The Mist! GM chad.sims2 Genre: Scifi/Fantasy Adventure Focus: Discovering the origin of the Mist. Story: You have grown up inside of the Wall, surrounded by the Mist. This is the world you and your ancestors have known for generations. The Wall stands one thousand feet tall, 100 feet thick, covering a radius of 10 miles. Inside the wall are three villages, Central Village: A mining village that mines, and smelts bronze for use in producing equipment needed by all with in the wall. Capital Village: more a small city than a village, the center of trade and economy, the village is the location of both the Council and the “Magician’s” guild, and finally Harmony Village, the smallest of the three villages, a farming village that provides most of the food for the inhabitants of the Wall. Every few years a group of young adults will be struck with wanderlust, a driving need to know what is beyond the wall will call this group together, and the council will open the gates of the wall and allow them to venture into the Mist. No one knows what happens to these groups once they enter the Mist, they never return. You are one of these people, and you have heard that a group is gathering in Capital city to venture into the unknown. Venture to discover the mystery of the Mist. Council: A group of fifteen men and women, five from each town that rule over the inhabitants of the Wall. Magicians Guild: Not much of a guild, only five old men and a slightly larger number of apprentices. Drake (Last name unknown) Is currently the head of the guild and has been for many, many years. He is known for supplying magical artifacts to the adventuring groups prier to their departure. Magic: Magic in this world… isn’t. Magic is lost science from before the wall was put up. Most of it completely lost through time but the “mages” of the guild still produce the occasional flintlock pistol, rounds, and gun powder, along with a few less violent more useful items like a clock work lantern that just needs to be recharged from time to time, or watches and clocks. The characters: Though some people still teach their children to fight using blades or such the art has been weakened over time, as the peacefulness of the wall limit the practical experience of the people inside. Inside the Wall is peaceful with a low crime rate, and practically no murder. Chad.sims2’s Ten RPG Commandments: (Yes Foxee I stole these from you… They’re good) 1. Read everyone’s posts! Not only does this keep us all on the same page, it’s fun to know your posts are being read and acted upon. Respond to stimuli and events from other players’ posts. 2. Avoid writing one-line posts or extremely long posts. A range of 40-300 words is good to shoot for. 3. Edit before posting, we’re all here to improve as well as enjoy. 4. No God-modding or perfect characters. (boring!) 5. Fighting between characters should be kept to a minimum and I would like to see no killing of humans at all. However, if a fight or killing is unavoidably called for the players concerned must work the action out in PM and both parties should be amenable to the outcome. 6. Do not control another person’s character without their express consent. 7. If a player is AWOL and holding up the game the character will be NPC’d at the GMs’ discretion. If you know you’ll be gone for some time you may hand over your character to another player’s care. 8. Don’t flood the thread with long conversations or extensive actions. Give others a chance to post before moving on. 9. Please discuss any issues in the Discussion thread or PM chad.sims2 with your concerns. Gossiping about issues or spamming up the story thread is counterproductive. 10. And lastly…the GMs’ word is law. Name: (Self explanatory) Age: (see above) Sex: (Ditto) Equipment: (What are you bringing with you on the trip? Remember that bronze is the only available metal for working into weapons and armor.) Magic Artifacts: (Be it purchased from the mages or handed down as a family heirloom. Remember a glock wouldn’t still work but a revolver just might ) Description: (What do you look like?) Personality: (How do you act?) Background: (What background did you come from? What skills are you taking with you to help you on the mission? Include what village you are from because if you’re from Central or Harmony then you likely know the other characters also form your town/ you can be from a homestead away from the towns) One last rule: Have fun!
Name: Dameon Char Age: 16 Sex: Male Equipment: A hand ax, round sheild, helm and chest plate. (All bronze and plain with no special designs. Magic Artifacts: None Description: 5'6, Brown hair, green eyes, and large, strong arms and shoulders. Wears black pants and top under his armor. The shield is normally on his back and the ax is at his side. Personality: Kind, and cirious teen, who is quick to help someone, and slow to anger. Background: Was born and raised in harmony were he apprentised under his father as a black smith since he was ten. He had climbed the huge stairway to look over the wall several times, and has always planed on leaving the wall. He forged his equipment himself, making it practical if not pretty.
