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Post by gaston on Sept 28, 2016 6:58:59 GMT -7
Tapping his chin for a few moments, he lets the wizened man speak and finish speaking; nodding in agreement and choosing not to break the line of thought. For some strange reason, it felt like the paladin was also being lectured and not just his friend. He could feel some tangible focus directed at him, whether it was true or not. Arlen followed Miere's words and even a while after he finished, realising a bit late that he actually stopped speaking as the words trailed off in his mind, and that Turlagh was waiting for something. He stepped back a bit, the chinks and clanks of his armor-clad boot quite audible, at least in his ears and he crossed his arms to ponder the thought of advice. He would have thought by now, that people regard him as a foolish, hopeless romantic and often headstrong individual, but here he is adopting the elder's mantle.
"As a person of power and skill, you also have to take the responsibility that comes with it, which also includes the consequences and repercussions of your actions. No single entity is perfect and we all will fail at times, including yourself. Be prepared to accept the losses and mourn those who suffer, learn from your mistakes, carry the weight of your deeds in good stride and remember those who came before you."
Arlen makes a gesture towards the candle stand, where several candles in various states of melting still burn, with new ones being lit often. This gesture then spreads to encompass and consider the rest of the patrons and visitors to the temple. Unfortunately Dawnfeather finds herself on the other end of a plethora of petting, the occasional tugging and subsequent climbing onto, by children who have grown a little too curious and friendly towards her. Nonetheless she is incredibly tame and their hands are too tiny to cause any damage, so for the time being she is content with their company. Chuckling, Arlen returns his focus to Miere and Turlagh.
"Even those who harbour the seed of evil in the hearts, it has all come from pain, anguish, trauma or a loss of something... Hm... Even those creatures and madmen that you will inevitably slay or subdue should be shown care and respect; they used to be innocent children once, buckling and warping to the situation they found themselves in..."
It was evident on his face that the words he used, he put great thought into, so much so that he was pondering on his own words; validating their meaning to himself and coming to some abrupt realisations.
"Be prepared to make compromises Turlagh, just like Miere said and learn to live with them. You won't be able to save everyone, for some are beyond saving; all you can do is hope to end their pain quickly, sending them onto the next stage of existence. We come across obstacles, metaphorical stone walls that block our way, people who look at you with pity or disgust in their eyes and sometime you might EVEN think your close allies betray their true intentions... Do NOT let that stop you. I always tell myself that the choice that is right is often the hardest one to make. Accept the mounting burdens not just as a reminder of your guilt and responsibilities, but also as a sign that YOU have the WILL to do better; for yourself and for those around you."
He kneels down in front of the small man and rests a heavy, but gentle hand on his shoulder. Arlen was the type of guy to get inspired by his own speeches and it's part of the method in how he keeps himself going. The way that the paladin crafts this speech, it betrays the fact that the man must've practised this speech against himself many times over and often alone. His smile reflects the joy he takes in his work and the results that they achieve.
"Cherish the memories and things precious to you, that give you joy and strength. Share that joy, that courage and that will to succeed with those around you, never keep it in your closed circle."
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Post by ambnz on Sept 28, 2016 9:02:53 GMT -7
When Arlen lays his on Turlagh's shoulder, he can't help but smile a bit.
He counted himself lucky to have received the counsel of these two great men, and even luckier to count one among his few friends. Fluffsy skittered around to Turlagh's other shoulder before he spoke.
"You are very wise to seek the counsel of others, young kit. They both speak with conviction and experience, and it would behoove you to heed their words carefully."
Nodding, Turlagh spoke to the three of them.
"Thank you. All of you. I...I have alot to think about. "
"It's just.....I guess.....it's hard to think of myself as a person of power or much potential. Even during my questing stints I often times find myself on the sidelines rather than being much help to my fellows. "
He frowns a bit in thought.
"Arlen, if I could get powers like yours by saying some prayers and following some code, I'd do it in a heartbeat. But I can't. I've got my own code. You've been given an incredibly heavy burden, but along with incredible martial prowess you have powers to heal the wounds and sicknesses of others."
"And Mr. Miere, sir, you have incredible wisdom and intelligence, along with power so great that I'd dare to say it may be without rival"
"I guess what I'm saying is something you both already know, being wiser men than I, but it's something I'm just starting to realize myself. I don't have no magic prowess. I can swing a sword alright, and Fluffsy's given me some...insight, he's silent on why* he showed up ta teach me, but it seems to be connected to that forest with the tree-folk.
