First steps in a new era : DM Laurent Tuesday December 18th, 2001 7:37:40 AM
During their journey, the Chosen have time to talk with Zakeria around the evening fire, and get to know her a little bit more. They also have some time to share their loot, and the weapons taken to their foes (OOC: tell me who gets what, and update your CS, then send it to me).
The Hearthold Keep bridge is soon in sight, and the Chosen quickly understand that many were waiting for their return. It is obvious that the Keep people expect much from the Chosen's quest.
Neima, the Hearthold chatelaine has been staying by Kular's bedside as much as she could. However, she also had to reorder things, especially when people were now missing: There are empty chairs at some tables that people look with a more than sad glance...
The chatelaine welcomes the Chosen and their guest with a cold smile. She has been in charge of many things while they were outside, and she looks very tired. The fire that was in the eyes of the angry wemic chatelaine they left is now missing, and it is also obvious in her eyes that she expects much from their third "guest".
"It's good to see you back Chosens, we were all waiting for you."
She takes Zakeria's hands between hers, and smiles to her.
"I hope you can help Kular, his state didn't change but we all fear for his life."
She looks at the gathered Chosens, and adds:
"There are also rumors that reached the Heartkeep, and more than ever, I think that our people, the Taurs, need a sign of hope..."
"Come with me, it is high time to see if all this waiting was worth..."
Neima leads the Chosen and Zakeria through the Keep's doorway to Kular's room.
The Taur Steward is lying on his bed, just as if nothing changed while they were outside. He looks like sleeping, but breathing really slowly and badly.
Mylo and Minisha are also there, waiting for their young friends. Everybody, without a word, knows what he or she has to do. A mixing of hope and anguish is in the air, and everyone tries to remain silent. In the doorway, a couple of servants have been gathering, and prayers are whispered...
The three Taur healers, Minisha, Mylo and now Zakeria, put their hands on Kular chest, and their faithful magic begin to glow. A small colored whirlwind of magic begins to spin around their joined hands, and three-colored sparkles dance in the air. Slowly, almost indistinctly, the three colors become one, and the whirlwind of magic fades, as if it was disappearing in Kular's body.
During a couple of seconds, the magic lifeforce shared with the Taur stewart seem to completely disappear, and nothing happens...However, Suddenly, one notes that Kular's pale figure becomes more colored, another sees his fingers moving, and finally...
...the Hearthold Keep stewart slowly opens his eyes...
Zeoll Tuesday December 18th, 2001 8:51:11 AM
To Zeoll, the healing of Kular is an event that echoes the deepest secret longings of his soul: longings for Domi Himself. Seeing Kular the True Taur healed at last is, for the liontaur priest, a sign that life can return, that gods don't die, that Domi yet dwells, somehow, in the hearts of all Taurs.
Tears roll down Zeoll's face as Kular wakes. "Praise unto Tomi!" he murmurs in his native tongue. For what seems like a long while all he can do is stand there.
Then in the common language of all Taurs, he quietly speaks to Mylo, Minisha, and Zakeria. "And prraise unto you, oh grreat healerrs! Forr today you have healed not only a single Taurr, but also the hopes of all Taurrs who hold Domi dearr."
He draws his sword -- the one Domi Himself touched and blessed -- and he kneels. His speech becomes even more stilted and formal. "Know ye, oh Taurrs herre gatherred, that by the thrree Names of the God of Warr I swearr my Grratitude, Fealty, and Serrvice to these grreat Healerrs Thrree! Call in Imod's name, and I shall come! Ask in Domi's name, and I shall answerr! Command in Tomi's name, and I shall obey! This I swearr in Thanks for the Mirracle you Three offerred us this Holy Day!"
Zeoll rises, and bows deeply to Zakeria, Mylo, and Minisha each in turn. Speaking less formally, he adds, "I trruly hope you will stay and join us herre in Hearrthold Keep. Ourr home is yourr home, today and for all days."
[OOC: If no one objects, I'll use the two tanglefoot bags in the Storm Tourney. I assume, as in the RWI, that they won't be used up here if I use them there.]
Kale Tuesday December 18th, 2001 8:57:12 AM
Kale stands silently as he watches the healers do their work. once it is over, Kale grunts to himself and then goes to the kitchens to get someting to eat
Flat-top Tuesday December 18th, 2001 9:06:11 AM
As Flat-top stand a little ways back of the others. Hope that the New Healer will be just the right mixture of healers. He said a small prayer to all the Gods, but when he saw Kular's eyes open. Then he knew that all was going to be all right. "Yes! it was worth it." Flat-top turns and off to the Dinning Room for something to eat.
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday December 18th, 2001 10:39:13 PM
'Zeoll certainly knows how to express his gratitude.' wonders Ceira as she is at a loss for words following what Zeoll just said.
Ceira walks up to Minisha, Mylo, and Zakeria and lays a hand on their shoulders. "How do you feel? Is he really okay?" she asks. "I do not mean to doubt your abilities but this seemed like an impossible dream. Tell me this isn't a dream..."
A tear begins welling up in one of her eyes but she quickly wipes it away before anyone notices.