Name: Alex Age: 16 Sex: Male Equipment: Staff, not exactly magic. Its a wind powered staff and used with a battery it turns the wind it collects into a frozen air freezing everything. Magic Artifacts: None Description: http://i415.photobucket.com/albums/pp235/Tom_Pickle/blueguysprawledwithstaff.jpg?t=1221271210 Personality: Often shy, nervous, creative, and has mild anxiety disorder [hope that is all right] Background: His parents died when he was young so he was raised by the "worst influence" a boy could have, his grandfather not even a grandfather by blood. His grandfather was an inventor and taught Alex how to invent things. Alex has become a creative inventor and usually has something for every situation. He wants to go through the mist so that way he can collect the bones of his parents. [hope the history is all right]
Name: Soujiro Seta Age: 19 Sex: Male Equipment: Double Wakizashi Swords (Ebony & Ivory *one is a paler version of the other*) Magic Artifacts: Small bombs that act in the same manner as a flashbang but are more potent. They release a blinding flash of light and a loud bang temporarily disorienting anyone within its 10ft radius. Description: Soujiro Seta Soujiro close up Soujiro usually dresses up in a blue kimono with white handguards. Personality: Soujiro is known for his lack of kenki (offensive aura), or, simply, emotion. He possesses no anger and cites no fear in his enemies, other than with his swords. Soujiro is often seen smiling and has polite manners. He is sarcastic, hiding his true emotions behind his smiling face. Background: Soujiro's constant smiling face and polite manners stem from his tragic past. Born on a small settlement between Capital and Central village, Soujiro is an illegitimate child. Soujiro's father left him in the care of his family, who badly mistreated him. He was assigned chores such as carrying rice to and from the family warehouse and whenever he faltered, he was beaten by his family. Soujiro built a defense against their lashings; he put on a smiling face, and endured the torture. Then, they would get tired of beating Soujiro and leave him alone. Soujiro has since runaway from his abusive family and was taken up by an old blacksmith in Central Village where he also learned the art of swordsmanship. Soujiro's abilities have earned him the nickname of Tenken ( Ten meaning Heaven and Ken meaning Sword, "Tenken" means swordsmanship of natural endowments).
Name: Ceri Armend Age: 18 Sex: Female Equipment: A strong, wooden staff and a bronze knife. Magic Artifacts: An old watch Description: Standing about 5’3”, Ceri looks deceptively delicate. She has very fair, almost silvery, skin dusted with gold freckles. Fair brown curls fall down below her shoulders, usually tied back with a black ribbon. Her face is oval shaped with petite features dominated by almond shaped eyes that are a dark, sapphire blue flecked through with grey. Personality: Quiet and thoughtful, Ceri often seems indifferent or shy but is in fact an observant and intelligent young woman. Her small physique makes her seem fragile, but she has a steely strength and is determined to the point of being stubborn. Background: Ceri grew up the youngest of three children in Harmony Village. She and her brother and sister spent most of their days helping their parents on the family farm, but in her spare time Ceri would always have her nose in a book. Her love of reading inspired an insatiable curiosity in her, eventually leading her to question the mist outside. Ceri and her brother used to mock spar on the farm, occasionally with pointers from their father or grandfather, helping Ceri to develop her skills with a staff. Her knife and watch were given to her by her father when she turned 15, just as her brother and sister had each gotten a knife and family heirloom during their adolescence.