My point is, that while you both have great powers to heal or harm, all I can do is harm. That's it. Fluffsy's presence doesn't change that, and I suspect nothing will. Which just means what you said is all the more frightening Mr. Miere. If I do screw up, and I'm sure I will, if I strike down an innocent, I wont be able to bring em back. I'll be relying on others to undo my mistakes, and I don't much like that. I intend to protect the innocent, and keep doing what's right but......"
He closes his eyes, pondering.
"But if I'm to do that well, I'll need help from some folks with good hearts and powers like yours. Thank you both, again, for your counsel, and I intend to take it to heart. "
He opens his eyes "OH, by the way, can I pet Dawnfeather? Been thinking about buying a griffon lately. Or maybe I should get a cat. I dunno. Also, if you have some extra time, I'd love to be formally introduced to your lovely guard-capatin, Arlen"
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Zen
Players
BooDoo PeoPle MurDur PeoPle
Posts: 206 
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Post by Zen on Sept 28, 2016 9:09:17 GMT -7
The unseen to most figure jumps out of the pack as Fluffsy gets a hint of the scent again before it gets too far away, rushing to a path with uncanny speed where there is a good view from above. Elodie looks upon the view curiously, then slows her breathing even further as if distancing herself when the conversation shifts from always improving to apathy.
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Geckilian
Leadership Council
Empires Mierely require time.
Posts: 1,026 
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Post by Geckilian on Sept 28, 2016 10:01:47 GMT -7
Raising an eyebrow, Miere will briefly chuckle at Turlagh's comments about him. "I'm in no way incredible when it comes to my mind. Unusual maybe, but not incredible. As for being without rival, you've not met some of the people I work with to be fair."
Miere nods along as Turlagh continues and smiles as he finishes speaking. "The thanks are appreciated, and it's nice to see another person striving to make a an improving change, whether personally or for others. As they say, it's never too late." Tilting his head almost distractedly, Miere glances out towards the front of the hallway. "Apologies, I believe someone else is wanting to speak to me. I'll take my leave of you Arlen, Turlagh. I look forward to seeing how both of you fare in the coming months."
Shrugging his shoulders, Miere's back ripples and splits as four slender, gleaming pearl and silvered clockwork arms emerge from concealment, one limb ridden by a pristine white Ermine wearing a small padded waistcoat in the same regalia as Miere. As one polished hand rotates almost fully a large walking staff forms within its grasp accompanied by the slight chitter of insects. Impacting upon the floor with a sound not unlike a softly ringing crystal bell, the top begins to slowly spin, a gyroscopic latticework of coins revolving around the cap.
As the Ermine scampers up on to Miere's shoulder and assumes a protective watch, it briefly glances over as Turlagh's companion and gives it a professional nod as Miere starts to walk away.
"Take care both of you, and if you need anything always feel free to ask." Miere says. A sudden pause and half turn allows Miere to look at Arlen, and with a somewhat grave smile he says, "By the way, watch out for the Beacon. It's looking for you." Scant moments later Miere walks out of the hall, his steps echoed by the soothing chimes of a bell.
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Post by ambnz on Sept 29, 2016 6:21:36 GMT -7
As Elodie gets out of Turlagh's pack, Fluffsy will chirp suddenly but Turlagh will give only a dismissive nod in response, enchanted at first by the counsel of the two men and then by Miere's rather grandiose exit. Stunned for a moment, Turlagh will eventually turn back to Arlen- "I, uh, I don't think I want to meet any of his friends..."Addressing Fluffsy- " Why don't you wear clothes like that? ....Eh, I don't know what that means, but whatever you say, pal."Turning back to Arlen once again, puzzled- " ....what the fuck's a beacon??" |
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Post by gaston on Oct 4, 2016 6:58:21 GMT -7
Arlen breathes a heavy sigh, exhaled in between puffed cheeks and pursed lips; surprised and equally concerned about today's revelations. No longer able to handle the annoyance of his hair, he ties back and behind his ears, a long, wavy ponytail in place instead. The grandiose scale of Miere's business affairs is only a small portion of the Mantodea's power, and he contemplates all the kinds of people of influence in the man's social circle while observing the transportation of supplies and his perplexed guards providing vigilant escort.
