to raise it to that volume had strained her. She saw the wolf, the one that had helped them, and knew they should stop. The mind willed her to jump from the cart but her knuckled dug into the wood siding, clutching on as if for dear life, and a moment of confusion came over her before she fell to her knees and bit back a cry of distress. Pain, much worse than that which had come over her in the village at the sight of the bird wracked her head. Fighting back both tears and a sob, her hands went to her head and strained at her hair as if her intent was to rip it free.
Though it seemed like longer, the pain only lasted a few seconds before she fell to her side sound asleep.
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Posted: Sun Nov 21, 2010 7:37 pm
MEPHISTELLA
scrutinizing the scene, she stood tapping her fingers impatiently against the side of the mirror as it conjured into being the current whereabouts of her wolven servants. they'd been ordered to find the adventurers, to put an end to them, and to bring some peace of mind to her. she had not expected two of them to separate, not with the charisma that the maiden seemed to have over all of them, and that underestimation was her undoing - the undoing of her pack.
she tried to dismiss thoughts of doom and violence from her mind, for it had been some time since she'd connected to the alpha male and seen through his eyes, but it was too silent. there were no howls, no beating of blood as it raced excitedly in chase, not even a whimper. impatience turned quickly to anxiousness, and from that it became dread. when the image cleared before it her emotions were devoured by dispair.
blood, everywhere. the blood of her wolves and the blood of others. it was in the village and around it and it stank everywhere. the buildings were rank with death and she bit down on her tongue to resist crying out in anguish for the fallen.
none survived, none that she could see or feel, and the bond that bred a pack was shattered. she could see that well enough on the wey-lines of magic, that which connected her to all of them upon their oath, and she knew that they were gone. but there was more... she drew herself closer despite a nagging desire to turn away. she would not. she was Witch, she did not fear death, but when she saw what it was that drew her in she saw that it was something far worse than death.
the face of a dead wolf stared out at her as it had been layed on a butcher's block. she stared in confusion for a moment, not understanding the movements of the man and woman around the table and wondering why they had gathered so many of the wolf carcasses to their abode, and then she saw him slide the knife in and down expertly. insides spilled and she screamed then, realizing that her wolves had been brought for their pelts.
she reached forward to the blood as it pooled on the floor creating a barbaric but powerful scrying mirror, and she saw that not all the deaths of her fallen had been at the hands of the troll and the cavalier. some, yes, until the pack had overwhelmed the two... and then wounded from the event, especially from the might of the troll, they had retreated and tried to backtrack to find the others. villagers fell upon them, some with blades and some with cruder weapons, and not realizing that what they slew was not simply dumb animals they cut through them. confuzed, scared, and weak from the previous fight the pack retaliated and served only to fuel the village's desire for blood. they wanted their pelts...
then they would have pelts. Witch glared through the glass and her gaze was red, the room into which she spied was red, the blade was red, and the village was red under her eyes. they wanted meat... then they would have meat.
Witch focused and, with an extreme use of thought and will, she reached out to the blood. all of the blood, the blood of her wolves still on the hands of those who had slain them, the blood on those that butchered their bodies, and the blood of those that were tainted by the murder. in that moment chaos erupted in the village, pigs, loose from their pens, screamed in the streets. they burst from the most unlikely of places, house hold kitchens, back yard pens saved for the family pets, and from the bedrooms of those that had retreated home to wash the grisly scene from their persons.
the men that had finished rounding up the last of the wolf carcasses looked upon the scene with shock and renewed vigor. blood pounded in their veins, aflame with murder, and they took their weapons up once more to recapture the feral hogs. when the pigs resisted the men did not hesitate to put the pigs down, clubbing, hacking, cutting, and eventually the pigs were gathered up and brought in the same cart that had carried her dear, dark coated minion.
when the butcher came upon the scene he shared the men's eagerness to make use of the meat. it was soon to be harvest and now they would have meat for their stores. of course, once Witch turned from them, lifted her eyes from theirs, and they saw what they had slain and what they had skinned and cut for their larders they would feel the same pain that they had caused her.
feeling a growing bud of satisfaction, Witch turned to another mirror and conjured back a vision of the troupe of adventurers. what would they do now, she wondered? so few now, and she was growing so much stronger, how would they fare in a world that was no longer theirs?
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Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2010 7:07 pm
[Jonathon]
Jonathon listened to the pain in Kira's voice, and yet was unsure as to what brought about her current distress. He guessed that it could have been about those who have been lost in their adventure, but if that were the case, she had been housing these emotions within herself for quite sometime. This saddened him greatly. Before he could respond, his attention was directed towards the Female wolf who had come to them in order to warn them of her clan. Wishing for no more hardship to befall Kira, he rushed to the front of the cart, motioning for his Lord to halt the horses.
"I give welcome to you, Madam Wolf, and thanks for the what you have done for us in the path. May I ask you why you have come before us again? Is there yet another plot you would wish to bring to our attention?"
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Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2010 3:31 pm
ALPHA FEMALE a plot? her mind's eye echoed the young officer before her, a curious gaze more animal than human settling upon him. she supposed that was what it was, to him, the pursuit of her pack. she did not answer him but glanced over her shoulder before looking upon them again, more clarity behind her eyes once she had settled her thoughts.
"I come because there is no other place for me to go." the wolf spoke blandly, without blinking, and without searching for pity. "My pack is gone, scattered and slaughtered by the village behind you."
though a note of regret came to her voice then she continued on to address the young men and to look over the sleeping form of the girl, Kira, while she spoke. "I have come to ask you if you know the nature of the creature that is hunting you, for hunted you have become whether you know it or not."
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Posted: Mon Jan 10, 2011 11:33 pm
[Jonathon]
"I'm afraid the answer to that would be no. I will admit to having a sick feeling earlier in our travel down this road, but I was unsure of the cause. Taking into account what you have just spoken, it would be unlikely to be another of your clan on our trail. A threat has yet to show itself openly, it would seem."
Jonathon dismounted himself from his steed, and rested his right hand on the sheath of his sword to steady it, and prepare it to be drawn. Jonathon sensed no hate within the female, or any immediate danger looming in the air, but one could never be too careful. Also, in his line of work, life and death were always no more than a moment away. He could not afford to be caught off guard.
After a quick look around, he slowly walked towards the wolf, being as trusting as he could afford to be.
"Perhaps we could help each other. Our troupe has thinned, and is in dire need of another strong and able body. I myself am only one man, and the life of this maiden is most important to discovering the nature of our amnesia. A guide would also be much help to our cause. Someone who knows the land, and it's forests. If you wish, you could travel along with us, on our journey."
Jonathon looked over his left shoulder, back to his Lord Tristram and Kira, before slowly turning his gaze back to the wolf. His mouth dried, not sure how this next statement would be taken. It was imperative that they make allies, and it wasn't often that Jonathon had spoken of such a heavy subject.
"In return, we could watch over you, as you watch over us. The woods must be dangerous, especially if the villagers are searching for any remnants of your people. I think I speak for us all when I say thank you for your help, and that we'd feel much safer knowing your knowledge could be added to our ranks."
He studied her for a short time, trying to read her expressions, but her calm demeanor began to unnerve him. It was nearly impossible to know what she was thinking, but he knew of the pain she must be going through. It's not hard to imagine the pain of losing your family, but experiencing it is another story all together. He couldn't relate, so he knew not to. It was more of a plea on Kira's behalf, than it was an offer of aid on his. They needed help, and there was no one left to ask.
"What say you?"
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