Name: Skraal Age: 22 Sex: Male Equipment: 2 Jagged Swords Made from a Metal of Unknown Origin. Magic Artifacts: Large Revolver Pistol Description: Skraal is well built muscular and tall. His face is worn and carries three scars down from his forehead down to his chin. How he got them no one knows. Skraal wears armour that’s lightweight and helps him manouver swiftly. The armour is a Matt Scarlett with black Matt shoulders pads. His boots are also black as are his shins and the rounded neck. His eyes are a blood shot red colour and his hair is short on top and shaved bold around the back and sides with tribal tattoos across the back of his head leading down to his back. Personality: Skraal is a loner barely speaks to anyone and is arrogant and much of the time rude. He has also been noted as a bit of a psychopath some think he is a Warrior from old people only bother with him when the need arises Background: Skraal lives alone and has done since child hood he’s spent much of the time in solitary confinement or meditation. He hunts for his food and has been trained by someone (Who is unknown) but he is very fast very skilled and highly adaptable to any surroundings. He feels he’s lived beyond the capacity of the Wall and needs to venture outwards. The people within the Wall no next to nothing about Skraal.
Name: Cassandra "Cassie" Therrin Age: 19 Sex: Female Equipment: Cassandra carries a long, straight staff. It is simple and ordinary-looking except for the fact that it is jet black and rock hard. She also carries a knife, but she uses it more as a tool than a weapon. Magic Artifacts: A golden watch. Description: Cassandra has straight auburn hair that reaches just above her shoulders. She has a pretty face; a small nose and mouth and large, expressive eyes, but she's not extravagantly beautiful. She wears a long robe; the customary garb of the mages. Personality: Cassandra is curious, attentive, willing to learn, and never afraid to try something new. She is notorious at the mages' guild for asking questions that push the limits of her instructors' knowledge. She is friendly, but somewhat shy and quiet until she's comfortable around the new people she meets. She takes every task she is given seriously, and never gives less than her best. Background: Cassandra's parents brought her to the mage's guild when she was very young, sensing even then her desire for knowledge. She grew up nurtured by her parents and taught under Drake's strong hand. She learned the basic arts of 'magic' well, but more than that, she was fascinated with the legends and history of the three villages, The Wall, and The Mist. She questioned the holes that existed in the knowledge, and came to know the city's lore nearly as well as Drake himself. This venture into the Mist beyond is exactly what Cassie feels she needs to complete her knowledge; and her self. "Hey you, With your ear against The Wall, Waiting for someone to call out, Will you touch me?" - Pink Floyd
Name: Hortensio Raspanov Age: 19 Sex: Male Equipment: specializing in daggers and dirks, caries numerous throwing blades and daggers all made of bronze and kept under his black cloak. wears hardened leather armor and caries twin katanas in a single sheath incase things get a little hot for daggers. Magic Artifacts: A clear orb which to anyones knowledge does nothing. but never leaves his person, and is said to come from beyond the mist Description: tall 6'' lightly tanned skin with dark hair and always a scowl on his face. wears a black robe to the ground to hide his arsenal of weapons. Personality: bit of a bastard, no one really likes him and he doesnt really like any one else. a loner by choice simply becasue he cant stand the stupidity of other people. will put up with people if there is something to gain in the long run. he is street wise and quick on his feet (and with his hands) Background:a kid from the streets of central, left his home because his parents where fools and didnt understand him. he renamed himself something more respectable so that when people looked back in history of the man who returned from the mist he would not be known as Jerry Turnbuckle. he began to learn how to throw daggers when he left home as they where easy to conceal and easy to steal. he was picked up by an old circus performer who took an instant shine to the boy and taught him every thing he new about the art of ranged weapons. the man was a loner also and so they got along fine, as long as they respected the others personal space.