Kenisha Wednesday December 19th, 2001 12:10:19 AM
Gently resting a hand on Kular's arm, Kenisha smiles down at him, "Welcome back."
Turning to the three healers, she thanks each one in turn, giving her aunt a big hug and a kiss on the cheek.
Leets Wednesday December 19th, 2001 2:52:41 AM
Anyone who cares can see a veil of sadness darkening the young centaur paladin's eyes while he watches the scene. He slightly smiles when Kular wakes up, but quickly turns his glance away, looking through the window...
And now? DM Laurent Wednesday December 19th, 2001 4:57:26 AM
Although the awakening of Kular resounds as a joyful event through the walls of the Hearthold keep, the weight of Domi's death, and its consequences, is still here. Kale and Flat-Top, on their own, discover that the kitchen has been deserted, but will easily find some food. However they will also note that both the larder and the cellar are not as full as they used to be.
As for the others, it quickly appears that Kular is still very weak: he just cannot talk, and looks like he doesn't really understand what happens around him. The Chosens are asked to wait outside: Mylo and Minisha, after spending a couple of hours with the Heartkeep steward, leave his room. They have a grave expression on their face, and look at each other. Mylo, the old wemic, clears his throat while Minisha puts her hand on her niece's shoulder. The wemic hermit finally talks. His voice sounds a little bit confused, and sad:
"We have done all that could be done forrr his body, but yourrr frrriend will have to end his jourrrney alone to find his path...We cannot heal the wounds of his soul: only time, and perrrhaps your frrriendship, will now help him. It has been a harrrsh strrrugle between him and death, and even if he looks like being back among us, therrre is something that will always be missing deep inside him now..."
Mylo turns his glance away, somehow disappointed, but Minisha goes on:
"For the moment, Kular needs to take a lot of rest, and to think of the reason why he's still here now that Domi is gone. Only when he will have the answers will he begin to be cured, but not before..."
Mylo, breathing deeply, talks again:
"Yourrrselves, Chosens, should take some time on yourrr own to clearrr yourrr minds. Therrre will be much forrr you to do soon, for the Islands will neverrr be the same, and the Taurrrs will need you. You'll all have to know why you follow the path that is yourrrs, and find the dirrrection to see the light that will now lead you. You have been doing much good Chosens, but as I told you, you'll have a heavy weight to bearrr for what you arrre, and you shall take the time needed to prrreparrre to this..."
Kale Wednesday December 19th, 2001 7:42:52 AM
"I hope someone will stock this place soon.I dont want to eat peanut butter and jelly sandwitches for the next month." Kale says as he fixes himself a sandwitch
Flat-top Wednesday December 19th, 2001 10:13:25 AM
"Yes! I see we are pretty low on supplies" said Flat-top as he made himself a salad. "Kalon was doing the shoping for the whole keep. Now it looks like we'll have to do it. And recruit some help." MUNCH! MUNCH! on his salad.
Ceira Karwyn Wednesday December 19th, 2001 10:30:48 AM
"Thank you again for all of your help." Ceira says to Mylo and Minisha. "You seem weary, so please rest. I surely hope you will enjoy what meager facilities we can provide for you."
Turning to the rest of the Taurs, "I will take this opportunity to check on my family at home. After the fall of Domi, this world plunged into Chaos and I must check to see if my family is doing well. What will the rest of you be doing?"
Zeoll Wednesday December 19th, 2001 5:53:52 PM
Zeoll spends a long time in vigil in the Heart Chamber, praying to Domi for Kular's recovery.
By the way, remember that the maps to Hearthold Keep can be found here:
Kenisha Thursday December 20th, 2001 12:17:30 AM
Kenisha turns to Ceira and says, "I intend to return to Minotaur Isle. Bralik still weighs on my mine." She grins then and adds, "Who knows? I might return with enough fish to feed an army."
Kale Thursday December 20th, 2001 9:45:31 AM
Kale continues to eat his sandwitch. "Ive never shopped for food before, though ive stolen it. If we have some down time, I want to go make some extra money." he says to Flat-Top
Leets Thursday December 20th, 2001 10:51:32 AM
Leets particularly listens to Ceira and Kenisha, and finally says:
"My brother also lives on Centaur Island. He was the Stallion of the Talric tribe when I left him, and I'm really worried about his fate. I think that I will go home and see what happened to my tribe..."
All by yourselves - DM Laurent Thursday December 20th, 2001 11:04:54 AM
Zeoll spends a lot of time in the Heart chamber. Alone. It appears that only a few people now come here, because Domi's dead heart still be too a difficult thing to see for much. The stone heart is now cold as ice, no more living than another piece of rock. In a way, Zeoll understands why people were waiting so much from Kular's healing, and why they looked disapointed...
Ceira, Kenisha and Leets prepare their bags, and even if the food & drink supplies are low, they are offered all they could need during their journey. Before crossing the bridge that will lead them away - and alone, they turn their eyes to the Heartkeep: they came here by their own, and never had to leave it alone before today...