"I've met some of Miere's allies... Don't get them mad. Between scarily-powerful magic and extreme might, they can shape the world around them. They combat otherworldly entities that could ONLY be thought of from a person's nightmares."
He almost feels compelled to chase after Miere; wondering why this Beacon would even bat an eyelid at him, and why it would benefit the Beacon to waste its time. Was he making yet more enemies? Arlen is unsure just how much to reveal to Turlagh; whether he should keep the man in the dark for his own safety or not. In his best attempt to sound vague, he explains a couple of details.
"It is an entity that gets stronger with more belief in it and it... Gives believers forms that they would not prefer. It is dangerous."
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Post by ambnz on Oct 4, 2016 9:01:04 GMT -7
Turlagh ponders that a moment before responding-
"So, it's an evil god then? Cause aren't gods the only things that get stronger when people worship them?....."
Fluffsy squeaks a bit in response.
"Yeah, that too."
Turlagh will sit quietly for a moment, and his face betrays the fact that he's obviously struggling with revealing something to you.
"That sort of...brings back a memory that I'd rather not revisit. I honestly wasn't planning on telling you any of this, but with some sort of Beacon lookin for ya and with Rook bein less...hospitable to sellswords like m'self I'm worried I might be running out of time to share this. We've been friends for awhile now, but I haven't told you much about my past, have I?"
"You're a Paladin, so you most likely know enough about religion to know about the Green Faith, probably even more than I do! I myself only learned it was called that recently, but in the Farmstead community I grew up in it was the only faith I knew. We were taught to respect the wild places, and live harmoniously with the things that grow, taking only what was needed to survive, always giving thanks to and never abusing the land. Growing up I found it rather boring, but now I know how important those lessons were. At one point I was even considered as an apprentice for a Druid!! Didn't quite have the, ah, patience for it though, as I'm sure you can imagine.
Anyway, so that's all good then, you've heard all about me being a troublemaker, pulling pranks and the like on every humorless elder and bully that caught my eye. I practiced a bit' o fightin, read books about chivalrous knights and dragons and princesses, filled my head with wonder and adventure. One day one of my ah, pranks went a bit wrong and I caught one of tha silos on fire. Of course I was banished permanently and never allowed to return.
He pauses for a moment.
See the thing is...that's only half the story. The pranks bit is true, as is the Green faith stuff. But I wasn't kicked out for settin no fire. In fact, I wasn't kicked out at all.
I've never told anyone this before, but I left my family, my home, my community, and vowed to never go back there again.
One day, I come home a bit earlier than normal after feedin ol' Bessy, and I see that me Mum' n Pop are nowhere to be found. Not thinking much of it, I started looking for 'em. Wandered around for a bit 'fore I heard something weird coming from Old Long-grass' house. Long-grass was our oldest elder, a wrinkly old fart who was grouchier than a sleep-depraved mule, but he was a fine farmer and healer so everyone just let him be. He's also the one who gave us kids all these lessons and mantra's about the Green Faith.
So, I figured it was probably just some sort o' council meetin, both ma parents were on the council and very involved. I take a peek in the window and ...and..."
He swallows before continuing
"- and there they are. Half the grown-ups in tha village, all in these ridiculous looking black cloaks. All of em chanting something I can't understand, standing in a circle real serious looking. I get a glimpse of one of my friends, Jeoff, bound and hog-tied there in the middle. The chanting keeps gettin louder and louder and my Dad, who never, EVER, ate meat or raised his voice or killed a fly or got angry no matter how much trouble I got myself in, pulls out this long, jagged knife, and he says something else I can't understand, and he...he..."
"He didn't even blink when he killed him. Blood smacked across his face and he kept stabbing Jeoff, over and over and over and, something, came. I think they were trying to contact something and I felt it show up, something dark was in that building. I knew I had to run. I had to get away. So, I ran home, left a note about leaving to be an adventurer, and never looked back. Found a shack in the slums and took to the drink to forget about it."