Name: Si Praest Age: 17 Sex: Female Equipment: She wears a long white cloak. It hangs from around her neck, and has a hood, white boots with a low heel (about one inch), tight white pants, bronze chainmail over her chest and shoulders, with a white t-shirt underneath, as well as a quiver of arrows on her back. A bronze longbow, a small knife, and a bag to carry anything she brings back from the mist. Magic Artifacts: A flashlight that she created in the mages guild. The inside is lined with magnets, and there is a piece of copper that can move up and down, so you shake it to create an electrical charge. Description: Stands about 5'5", has a very petite body (most people think that she appears very frail as a result), her skin is pretty pale, big light blue eyes and long blond hair that goes past her sholders. Personality: She is pretty shy, usually doesn't trust others very quickly, though when she does trusts someone she will do anything for them, tends to put others needs before her own. Background: She was abandoned as a child, and lived on the streets until Drake found her, and brought her into the mages guild. She spends most of her time inside, reading which has led to her skin becoming very pale. During this time, she also began to learn to use a longbow, and seems to have quickly become incredible accurate with it, though she has never tested it in battle before. She chose to go into the mist to try to find things that could help others.
Name: Madeline 'Mad' Kenney Age: 18 Sex: Female Equipment: Small bronze knife. Magic Artifacts: None. Description: She is average height and quite thin. She has shoulder length dark brown hair, which is usually tangled or tied up, away from her eyes. Her dark eyes hide beneath thick bangs. She has lightly tanned skin and a diagonal scar on her neck. Personality: She's quiet but fiercely independent. She can listen and follow orders, but she can be selective about the orders she follows. She's a bit of a rebel. Background: At age 14, she left home due to a dispute with her parents. Since then, she has lived on the streets of Capital Village, mixing with the few criminals and committing petty crimes to make a living and get by. Recently, she has got into trouble with her old ‘friends’ for stealing from them, and she hopes to venture into the Mist to get away from them, and seek a fortune for herself. Her skills include good physical fitness, and although she has no combat training, she is good at rough fighting.
Name - Chaize "Chase" Zenden Age - 20 Sex - Male Equipment- Brown leather armor, boots, greaves and hooded cloak. Brown cloth shirt and pants underneath. backpack with dried meats, lantern, sharpening stones, fletching tools, bedroll, water, empty jars etc... Large leather quiver worn on the back stuffed with black and red feathered arrows. Finely crafted bow. Small knife, more a tool than a weapon. Magical Artifacts- None Description- 6' Tall, about 195lbs, muscled but clearly no brute, his is a body built for stealth and speed. Speaks with a deep and gravelly yet intelligent voice which compliments his penetrating brown eyes. His Sandy hair is kept closely cropped and his skin is darkly tanned from his travels. Personality/Background- The only child of a Tanner (leatherworker), Chaize and his Father (his mother died during childbirth) were forced to live in the woods in between Capital Village and Central Village due to the smell of his father's profession (you try skinning animals and leaving their skins to dry and cure all day). Chaize became an expert woodsman, good at tracking animals, star navigation, stalking, throwing daggers, plant identification, but the skill he was most proud of was his accuracy with a bow and arrow. Due to his isolated lifestyle, (no contact with people other than his father except when the various leather merchants would come by to purchase goods) Chaize isn't really all that great at social interaction. After the recent death of his father Chaize decided to strike out on his own. He had heard stories of the hustle and bustle of the capital city from the merchants and decided that this lifestyle would not fit him. too many people. He decided instead to venture outside the great wall.