Flat-Top and Kale finally manage to satisfy their stomachs. Later they get a closer look at the loot they brought back from the last battle, and realize that they could probably get a good price for the masterwork weapons. Then another idea cross their minds almost at the same time: maybe there is more at the Love Cult Maze...
Flat-top Thursday December 20th, 2001 2:57:17 PM
"Wow! Look at these weapons," said Flat-top to Kale. "these great sword, flays, shield and these armor are of the top quality." Flat-top (with weapons in hand) turns to Kale. "I wonder if there's any more treasure in those maze? I know Raorr didn't like it when we rescued the healer and not finish the fight. Maybe he would like to go into the maze with US?? How about it want to go and take a good look in that maze??. Hmmm?" Flat-top gives that applesauce grin to Kale."
Ceira Karwyn d20+4=17 d20+1=4 Thursday December 20th, 2001 11:18:59 PM
Ceira casually trots her way back home using the main road. Since her home lies out in a rural area she has little to fear from major uprisings. However, if she notices other Wemics in the area, she will still be on guard against the possibility of more insane wemics.
Ceira is humming some of the familiar tunes that Zeoll introduced to her through their adventures. This makes it difficult to hear anything other than her own voice.
(Spot=17, Listen=4)
Kenisha Friday December 21st, 2001 12:15:22 AM
Kenisha makes her way back over the bridge, but once on Minotaur Island, she turns away from the city and heads along the shore towards the fishing village.
On the say, her mind is weighed heavily by all that has befallen the Chosen. Searching for a way to make thinks better. Alas her sorrow clouds her mind and she arrives at the village without coming up with any solutions.
Raorr agrees Friday December 21st, 2001 2:45:48 AM
"Sure, why not got nothing better to do and some one's gonna need to keep you two alive." Raorr says to Flat-Top and Kale.
He turns his head to the new healer and mumbles "Another soft minotaur, it a shame. What a waste, pacisicism a disease with no cure"
He looks at the pile of swords in Flat-Tops hands, "Here" Raorr removes his greatsword from his side and holds it out to Flat-Top "I'll take the leader's sword and replace it with my own"
Either way Raorr heads out with the Centaur marine and the Minotaur Rogue heading back to Fort Love.
"So up for a little competition guys?"
Zakeria Friday December 21st, 2001 3:45:42 AM
Zakeria looks sullen at the chosen's responses to her veiws. So sad in her misconceptions that she avoids the chosen for much of her time. She occasionally wanders into Kular's room and speaks to him, mostly about religon and her veiws. She recalls to him her vision of the keep.
Her healing obviously inadequate saddens her even more. She decides to stay in the keep to give religious support to those who remain at the keep, including servants and chosen alike.
Leets Friday December 21st, 2001 6:31:14 AM
With Ceira heading for Wemic Island and Kenisha going back to Minotaur Island, Leets finds himself alone to go back on Centaur Island.
On his way, his thoughts are turned to Domi's memory, and the times that are about to come. He thinks of his own words, first spelled to bring peace among fighting Taurs, but now resounding as the truth he was now looking for.
"As the Taur gather what is the best among the other races, also was Domi gathering what was the best among the seven Gods and Goddesses"
...Domi as the exalted leader: Alemi...
...Domi as the dead's slayer: Gargul...
...Domi defender of the loved ones: Caeroldra...
...Domi as the unleashed warrior: the Sisters...
...Domi as the daring hero: Wardd...
...Domi as the one gathering all: Kerrakles...
As he was troting away from the Hearthold Keep, Leets was feeling like leaving more than he thought behind him...He new that when he would come back, things would have changed...
Deeds to be done - DM Laurent Friday December 21st, 2001 7:23:59 AM
AT THE KEEP
Zakeria and Zeoll feel strange staying at the Hearthold Keep without their friends. However, there are so many things to do...The deads and the missing ones have been mourned for weeks, but now is time to deal with the consequences. The two cooks are missing, but there is still people to feed, and a kitchen to keep. None never saw again the Housekeeper who disappeared, and the Keep carpenter is also missing: yet, there is so much to repair...Ixion the mason does as well as he can, but since his colt's death, he is no more as good as he was. His mate, Neola the smith, just cannot work anymore, unable to use this anvil that crushed Theophilia, or anything that looks alike. The three shameful clerics that remain wander the Keep, trying to find a way to atone for their crime. One became half mad, and the two others plan to leave soon. The wise Palamedes is still lying on his bed, slowly recovering from serious wounds that will leave deep scars. During this time, each one tries to comfort the children, among which some still don't understand what happened. Finally, the Keep cruelly lacks of soldiers. Captain Borus and sergeant Tarf left a wide empty place, and only a handful of soldiers survived the events following Domi's fall. Those now try to reorganize the Heart Guard, but there aren't wanting to defend a dead heart... However, in the meantime, some Taurs arrived and settled near the Heartkeep. Most of the time, those are curious people who want to know more about Domi's death, but there are also some Taurs who thought they would find hope here, and decided to stay, having no other place where to go... As for Kular, the Heartkeep steward sleeps most of the time. He rarely drinks, and rarely eats. He does as if he was listening to Zakeria, but he remains quiet, and she wonders if he really hear her words...