Water wells up in his eyes as he continues-
"The one thing I know at this point, as I'm sure you do as well, is that the Green Faith ain't about dark cloaks and chantings and human sacrifice. Frankly, when I wasn't drunk enough to forget it, I thought that the whole incident was some kind of religious thing, a sort of extension of the Green Faith I just hadn't been exposed to yet. But now I know that doesn't add up. Green Faith is neutral, it's about balance, not human sacrifice. I think my folks were worshiping something real bad, and I want your help to find out what the fuck it might be. You're the only one I trust enough to help me with this. It's probably just paranoia but sometimes I feel....watched. I think they might be after me."
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Post by gaston on Oct 6, 2016 8:02:40 GMT -7
Wrapping an arm around Turlagh's shoulder, Arlen pats the young man on the chest and he speaks in a reassuring tone; his friendly clearly distraught and helpless, unable to act. He knew the distress quite well so he empathised and even though his own demons were plaguing him, it was never in his nature to abandon his friends especially when they're asking for help.
"You will have a room, hot food and clean bedsheets to sleep in here. Think of this place as a sanctuary and I will do what I can to keep you safe and feeling at ease until we can tackle this plight. My resources are at your disposal in order to reveal the nature of this cult; we have a small library dedicated to magical and religious studies."
It is quite a fortunate way that Arlen has turned out. Lacking a father figure, he only had his mother to rely on as a child and she was nothing but an angel; kind, caring, encouraging. The half of him that was empty without the other parent, had been filled with nothing but love for his fellow person and a drive to work hard, but the dark feelings in every man's heart can never be truly extinguished and it left him somewhat un-whole; like a coin that's missing the other face. Arlen sometimes wondered what his life would be like if he had a father that could have taken care of him and his mother, but in reflection it didn't matter all too much. He was thankful for being where he is right now, and the paladin was in a position where people looked up to him.
"You did the right thing by escaping that mess, and you will do the right thing when the time comes. Make sure from henceforth, that you work to get the answers you seek and... Should all of this be foul and dark of heart, it will fall on you to make some grave choices."
Arlen found himself giving more serious and stern speeches as of late, pertaining to the subjects of death, orphans, widows and distrust... So it really made a happy change in his life that Miere reached out to him, and that more people flocked to the temple to help realise a vision. To change the mood of the conversation, Arlen stood up and fanned his cloak behind him. Striking the most gallant and heroic pose he can think of, which appears as nothing more than a comical gesture to onlookers, he addresses Turlagh once again but with a cheeky grin on his face.
"I, Arlen Senshi Seiichi, Paladin of Lyphion and Wannabe Knight, shall assist you good sir! Huzzahhhhh!"
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Post by ambnz on Oct 6, 2016 12:24:57 GMT -7
Turlagh's eyes will light up when you mention the library, and he'll grin widely when Arlen adopts his overly-dramatic pose, and it's easy to tell he realizes the ridiculousness of the gesture but appreciates it very much all the same. "Aye, I think that'd be just the thing. And you really are too kind, friend. Once again I find myself in your debt. I have to retrieve some supplies from my cabin first, but I think it would be smart to stay 'round here for a bit, lay low and see if I can find some work outside Rook. Also, I trust your judgement as to who you share this information with. Obviously I'd appreciate it if you shared this with as few people as possible, and if you do to try and not mention my connection to it. If this...cult-thing is still operatin, we don't know how well connected they are. "He pauses for a moment. "I...can't stress this enough Arlen. But thank you. I'll be back soon, shouldn't take me too long to grab my things. If you don't hear from me after a week, assume that I'm off on work. I'll try to make contact with you if something happens. If I've not made contact after two weeks....well....you'll have a place to start looking. I can take care of m'self but the help is, ah, appreciated to say the least. I'm glad that us wannabe knights can stick togetha! Also, I have ta admit, even though it's not the best of circumstances, I am a bit 'cited ta see wot I can find out in that library of yours. Fluffsy's kinda made me curious to learn more about...ehrm.." He gestures to the temple around you both " ya know, about all this. What the powers that be can give you tha power ta do."