Three weeks prior to the meeting. I poured my life into my final works. The hammer coming down on the bronze in a hypnotic rhythm, the sparks seemed magical, a drop of sweat fell from my brow striking the red hot bronze with a hiss as I pictured it becoming part of my creation. Then one final blow and into the cool water with a violent hiss of life being breathed into my creation. The steam swirling in the air as if it were magic being worked. I with drew the ax head from the water and set it to the side to finish cooling before I attacked the handle. I watched it silently for a moment, a smile upon my face as I eyed my work, my finest work no matter what others might say later. It looked rather plain but that was for practicality purposes, fancy shapes and engravings simply lowered the quality of the weapon for battle. A simple hand ax, it’d go along well with the rest of the equipment I had prepared for myself. Ax, shield, chest plate, and helm, that alone making me one of the most well armed people inside the wall. “So you’re going thru with this?” My father asked behind me. I turned to look at him and he just nodded knowingly in the way fathers tend to do. He ran a hand thru his salt and pepper hair before continuing. “Well I would offer to smith your equipment but you’re as good a smith as I am.” He paused and put one of his massive hands on my shoulder. “Try to come back to me?” He added finally, his strong, grated voice cracking slightly with worry. I smiled up at him, I still had some growing to do before I was as big a man as he was. He towered over me at 6’2, broad shoulders of a man who worked with his arms, rugged beard, and crooked smile. I’ve always been told I look like a younger version of him, but at that moment I couldn’t see any trace of my face in his worried, but wise face, the face of a father who knows it’s time to let his son go. “You’d best go and get writing that flyer if you expect to have some company on your adventure.” He said softly, adding. “I’ll make sure the ax head is firmly attached to the handle, don’t you worry.” I had never been as good with words as my father, as good at making people trust and believe what I had to say, perhaps it came with age, or perhaps I was just a lesser person than he was. All I could say was “Thanks.” And he smiled knowingly, and waved me off. I walked to the front of the shop, and sat down at the counter were a quill and several blank parchments sat waiting for me to arrive. He had gone in their meaning to send me out here to start on the most important part of the preparations, the recruitment flyer. While there was always some willing to go and risk their lives in the mist, the better it was the better the chance they’d choose me to lead them. Though they’d have to wait a few years for another chance, it seems to be the cycle. Every few years some people leave the wall, none ever return. The quill touched the parchment; Wanted, companions for trip past the wall. I scribbled it off, tossed the parchment and began again; Attention; Expedition planned for the mist, travel companions needed. All welcome to join, bring your own gear, and rations. If interested meet at the Last Meal INN on the third day of March, prepared to leave. Game is NOT open yet! BUT you may post a post dated some time before the meeting day as an introduction into your char, or such actions, my next post should come by morning.
Three Weeks Prior... Cassandra walked briskly down the street of Capital Village. It was early; the sun hadn't even shown its bright face over The Wall. The sky was clear and the air was chilly. Nobody else was on the street yet. The book she had borrowed from the guild was tucked under her arm, and her leather bag was slung over her shoulder, full of tools and spare parts. Her long robe flowed about her ankles, and she clutched it closer to her to keep the chill out. As she walked through the town square, she noticed something different. A parchment was tacked to the wood pillar near the well. Curious, she stopped to read it. Another group was leaving The Wall... Her eyes drifted towards the Gate. She couldn't see it from here, but still she stared, desire and excitement filling her. Since she was a small child, she had known there was something more than this. There were things about the Villages, about The Wall that even Drake didn't know, and she wanted...needed...to find out. She hurried to the guild, a new vigor in her step. There was no hesitation; no decision to be made. She would go.
Three Weeks before meeting Attention; Expedition planned for the mist, travel companions needed. All welcome to join, bring your own gear, and rations. If interested meet at the Last Meal INN on the third day of March, prepared to leave. Soujiro had already made his mind up when he saw the poster. Many people reading it were whispering amongst eachother. A journey into the Mist was essentially a suicide mission. There's no surviving if you go, he heard on man say. When Soujiro approached closer to the poster others seemed to back away as if even coming close to any mention of the Mist would bring them misfortune. A large man came up behind Soujiro, "Are you thinking of going?" he asked. Soujiro turned and smiled. "While i am eternally grateful for everything you have done for me i feel that i must venture out on my own." said Soujiro. "Very well then." The large man smiled, "Come we have much to prepare."