MINOTAUR ISLAND: a small harbor village.
Kenisha wisely avoid the city, and the Love Cultists too. As she is troting in the direction of the fishing village, she can see smoke curls away. When she arrives, the village is half burned: there are Minotaurs carying wooden frameworks, some others are digging large holes, and by their sides are minotaur-large shrouds. Away can be heard a young calf crying. Somewhere else, an old female minotaur wanders the smoking ruins, calling for something... A little bit further, a handful of minotaurs, almost only young males, are building some kind of shelter with the remains of the burned buildings... No one seems to notice the centaur as she walks the streets of the ruined village, everyone looks tired and Kenisha feels like nothing will surprise them anymore today...
MINOTAUR ISLAND: At the city gates.
Kale, Flat-Top and Raorr soon arrive in sight of the newly renamed "Fort Love". From what they can see, the people who are guarding the gates are not Servants of Passion...Soon, a patrol of five armored minotaurs wearing heart-shaped weapons join the guards. They are coming from outside Fort Love, and one of them don't look happy at all. Snatches of his voice can be heard from the three Chosens location, and it sounds like they didn't find the Taurs they were searching for. The five Minotaurs enter the city, and only the two guards remain...
WEMIC ISLAND: a quiet road.
Ceira is only a couple of minutes away from her home when she hear somebody shouting, and sees three little wemics jumping out of a bush, looking at her as if they just did something forbidden, and running away in the direction of the village, half frightened and half surprised.
Ceira Karwyn Friday December 21st, 2001 10:21:47 AM
Before dashing off to investigate the bushes, Ceira focuses intently on the three little wemics. Particular styles of their manes, choice of clothing, and any peculiar trinkets should be a good indicator should she decide to pursue them later.
Judging by the children's expressions, Ceira is confident that there is no danger in the immediate vicinity and will quickly run into the bushes to discover the source of the shouting.
Zeoll Finds His Purpose (HeartHold Keep) Friday December 21st, 2001 2:27:31 PM
Zeoll spends two days in prayer and meditation, without food, water, or sleep. He moves events and emotions around and around in his head. Sometimes he sings or composes poetry; other times he is motionless and still.
After a long while, Zeoll imagines that Domi Himself has come into the chamber, in the form he took once before when he met the Chosen -- the true taur shape that Kular wears. Prostrate on the floor before the Stone Heart, Zeoll speaks with his imaginary Domi and listens to His answers to the liontaur's questions.
Zeoll: Oh Domi, did you really have to die?
Domi: Did I HAVE to die? Come on, you sound like a nursing cub. "Do I have to eat these brussel sprouts?" "Does Esoay really have to go home now?" "Do I have to go to sleep?" Why is a priest of mine such a whiner? Does it matter if I HAD to die? I'm dead -- that's enough!
Zeoll: But your spirit really lives on in all the other gods, right?
Domi: By Jericho's jawbone! Now I see what kind of priesthood I had! Half become crazed mass murderers, half become pathetic whiners! Look, I'm dead! That's all! People die, gods die. Get over it!
Zeoll: But who should I worship now?
Domi: Hey, pick a god -- any true god of the Wold is fine. Worship them all, if you like! That's not the point. I told you to have courage. Well, be brave, stand up for yourself, and make your way in the Wold! I see now that you all are too dependent on us gods. Yes, honor the gods, but don't expect them to tell you when to wipe your nose and take out the trash.
Zeoll: But what do we do now? We're demoralized and aimless without you!
Domi: THAT'S what I'm getting at! You see the trash is sitting there -- take it out already! The jobs of the Wold are obvious if you open your eyes. Take charge and have the courage to do what needs doing!
Zeoll: Huh?
Domi: Let me spell it out, oh witless one. I Chose you, right? Why?
Zeoll: Um, heal the Heart. Unite the Taurs.
Domi: Right! So are the Taurs united? Are they ready for what's coming?
Zeoll: What's coming, great Domi?
Domi: Zeoll, you're not a seer yet, so don't jump the gun. Forget the details. Look, it doesn't take a seer or a god to see that the Wold is going to hell in a handbasket. And that's the express handbasket, not the local.
Domi pauses, and rubs his head.
Domi: I Chose you. I brought you all together. I gave you Bridge Island and Hearthold Keep. Was that for fun? So you could have a nice place to keep your stuff? Because I liked the view?What did I Choose you for?
Zeoll: Unite the Taurs ...
Domi: And what's coming?
Zeoll: Hell in a handbasket?
Domi: And are you ready for it? NO! Well why not? You're not stupid. Get to work! Unite the Taurs! Prepare for what's coming! Stop moping around -- and tell everyone else to stop moping around too!
Domi starts to fade in Zeoll's waking dream.
Domi: I told you to Have Courage! That means Be Strong! Act Fast! Be Powerful! Be Smart! Be Positive! And help my people! Have Courage!
And the image fades away.
Zeoll sways and blinks. He knows that Domi wasn't really here, but the words his mind put into the dead god's mouth resonate and resound in him. No matter who says them, these are the facts:
o The Chosen were Chosen for a purpose. o They were given HeartHold Keep to help that purpose. o That purpose is to unite the Taurs. o Even if Domi is dead, the purpose is still there!