After discussing a few more logistics and making some more suggestive jokes about Arlen's guard-captain, Turlagh will excuse himself. He'll be packing in his cabin when a messenger knocks on his door, and the following events happen ( link). As stated he'll stay in Salisara for about a week before returning. You'll see him arrive about a week and a half later, carrying an impossibly large backpack and pillow, and with his childish face and grin it almost seems like he's a teenager going to a sleepover. He'll find Arlen and excitedly portray his adventure in Salisara as Arlen shows him his quarters. When he gets to the part about being surrounded by shadows and having to call upon Miere to save his life, you'll see him become visibly more grim. " The things was...I couldn't touch those things. My blade hurt em, just a bit, but still went right through 'em. Nasty things. I'm just worried though, how many things are like that? Up till now, I thought that all manner of beasties could just be killed if you had enough skill and a magical sword but...." He'll pull out his sword and give it a bit of a flourish, looking at it in disappointment. " I'm not so sure anymore."
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Post by gaston on Oct 10, 2016 16:30:11 GMT -7
Arlen will show Turlagh to his room, taking a couple of the doors to the right of the temple entrance. They will come into a large common room, furnished with chairs, a couple of sofas and some small tables. A fireplace sits at one end of this common room, which fills the area with a bright and warm glow and thus, the place is quite active. Several people in different states of dresswear and clothing attire walk and relax about the room and one guard is posted by the door to the common area itself; whom nods to Arlen as he passes. Much like the hallway, there's a red and orange color scheme, accompanied by oak furniture and decorations. Lion motifs are commonplace; carved onto the armchairs and arms of the sofas as well as incorporated into the design of torch sconces and candlesticks. A couple of chambermaids go to-and-fro from each room joining this common area and several children are playing a few games in one corner of the space.
Finally showing Turlagh to his room, he comes to a locked door on the right wall of the common area; solid oak and with a rustic charm. He pulls out two keys attached on a small chain from his belt pouch and hands it to the young man with a gracious gesture and an expression that's attempting to match Turlagh's enthusiasm.
"I'm not sure how big your shack in the woods is, but at least this room is comfortable and secure; it has a bed, a lockbox and storage for most of your things. The volunteer maids made sure to supply you with fresh, clean linen for your bed and it's all ready for you."
At Turlagh's distress over his recent adventures, Arlen sighs.
"Well you see, among shadows there are also ghosts, wights, spectres, banshees and other creatures that can take a partially non-physical form. Magic by its very nature can hurt them to a degree, but you can get special powers to combat those kinds of enemies much more effectively; for example you can enchant you blade with the power to harm ghosts and spirits by making it partially ghostlike itself, or you cast such spells as Ghostbane Dirge in order to weaken them. The property you can add to your weapon I believe gives it a ghostly touch... Which can be felt by them just as much as you... If ever in doubt, just use holy water, as all malevolent spirits and shadows are harmed by such."
Arlen nods to Turlagh and gives him time to settle into his new, albeit temporary, abode and while doing so he goes to recline on one of the sofas in the common room; taking ample time for a break and just to let his presence be felt to give comfort to those under his care. His body ached with the stress and work he had been putting himself through these past few weeks, but luckily it wasn't outwardly showing too much. After Turlagh is settled and joins him, the paladin changes the topic.
"The way you talk about my friend and colleague, I would say you're developing an infatuation with her. I'm not too sure she would appreciate some of those comments though, eh? My friend, at least YOU know what you want and you're taking steps to get it... Ha... Hahahaha... Either i'm seen as unobtainable, or i'm just not a woman's dream man, hahaha! To think that someone half my size, with a dirty face and EVEN filthier language has a better chance at relationships than me."
While light-hearted, Arlen was certainly confused by all the thoughts in his head. He had no time to pursue romance n'or any relationship of any kind; his time was dedicated to those that needed him most, and to the enemies that still remained at large.
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Zen
Players
BooDoo PeoPle MurDur PeoPle
Posts: 206
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Post by Zen on Oct 10, 2016 16:45:42 GMT -7
Elodie becomes overwhelmed by curiosity and covertly checks the locks of every closed lockbox and closed door in the building to see how secure they are, not taking anything. (Take 10 perception of 27, take 10 disable device of 39 with masterwork thieves' tools)
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Post by gaston on Oct 10, 2016 16:55:57 GMT -7
(The lockboxes and the locks for each room can be easily located, but as Elodie attempts to pick the locks she is unable to; they are extremely well made.)
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Post by ambnz on Oct 10, 2016 21:36:18 GMT -7
(In response to Arlen's response about various incorporeal enemies)
"Aye, seems for many things it comes down ta either money or spell-skill in our line of work. Either ya have the enchantments ta do the job yourself...or ya have ta pay someone who can help solve it for you. It just seems....bothersome ta have to have the right enchantment on yer weapon for the right time ta fight the right enemy. Like Miere said, I want ta protect as many as I can, and I'm just not sure I can do that without a bit o....versatility, I guess."