Name: Ben Serinj Age: 21 Sex: Male Equipment: Back pack, 2 water skins, short sword, small bow, quiver with 20 arrows, and a small knife. In the back pack he has 5 extra bow strings, flint and steel, blanket, well stocked first aid kit and medical tools, 10 days of rations, sharpening stones, spare clothes. Magic Artifacts: Ring of unknown metal with one large sapphire. Description: 5'10" with light brown hair and dark brown eyes. Light brown skin. Somewhat muscular. He wears loose white pants with a belt upon which is hung his sword. His white long sleeved tunic has a blue eagle embroidered on the right sleeve. Personality: Friendly, organized, helpful, and likes to be prepared. Prefers to follow orders and not give them. Background: Born and raised in Capital Village. His parents are doctors and he has learned a lot about setting bones, disinfecting wounds, and such. His wife died a year ago while giving birth to their first child who also died. His frustration at not knowing enough to save them led him to wonder if there were people outside the wall that knew more about medicine than they did inside the wall. He hopes to learn more medicine and return to the wall to share his knew knowledge with everyone in the wall. He exercises daily which is why he has well toned muscles. He doesn't know much about using the sword nor the bow he has, but brought them as he figured he might need them. He's been learning their use for the past few months.
Skraal stood half naked looking into the mirror. He looked on at the many scars across his bare chest and arms, and ran his left hand across the three scars that ran from his forehead to his chin in a diagonal. His hair was short and cut neatly on top but shaven bold around the sides and back. From the back of his head a tribal tattoo ran down his bare back covering more scars from some kind of wild animal. Skraal’s eyes were a pearl black pupil and surrounded in a sea of blood red where the whites where meant to be. A large black bird flew through his open window and landed on the wooden table behind him. He turned with a snarl. Turning back to the mirror above the wash sink he continued to sponge himself down with the wash sponge. He emptied the bowel and dried himself down. He stepped to the doorway looking on at the great wall that surrounded this prison as he called it. It was time to leave now. He was ready and prepared for the outside world. Skraal returned inside and began to polish his carapace armour slowly keeping it clean. On his wall hung in two black scabbards where his two jagged swords. The handles were carved into an Eagles head. The blades had been custom made the metal long since gone had been folded 5000 times and could cut from almost anything. Once he was done he slowly dressed in his lightweight yet strong armour placing both the scabbards carefully on his back. Finally he went to his cabinet and opened the door to take a large revolver which had the image of an Eagle etched into the handle. Besides it were six clips. He knew the gun well and had trained with it. He also knew how to make the bullets to fire it and had cleaned it daily and made sure it still worked. He placed it in a holster at his side then took his red tinted shades and covered his eyes. He left the cabin after closing the door the Eagle followed him out and flew high yet keeping Skraal in sight. Tonight he would hunt and sleep under the stars.
Ceri sat curled up underneath her favourite tree on her father’s farm, enjoying the feeling of the warm sun on her skin and the light breeze brushing through her hair. A book lay open on her knees, her eyes devouring the story printed on its pages. She was so absorbed in what she was reading that she did not notice her older brother approaching her until his tall, broad shadow fell over her. She looked up, one hand shielding her eyes from the bright sparkle of sunshine. “Eryk …” “Did you see this?” Eryk flopped down beside her in the grass, holding out a sheet of paper. Ceri looked at it, then shook her head and arched an eyebrow questioningly. Her brother shrugged and explained in a bored voice, “Some idiot’s decided to put together an expedition to explore the mist.” “Oh?” Ceri said, her interest piqued. “Yeah,” Eryk tossed the paper onto her open book. “Whoever it is, he won’t come back alive. Nor will anyone who’s stupid enough to go with him.” “You think?” “I know.” “So this doesn’t interest you at all?” Ceri asked, scepticism clear in the tone of her voice. “No.” “Then why did you take the paper?” Eryk opened his mouth to reply, then closed it again, his eyebrows knitting together in annoyance and embarrassment. He flushed as Ceri laughed, then made a show of getting up and stomping off in a huff, leaving his sister alone with her book and the paper he’d brought. Ceri looked down at it curiously. Attention; Expedition planned for the mist, travel companions needed. All welcome to join, bring your own gear, and rations. If interested meet at the Last Meal INN on the third day of March, prepared to leave. “Hmmm.”