Zeoll thinks to himself, it boils down to this: "More Troubles are coming, and the Taurs must be united to face them!"
==========
Zeoll goes and gets some food and sleep. Then he rises refreshed and with a new sense of mission. Over the next few days he involves himself in a number of important activities.
SEEK OUT HEALERS
Zeoll seeks out Minisha, Mylo, and Zakeria. They can see that people are not healing as they should be -- not mentally. Zeoll suggests that they need a Purpose -- a will to live. Zeoll tells the healers about his new Purpose in life: To use the Chosen and the Keep to unite all Taurs and prepare them for the Troubles ahead. He tries to intill in them his sense of Purpose. He hopes that they will be convinced and adopt this Purpose as their own.
Zeoll is especially interested in talking with Mylo and Zakeria about worshipping all the Wold's gods. "It is time forr me to move on," the liontaur priest says, "and I will need all my powerrs in the days ahead. How can I too worrship all gods as you do?"
SEEK OUT KULAR
Zeoll is convinced that a Purpose would reinvigorate Kular. He seeks him out and talks with him often. Zeoll tells Kular how the Hearthold Keep staff are suffering. He tells Kular that the staff really need him to organize and help get things done. In this way Zeoll hopes to get Kular moving out of his daze. At the very least, he sets Kular to work as much as he can -- even simple, homely chores like shelling peas, to get him working. Zeoll uses his Inspire Courage ability once a day in Kular's hearing.
SEEK OUT THE STAFF
Zeoll spends time with each and every staff member. He learns all their names and stories. He sings often, both familiar hymns and new songs he invents. he often tells the story of how he was Chosen, and how Domi wanted to unite the Taur race again. He spends a lot of time with children. He uses his Inspire Courage a second time each day when a staff member seems especially down. He tries to begin to convince the staff that they have a mission, a Purpose! They are doing the work Domi wanted them to do, and they are helping bring Taurs together.
SEEK OUT THE FORMER PRIESTS OF DOMI
Zeoll looks for the three shamed priests of Domi. He tries to convince them that they can atone by staying at the Keep and helping in its defense. The guard has been decimated, and the Keep really needs them. Moreover, there is Domi's great work to be done: "We must unite the Taurrs and prreparre forr the trroubles ahead," he tells them. Zeoll introduces them to Zakeris and Mylo in the hope that they all can adopt their philosophy and become practicing clerics again. Zeoll asks the healers to try to cure the mad priest, or at least help him.
SEEK OUT THE NEWCOMERS
Zeoll greets any new settlers or visitors. "You found the sacrred brridges that Domi made, which only those who believe in Tuarr unity can walk. I know you came herre for a rreason, and that rreason is to worrk harrd to brring Domi's drream to life. He wanted us to unite all Taurrs, and that's what we'rre doing herre! Please join us, at the Keep or in new homes nearrby. We want you all -- all Taurs are welcome."
TAKE CARE OF BUSINESS
Finally, Zeoll tries to tally up the recently gained treasure from the adventure on Minotaur Island. He decides he needs to learn to read. So he seeks out Palamedes and other literate folk to teach him.
[OOC: Zeoll goes up a leve of Bard. I'll send a PC sheet right away! meantime, Zeoll's Diplomacy roll is +8.]
Flat-top Friday December 21st, 2001 6:22:39 PM
The trio are press up against the wall and in the shadows."Shhh! I cannot hear what those Lover Boys are saying." As he look again he see the head boss say something like not finding... Taurs... got away..." Then he saw the five minotaurs go into the Fort, but two came out to guard the gate. "Well! Well! my friends, I think we have our first chance for some fun? How about it? Game?" said Flat-top with that same grin on his face.
Kenisha d20+2=22 Saturday December 22nd, 2001 12:22:07 AM
Kenisha's heart goes out to these people. "So much suffering in the Wold." she says softly as she watches the young men in their work.
Then she hears again the cry of a child. Following her ears, she seeks out this child, wanting to make sure it has someone looking after it. "The children are our future."
Listen Roll= 22
Raorr nods d20+9=20 2d6(3+4)+5=12 2d6(6+5)+5=16 d20+7=18 2d6(1+6)+5=12 Saturday December 22nd, 2001 12:55:09 AM
Raorr looks to Flat-top and then Kale "On three we rush the two at the gate, don't let them scream out"
Raorr with his shield ready and glowing greatsword (ooc: haven't heard any objections)in hand counts "3...2...1..go"
Turns around the corner and Charges the first Hand of Love he sees, the greatsword swinging with all his strength.