(Joining Arlen in the common room)
Flashing across his face, you'll see Turlagh first show shock, then a little blush of embarrassment, then intrigue, then a rare bit of understanding. He'll pause before answering, trying to choose his words carefully.
"Heh, I think pretty much everyone in Rook has fouler language than you do, Arlen.
As to your colleague, I'd say your right. I have a bit of a habit, of making jokes o things that make me a bit uncomfortable. It's just my way of coping with certain things. I feel comfortable saying things like tha' in your company, as a friend, but Ah wouldn't ever say anythin tha' disrespectful to a lady's face. And as for taking steps, I have yet to actually meet tha woman. Love's quite intimodatin, and I'd rather face down a horde o' them shadows than have my throat grow lumps and my stomach take ta knots, which is exactly whot happens whenever I pass by that gorgeous red-headed spitfire.
As for yourself, my friend, I find myself a few years your younger and a few feet your shorter. Be that as it may, it seems it's time to staht returnin some o the counsel you've given to me over these years.
You are, the knight in the books that I aspired to be. You are chivalrous, caring, filthy rich, tall, good looking, and not half bad with a sword. You possess incredible abilities, and a soft kindness that inspires folks like myself to live up to.
And as for romance, if this were a fairy tale, you'd have your tall, long haired, blonde princess already. You've already saved the kingdom, though its not a one-and-done deal like it is in those books.
My point is, a normal romance is not one for knights. I don't believe it's your destiny ta marry some commoner who has a crush. The love you'll get will shine brightly, and whoever it is that lands Ser Arlen will be a fantastic lass worth telling tales over. Although, light that shines that brightly can often be a beacon for the dark things of the world, and all love needs a sword of some kind ta protect it. I think, for us, patience will be the currency we'll end up buying love with, and as we both know that's a hard and rare treasure to come by. But I think fate will reveal to us our mirrored hearts, in this life or the next. It'll just take us keeping to the path."
Smiling, he'll stand as he finishes
"Now, what say we go check out that library of your's? Maybe I'll finally get the hang o' that spell-slinging stuff while we hit those books. We've got a cult ta stop, after all."
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MjhX
Players
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Post by MjhX on Oct 21, 2016 14:56:42 GMT -7
Zakryk heads to Arlen's church, hoping to talk to him about something. When he gets to the entrance (and notices he isn't there), he looks for someone to ask where Arlen currently is.
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Post by gaston on Oct 21, 2016 15:06:19 GMT -7
Arlen contemplates Turlagh's words for a few moments; perhaps indeed his shot at romance, much like the woman who would attract his attention, would both indeed be special. This gave him a smile and reminded the man that he can still learn very many things from any source, including his humble and honest friend. Even with Turlagh's innocent mentions, the gravity of that prospect from a beacon of love was quite clear; enemies were after all trying to attack him, his allies and his associates, which he had little knowledge of to counter and/or combat them. The demons inside his head undoubtedly overjoyed at the worry, so he thought and that meant perhaps he needed to adopt new tactics and skills to fight the coming fights.
"You are right, Mr. Sweeney; I will keep your advice in mind, as I'm sure patience is the key to welcome more happiness into my life. Though... With battles and conflicts to come, I think I also need to prepare for the inevitable. Well... Follow me, I'll take you to the library. It isn't very large, but it does cover a wide range of topics."
In truth his whole spiritual being had been marred by previous atrocities and failures, so if any time was important to meet the Lady in Red, it would be in the current present. Her visage and ideals, however vague or nondescript they were, always gave Arlen comfort.
He led Turlagh to the small library, where bookcases were stacked and well-stocked with tomes and reading material of all kinds, all relating to magical and religious studies. Fortunately enough, there were also a couple of bookcases with supplied books based on other subjects: mathematics, science, world politics and other general subjects. A couple of people were working/writing away at some desks as the two entered; assumed to be studying or scribing.
"The books are free to study and scribe from, and as a guest you have full access. I'll put in a good word to Miss. Damodred for you. In return... Try not to make things awkward for me if I find a woman to court, eh?"