Horetensio woke before dawn like he did every morning, the best time for a feed. he crept past his best friend and master who was snoring unusually loudly. he threw on his black wool cloak and added some throwing blades to the inside pockets...just in case. even before the light came over the wall the streets where busy getting ready for the days business. he walked past a pastry stall and rolled one off the bench into his hand with out even looking at the man, then at a safe distance bit into the fresh pie. "hmmm" he thought "not as good as last weeks". he came to the well in the center of centeral which happened to be where a pickpocket made his worth, the crouds where generally thick and a man walked with one had on a dagger and the other on his belt purse, which frequentally fell into the slightest of hands. but today there was something different, there was a lot of hussle and bussle and also a large group and the message post. As there were no costumers yet, for the store holders to take interest then it was someting big. getting closer he heard old Larry Hammerglobe state "bloody fool that boy!" another stated " another treck across that wall...a fools errand on a fools hope" " fit for a fool then" added another. getting close enough to read he saw the scrawl of the ink to partchment and read alowed softly "Attention; Expedition planned for the mist, travel companions needed. All welcome to join, bring your own gear, and rations. If interested meet at the Last Meal INN on the third day of March, prepared to leave." maybe i could...no that would be rediclous...but on the other hand....no, what a waste of time and effort...but then maybe if i asked joe, he mihgt not mind me leaving...
The woodlands were dark and eerie a taunting noise haunted the trees that surrounded him. Birds fluttered away in the darkness of the night sky. Skraal drew both jagged blades swinging both in each hand like a propeller. He saw nothing but heard voices. A beast roared in the shadows. Skraal turned both blades now stretched out and ready for attack. Again the beast roared. The sky was clear the moon full and the stars bright. Skraal looked down to find the solid ground had turned to slush and his feet stained with wet soil. Again he paused to the sound of a roar. The beast was near. He looked to the left as movement made sound catching his attention. He looked the clear night was now covered by dark clouds in the sky the moon hidden the stars gone. He looked back towards the woods and found a fog had surrounded him. The roaring of the best gone and the sound of movement stopped. Skraal still holding both blades circled his position. Suddenly yellow dots lit up the fog surrounding him. His sight grew stronger and the dots became glowing eyes watching him Suddenly he was surrounded by Twelve hooded figures. “Who are you? “ Skraal called out. “What do you want?” He called again. One of the cloaked shadows stepped forwards drawing back his hood Skraal looked on. The other wore a mask of a laughing man made from steel. “Who are you?” Repeated Skraal. “It is not who are we but who are you, is the question you should be asking.” The other said. Skraal blinked for a moment and found himself standing at the pit of a river of lava flowing past flames would occasionally explode upwards. Skraal looked to see his blades gone his hands empty and heard the roar once again. He looked up to witness a large Dragon emerge from behind the flowing river of lava. The beast looked down on him stretching its red wings wide and raising its front claws. Skraal stood motionless starring at the beast before him. Suddenly he felt a presence behind him forcing him to turn his head he saw the masked figure stood behind him. Looking down his Armour was gone and his flesh bare filled with sweat from the heat of the lava. “Remember it is not who are we but who are you Flesh Tearer.” The figure said drawing a jagged blade and slashing Skraals throat. Skraal opened his eyes the small camp fire smouldering now and the bones of his prey bare after eating them. He sat up wiping his brow with his right hand sweat beads pouring down like rain sweat dripped from his chest. The dream gone but the memory remained. Soon he would be leaving this place the gates would be open to those who would journey out this time he would be with them. A destiny called him and it was far beyond the great wall that surrounded this prison of weaklings. Skraal looked up as he heard the squawk of a great blackbird, the bird perked on a tree looked down at him. Who am I? The question still lingered in his mind.