Roll 1: To hit with +1 Greatsword hits AC 20 Roll 2: Base Damage with +1 Greatsword for 12 Roll 3: Charge Damage with +1 Greatsword 16 for total of 28 Roll 4: (if needed): To hit with attack of opportunity hits AC 18 Roll 5: (if needed): Damage for AoO for 12
So much to do - DM Laurent Sunday December 23rd, 2001 4:14:17 AM
AT FORT LOVE GATES
The two minotaurs are wearing hide armors as well as great axes (which blades are shaped like hearts of course) and flowers. This doesn't save the first one from Raor's mighty attack, and the guard is cushed against the wall, and falls unconscious. The second unexpecting guard doesn't understand quickly enough what's happening, and is silenced in the shadow by the threatening Kale and Flat-Top, who keep the guard's mouth closed. From what the three Taurs can see, there are two, maybe three, guards on the fort's walls, and there are sounds of people walking with armors beyond the closed doors, as well as the sound of songs a little bit further.
A SMALL VILLAGE ON WEMIC ISLAND
Ceira notices a couple of details in the young wemics dressing, and still follow the same road. She finally arrives at the village: one of the children she saw a couple of minutes before is running after a group of chickens near a house. He stops playing as he see her, and runs away...
"Hey! It's Ceira!"
"Ceira is back!"
One, and then two, and then more people, suddenly gather around Ceira. She is welcomed, but a lot of questions are asked at the same time.
"What did you do?" "Why are you back?" "Is it true what hapened?" "What does the Heartkeep looks like?" "Is it true that you've seen minotaurs? And centaurs?" "Where did you go?" "What is this?" "What is that?"
A small crowd now surrounds the wemic sorceress, and she can see relatives approaching too, wondering if it is really her or not...
A SMALL FISHING VILLAGE ON CENTAUR ISLAND
Kenisha easily finds the young calf. He is in his mother's arms. Her face is blackened by the smoke or the fire, and she has a dirty bandage on the arm...
AT THE HEARTHOLD KEEP
Zeoll begins to organize his plans. He receives his first lessons from the slowly recovering Palamedes. Neima let him know that she really appreciates his work at the keep, and manages to take some rest. The former clerics still be doubtful, but accept to stay for another couple of days, to hear what Minisha and Mylo (and Zakeria) have to say. Interviews are planned to gather some staff from the people recently arrived near the Hearthold, and soldiers also are to be recruited soon...
Kale Sunday December 23rd, 2001 1:01:20 PM
"While we're here, lets do a bit of treasure hunting." Kale says as he searches the guard for a key or anything else that might be useful
Flat-top d20+5=24 d3+3=6 d3+3=5 Sunday December 23rd, 2001 10:35:53 PM
(OOC:I hope this is count for Monday's post. Flat-top to hit 24 with fist/critical, damage 6 + 5 = 11 damage.)
Kale and Flat-top grab the guard to silenced him,But the move toward his weapon. Flat-top takes no chances and hits him hard with his fist. the guard is silened. "See! I told you we would have some fun. Alright Guys! this is where you shine on this Island. Where to next?" Said Flat-top with the same apple sauce grin.
Zeoll Goes Shopping Sunday December 23rd, 2001 11:53:47 PM
Zeoll continues to try to boost morale among everyone at the Hearthold Keep, using his songs and Inspire Courage ability.
In the past weeks, Zeoll knows, he has been kind of grouchy. But a sense of hope and rebirth has stirred in his heart, and he decides to do something special. He takes the two heart-shaped shields and makes a quick trip to Centaur Isle. This is just a quick trip, to do a little shopping, and he is back before nightfall.
He drops off the shields at a limner, with instructions to paint a thin crooked line on each shield, as if each heart had been broken abd mended. Then, passing a butcher shop, he sees a huge goose for sale. He enters and orders it sent with best wishes to Druid Hollyhocks. Then he goes shopping, buying many toys, treats to eat, clothes, tools, and more. He picks up the shields when they are done and heads back home again. He spends up to 60 gp on all these. He buys a huge red sack in which to carry everything.
Kenisha d20+2=15 d20+3=7 Monday December 24th, 2001 5:52:14 AM
OOC- I won't be able to post Monday and possible Tuesday but definitely will be back Wednesday. Happy Holidays to everyone! :)
Kenisha will offer to change the bandage on the mother's arm, speaking softly and reassuringly in Minotaur, using a section of the bottom of her tunic to do so and cleansing the wound with water from her waterskin if the female allows it. (Heal Roll=15)
Also if the mother allows her to change the bandage, she will sing a lullaby to the child while she works, laughing ruefully at her own poor skill at doing so. (Perform roll= 7)
Kenisha will seek out the old woman and find out what she can do to help her find what she is searching for.
All the while she looks for her friend, Bralik.
Kalon the Wemic Monday December 24th, 2001 11:30:57 AM
Kalon had watched the group disperse one by one within the first couple of days. Then over the next few watched as Zeoll made his efforts to improve the keep. All the while feeling incredibly restless. He is not a warrior like Raorr, Leets or Flat-top. Or a weilder of magic like Kenisha or Ceira. He was a simple wanderer and hunter.
When kenisha left he had wanted to go with her but though his heart longed for it his soul needed to be somewhere else. She would be alright on her own he told himself.
Finally after days of listlessness he packed a very small amount of food and left the island by night. Wandering the different lands with no specific goal in mind. All the while contemplating what had happened in the past weeks.