A wry grin flashed across his face with the last hopeful comment.
Zakryk will be asking one of the acolytes tending to the flame at the back of the large hallway, and he will gesture to a room off to the left. He states that Arlen was seen leading a small, scruffy-looking man with a weasel on his shoulder towards the temple library, not too long ago.
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MjhX
Players
Posts: 146
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Post by MjhX on Oct 21, 2016 16:01:47 GMT -7
Zakryk will head to the library. As he walks in and looks around, he'll find Arlen and Turlagh, and approach them. "Ah, there you are."
He looks up at the bookshelves, glancing at the various titles. Zakryk notices the number of magic-related books and decides to help them research, and mention his issue later. Besides, maybe he'll learn something else just by being around them.
"So...what are you guys studying?"
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Post by ambnz on Oct 21, 2016 16:41:07 GMT -7
"I appreciate the good word, my friend. As for not making things awkward??? Well....I make no promises, but I'll try my best." He says the last part with a knowing twinkle in his eye, though.
Later in the library with Arlen, he'll wander through the many stacks of books, curiously pouring over the pages in a studious manner that is out-of-character for the simple man.
Strangely focused, he'll wander behind one of the shelves as Zakryk enters the room and Arlen goes to greet him. He sees a large leather-bound tome that seems different, somehow, from the others present. He takes it off the shelf and immediately almost drops it, catching it at the last moment. It's almost as though it had doubled in size when he had picked it up, but he pushed the strange thought out of his mind and blew off the many layers of dust that covered the large book. Strange that this one is so dusty, the other books here seem to be rather well kept and cleaned regularly.
The cover was covered in strange symbols, presumably one of the many languages he was simply unfamiliar with. He began to flip through the pages, and suddenly he wasn't standing in Arlen's library anymore. He was-
-floating...in a sea of clouds. He stood up, confused, and saw a beautiful woman approaching him slowly. She wore a long white gown that billowed out around her, though Turlagh could feel no wind. "Who are you?" he called. She did not respond, and smiled shyly in response. "Where am I? What is this place???" He called out once more. Still she did answer, instead walking closer. Stunned Turlagh felt words escape from him as she placed her hands on his face, pulled him close began-
-dying. Darkness fell around him as he gasped for air. A shadow with ten thousand eyes looked upon him and found him unworthy. He stood up. Darkness gave way to fire, and he was surrounded by corpses. He gagged, wanting to vomit, but his felt as though it had been dried and turned to ash. He wept, and as he crawled to look upon the nearest corpse he realized it was-
-kissing him. It felt..nice. He had never kissed anyone before, and certainly didn't think his first would be with a knock-out girl like this. Internally shrugging, he figures this is all a dream and gives himself up. That's when her flesh began-
-sitting. On what appeared to be some sort of throne? He was looking out over a sea of people, all of them kneeling in his direction. He felt something upon his head, reached up to see what it was. It felt like a crown. His eyes adjusted and he realized that though this was a court of some kind, trees surrounded him. Was he outside? In his confusion, he failed to notice a long haired elf who was slowly approaching him. She was -
-rotting. He tried to pull away as the skin and muscles began to fall off of her face in large chunks, but she held on with vicious, inhuman strength. She bit his cheek, but instead of blood, spots of black ink spattered across her withered face. She pulled him close, biting his neck hard. He was frozen in place and could do nothing as she began to skin him with her long, knife-like nails. The pain blinded him. He couldn't bear to watch her, but he felt her meticulous work, picking off every bit of his skin. He felt her hot, rotting breath in his ear as she whispered something he didn't understand. He opened his eyes and looked down. Instead of the mauled, skinless body he was expecting, he saw a black void, complete with swirling galaxies and sparkling stars. Finally he could understand what she said.
-him. By the gods, the corpse looked just like him. It was like looking into a morbid mirror. Gasping, he spun around. All the corpses were him. And they began to stand. They chanted, low, guttural, almost beautiful noises that struck some strangely heavenly notes. They all turned, slowly, and they chanted to him.
-speaking to him. "My King? You seem distracted my darling." He looked at her, still confused by what was going on. The elf smiled, turning to the court. She yelled out.
Tur-lagh. Tuuuuurrrrlaaaaaaaaggghhhhh. We are with you. We can make aaaalll your dreams come true. All you have to do, is let. me. in.