Ben heard a loud noise as his bed room door swung open and slammed into the wall. Startled from a sound sleep, Ben sat up to see his 10 year old sister standing in the door way trying to catch her breath to tell him something. He turned and dropped his legs over the edge of his bed making sure to keep his sheet over the lower part of his body. His frown changed to a thin smile as his sister pointed toward the front door. Through deep breaths she said, "In ... the ... market ... a message posted." She took a deep breath and continued, "An expedition is forming!" "Finally!" "Then you're really going?" "Yes!" After shooing his sister out of the room he got dressed. She took him to the central area of the market so that he could read the message himself. He turned to her with a mischievous grin. She tried to run. Ben wrapped his arms around her and lifted her off the ground. He gave her a bear hug and said, "Thanks!" She wriggled free of him as he lowered her to the ground. He went back home to prepare for the expedition.
Game On! I approached the edge of Capital still an hour or so before dawn. The wizards guild the only building that can be seen from anywhere in the city, or just out side it. A ten story tall cloak tower. The face of the clock lit by magical lights of a design I had never seen anywhere else. It read plainly six thirty. I smiled up at the tower, and realized that the Last Meal INN wouldn’t be open before dawn. The Last Meal INN prided itself on sending adventurers on their way into the unknown. I walked past the thresh hold of the city limits, and through the dark streets, occasionally a house would have a wizards light that turned on when you walked near it and off once you passed. It didn’t take long to reach the Last Meal INN, but to my surprise I was not the first to show my face. Drake stood there by himself, the door to the Last Meal already open for him. He looked up at me, his old, green eyes sad, and his body seemed worn. I had seen him before but never had he looked so old. Not that I could blame him, he’d done this many times before, sending fools of to their deaths. His robes were plain black, as if he were attending a funeral. He smiled now, but only briefly. “Greetings Dameon.” Drake said his voice soft, and wise. “Before we go inside is their anyway for me to talk you out of this?” He asked, though from the look he was giving me he already knew the answer. “No. I am going even if no one shows up to go with me.” I say firmly, He sighed taking a hand and running it through his long grey hair, and looked up with a slight smile. “Well then lets head inside and discuss what I know, and what I think I know.” He commented, though it sounded more like a command, he straightened out, his face lost much of its emotion and he once again reminded me of the Drake I had seen before. I followed him into the Last Meal where he took a seat calmly and motioned for me to do the same. “You do not know this yet but Si and Cassandra, two of my apprentices have gotten it into their heads to leave the guild in search of answers that the guild can not provide.” He said, I noticed a slight warmth in his eyes at the mention of the two. “I believe they shall prove invaluable in your quest, their knowledge is great for their age.” He added, lending more to the impression of his feelings for these girls to be praising them to me prior to their arrival. “I’ll do my best to see that they return.” I commented weakly and Drake shook his head sadly. “No insult meant my young friend but your best isn’t much, many have tried their best and failed.” He said, but it felt more like him sprouting wisdom than talking down to me. “Now,” He continued and I finally noticed the large bag at the edge of the table. He opened the bag and look through it for a moment. Then he found something, and pulled it out easily. It was a small lantern, he set it on the table and pressed the button, it turned on and overwhelmed the candle light that we where currently using. “your gift.” He said, and pressed the button again and it turned off. He also set some small metal cylinders next to it. “An electric lantern with spar batteries, don’t worry one of the girls will be able to replace the batteries when needed.” He commented. I took the magical artifact reverently, so much brighter and smaller than a real lantern. It might come in handy, “Thank you.” I said bowing my head slightly. I knew that these type of things were sold often by the mages guild but all where out of my price range to afford. “Now we wait for the others.” He said and I nodded my head in agreement as a woman came out with a basket of rolls and plates with steak, mashed potatoes, and green beans on it. “You best eat up, you’ll need the energy for your adventure.” The woman commented, she was around forty, black hair with streaks of grey, and she seemed to look upon me in much the same way Drake did, a knowing sadness and a sense of loss. I thanked her and slowly ate the meal while waiting for the others to arrive. Lets get ready to Rrrrroleplay!