Each day his waking thoughts filled with Domi's last words to "Have Courage". Each night his dreams filled with that same message he sleeps restlessly. All around he finds people forgetting the message and feels compelled to remind them. Telling them that though Domi may well be dead his message lives on and his spirit as well in each of them. Finally after many days something becomes clear to him and he hurries back to the island with all the speed at his command.
Arriving late in the afternoon he seeks out Zeoll who has always been very zealous to help. Finding Zeoll he takes him aside.
"Listen Zeoll I have an idea" he pauses to make sure that he has the wemic's attention,"the people are in despair, scared and lost. Our mission given us by Domi still exists to unite the taurs and protect his people. I think we need to make the heart beat again. I do not fully know the magics necessary to make it do that but I think we can. Domi is dead but that does not mean that the heart can no longer beat. If that even happens only once people will begin to believe it can happen again. They will come here seeking that miracle. Once here we can put those seekers to work...work upkeeping the keep and helping any taurs that need that help. We can return hope to them. If it is Domi's will that other gods be worshipped in his place these other gods can be brought to the peoples attention as guardians of Domi's people till his return. It does not matter wether or not Domi can return or not as long as people believe he can. As long as they know that there is still work to be done in his name. You have always spoken well and you could lead the people back to this tiny hope and get them doing things to better our situation. We are in dark times I think they need that" he pauses taking a few deep breaths not realizing how beyond breath his talking had taken him. His blood is racing and he has never felt so excited,"I have an idea of when to make this happen and if Kenisha agrees I think we can do it. Hope will build on it's own if we can show them that it still exists"
Zeoll Monday December 24th, 2001 6:51:27 PM
Zeoll seems a bit rushed, but he thinks Kalon has a great idea! "Please join me and the rrest of the Keep staff tomorrrow in a little celebrration; then we can talk rright afterrward about how to make this happen. I rreally want to hearr your ideas!"
Zeoll runs off on his chores -- preparing for tomorrow, cheering people up, getting things ready.
Zeoll Claws Tuesday December 25th, 2001 9:41:26 AM
The next day Zeoll invites everyone in the Keep to join him in the Heart Chamber. He tries really hard to get everyone to attend. When all are gathered, he speaks.
"Good Taurrs, we werre brrought herre because Domi wanted us -- and all Taurrs -- to live united as one in peace and unity. Even though Domi is not prresent to urrge us on, we know what he would want us to do. So let us herre today be dedicated to the spirrit of love and giving that Domi gave to us. Let us be dedicated to unity, frriendship, and good will toward all Taurrs."
"This place -- when the Healed Hearrt rresides -- is a place wherre we dedicate ourrselves. Do not be a strrangerr to this chamberr, forr in it rrests the symbol of our grreat purrpose. Whether it is stone orr not, it rremains healed and one. In the trrials of the times ahead, we too may need to be like stone in strrength and might, but we too will be unified and one."
Zeoll urges all the Taurs present to circle the room around the Healed Heart, holding hands. Then, inspiring courage in all, he sings: Fah who forr-aze! Dah who dorr-aze! Welcome Hearrthold, Come this way!
Fah who for-aze! Dah who dor-aze! Welcome Hearrthold, Herre we stay!
After the song, Zeoll disappears for just a moment and returns with a big red sack. Laughing, he says, "This sack is a symbol of Domi's Hearrt, frrom which he gave us his love." Then the liontaur begins removing small gifts from the sack and hands them around the room. Each of the children get a toy, and the adults get a candy, or a colorful bolt of cloth, or a tool or a dagger, or some other token.
To the two clerics, formerly of Domi, who are now rethinking their way, Zeoll gives each a heart-shaped masterwork shield from the Servants of Love -- but the shields have been painted with a thin crooked line down the center, so that they look like the image at the bottom of this Web page (scroll down):
Zeoll says to the clerics, "These shields symbolize the Healed Hearrt that brrought you herre. Use them as a rrememberrance of the sacrred and noble purrpose to which you once dedicated yourrselves. I give you these in the hope that you will continue to embrrace that purrpose: To unite all Taurrs as One."
To Kular, Zeoll gives a signet ring with the same Healed Heart symbol. He says, "Let this be a sign of yourr value to us and yourr stewarrdship herre, oh Honorred of Domi."
To Mylo and Minisha, Zeoll gives mugs inscribed "Wold's Greatest Healer." He says, smiling, "I saw these in a shop and couldn't resist! May you often drink each other's health with these!"
To Zakeria, Zeoll gives finely embroidered pillow. "I hope that this small gift will please you and let you know that this Keep is a place where you can rest as one of us. Be welcome among us!"
To Kalon, Zeoll gives a finely made belt, which has the same heart symbol as a buckle. "This is just a small thing, my comrade," he says, "but some day I will take it back and make of it a gift worrthy of ourr frriendship."
After distributing the gifts, Zeoll invites everyone to the a feast he has arranged for all! "And make surre you enjoy the Rroast Beast!" he laughs.
Kalon the Wemic Wednesday December 26th, 2001 10:55:05 AM
Kalon still at a loss to why people feel the constant need for parties and celebration accepts Zeoll gift.