Arlen and Zakryk will hear a thud, and upon investigation will see Turlagh lying on the floor, spasming wildly and foaming at the mouth. There is no book around him, nor any indicator of what might have happened.
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MjhX
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Post by MjhX on Oct 21, 2016 17:24:59 GMT -7
Zakryk will freak out for a brief moment, and immediately cast Detect Magic on Turlagh. If Zakryk sees any auras that don't seem typical for a magic item, he'll cast Dispel Magic on Turlagh, trying to stop what's happening to him.
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Zen
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BooDoo PeoPle MurDur PeoPle
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Post by Zen on Oct 21, 2016 18:06:33 GMT -7
A female hobgoblin head made out of marble seems to raise out of the floor, looks at the injured Turlagh, and then the floor underneath him depresses into a pocket for him to lie in comfortably, the displaced marble that was there seems to raise the floor accordingly. In truespeech, the figure says "We should look for someone that can heal him before he dies from the impact."
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MjhX
Players
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Post by MjhX on Oct 21, 2016 18:19:28 GMT -7
"Oh right...how could I forget." Zakryk will pull out a wand of Cure Light Wounds and, after fumbling with it a bit, heals Turlagh with it once - if he was somehow about to bleed out, that should have stabilized him.
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Post by gaston on Oct 21, 2016 19:29:17 GMT -7
Arlen is thoroughly perplexed by the random stranger hobgoblin, who warped his floor and who knows what else is afoot. Why the heck said woman even bothered to do that was also perplexing, and Arlen was quick to show his displeasure with a stern frown.
"Who ar-... Nevermind, out of way! My acolytes are trained healers, and we do have a stock of smelling salts and other healing supplies in the infirmary..."
As gently as possible, Arlen picks up the unconscious Turlagh, carrying the man to the infirmary; a short distance away and taking great care not to jostle his body too much. It was strange how this catatonic and wildly spasm state was induced, considering Turlagh was in tip-top health. Hurrying to the infirmary, Arlen laid his friend on an empty bed. He gestured to a few idle acolytes and helpers:
"You lot, quickly; this man needs help. Please, grab some healing supplies and smelling salts and tend to him."
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Post by ambnz on Oct 21, 2016 19:44:37 GMT -7
(Zakryk's detect magic will detect no unusual auras)
(Heal check's reveal no injuries on him other than a large bump on his head from his sudden collapse, and there are no other obvious wounds on his body. There is no observable cause for his convulsions)
The spasms will continue for around 15 minutes or so before stopping. He will lie sleeping, but will awake suddenly at the use of any smelling salts.
Turlagh gasps awake in the infirmary bed, flailing about in apparent panic. After a few moments he'll realize where he is., and his breathing will return to normal.
He glances down at his hands, palms up, as if frightfully confused.
Wordlessly, he outstretches his right hand towards Arlen.
A Single, large, yellow eye appears on the palm, and blinks at you.
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MjhX
Players
Posts: 146
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Post by MjhX on Oct 21, 2016 20:24:08 GMT -7
Zakryk follows Arlen to the infirmary and stands somewhere out of the way, seeing Turlagh and his weird hand eye. He considers casting Detect Magic again, but he figures if the eye was magically added to the hand, he would have detected the effect making it when he scanned Turlagh earlier. Maybe the eye is some kind of nonmagical parasite Turlagh's been carrying all this time? (Knowledge Arcana and Knowledge Planes are both +5 (take 10 would be 15). Does Zakryk know anything?)
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Post by ambnz on Oct 21, 2016 20:33:49 GMT -7
(It's hard to say, you certainly don't know of any specific parasite that would cause this.....however...you may have heard rumours of various entities possessing the hands of those who agree and in turn manifesting strange abilities, and this certainly seems to match the description. It is, unfortunately, impossible to specify what kind of entity the pact was made with) |
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Zen
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BooDoo PeoPle MurDur PeoPle
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Post by Zen on Oct 21, 2016 20:40:30 GMT -7
After his body is taken away, the stone floor fills in the depression, the texture of it becomes slightly different than what it originally was. Her head and neck coming out of the ground changes to whatever stone the floor is made of as she glides across, following Arlen.
"I sensed him fall while investigating the strength of the structure, was that wrong?"
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....Eh, I don't know what that means, but whatever you say, pal."