"Thank you Zeoll I have no need for gifts that are any greater then the friendship I have found here. However I will wear your belt as a reminder of that." he extends his hand to shake Zeoll's,"I must go and find Kenisha to discuss my idea with her. Would you like to come along and on the way we can discuss things?"
Ceira Karwyn Wednesday December 26th, 2001 12:03:21 PM
(OOC: What happened in those bushes where Ceira heard a shout and the children ran away?)
Ceira notes the direction the fleeing young wemic runs off to but turns back to the growing crowd around her.
"Yes, it's really me." she laughs. "How are you all doing? It has been a while now hasn't it?" She shakes everyone's hands and gives a few others a warm hug to the more familiar relatives. "I'm a bit weary from my travels so let's find a more comfortable place to talk. I'd like to rest my paws and then we can exchange stories from this village and what has been going on in the Wold. How about I buy everyone a full round of Kugsuke's ol' famous Sweet Pear Cider? I've gathered a meager amount of coins in my adventures and I think it should be enough to go around."
Ceira squints towards the village in search of the flying banner that depicts a cobblestone road leading into a lion's gaping maw. She finds it and adds, "Looks like Kugsuke still has the 'Mane Course' up and operational. Let's get going. I'm getting hungry."
A few hours pass by and she tells everyone willing to listen about her tales of the trials and tribulations fighting side by side with other minotaurs and centaurs. Not being very architecturally inclined, Ceira tries her best to describe the wonderous features of Hearthold Keep. Noticing how a few children are in awe, she promises to take them on a field trip someday.
Much of the afternoon is spent telling stories but soon everyone departs and Ceira begins heading home.
(OOC: If the rest of the evening remains uneventful, Ceira will sleep until morning and then proceed to seek out those suspicous young wemics.)
Flat-top Wednesday December 26th, 2001 3:09:50 PM
"Did I or Did I Not tell you two it was going to be fun?" said Flat-top(with a apple sauce grin on his face. "Now where do we go now?" Flast-top look towards Kale and Raorr.
Presents for everybody - DM Laurent Thursday December 27th, 2001 2:17:53 PM
AT FORT LOVE GATES
Kale, Raorr and Flat-Top are still hidden in the shadows at the fort gates. Kale searches for something on the guards and finds the following: -A heart shaped dagger -A chicken bone with some meat remaining on it. -A dirty piece of paper with some dried bacon inside. - 3 silver pieces - 7 coper pieces - 4 playing cards in the guard's boot.
AT THE FISHING VILLAGE
Kenisha's help is welcome among the villagers. As she helps the mother, her baby and then the old minotaur woman, people begin to gather around the centaur newcomer. Kenisha quickly realize that there are mainly wounded people coming to the ruined house where she found the old woman. The old minotaur lady was in fact searching for some of her things that wouldn't have burned. While talking with the people she takes care of, she asks questions about Bralik, and several people nod and begin to talk as they hear the name.
An old minotaur who holds a wooden staff shakes it:
"We have been attacked by those Love-Thing cultists! We won't pay for their feast taxes and we won't wear their rotten flowers! If my elbow wasn't that painful, I would have gone with Bralik and the other to give them a lesson! Hey! After all it's not that painful! Bring me my battle axe, I'll show them and..."
The old minotaur begins to cough, and a younger minotaur who has a wooden leg brings him water, and goes on:
"Bralik and half a dozen of sailors have taken weapons and are heading to Fort Love. They will probably soon arrive now, it will be a good thing if we get rid of those cultists! Too bad I couldn't go with them!"
CEIRA'S VILLAGE
(OOC: Excuse me for the bushes: Ceira only found a couple of broken branches still on the trees, and also a piece of emerald green cloth probably teared off.)
Ceira is followed by a little crowd listening to her stories. She is gladly invited at Kugsuke's Inn, and peer cider flows abundantly tonight. The mood darkens suddenly when Ceira asks for the local news. People talk of a monster that appeared just after Domi's death. It took a couple of sheeps, but hopefully appeared when the cultists of the Hand of Love came to the village, asking for money and allegiance to their religion: it roared at them, and they prefered to flee. Since it happened, the villagers brought offerings at the entrance of the cave where the monster lives, and it stayed in the forest. As for the Hand of Love, they didn't come back for the moment...
AT THE HEARTKEEP
Zeoll's celebration brings much joy in the Heartkeep's walls. For the first time for weeks Kular left his bed to join the other Taurs. He barely walked, but tried to smile. The Keep steward wiped a tear from his face when Zeoll offered the ring, and took his hand warmly. The rumor of the celebration even flew beyond the Keep gates, and the day after, the people living in the camp around the Hearthold Keep imitate the celebration: Centaurs give small presents to Minotaurs, Minotaurs give presents to Wemics and Wemics give presents to Centaurs: each Taur give something to the other Taurs. It surely looks like a step forward in the gathering of the Taurs, but it also sounds like people need a sparkle of joy in their lives...
The two priests now learning Minisha's and Mylo's ways listen carefuly at Kalon's words. They nod and smile at the idea of making the heart beat again. They speak of the reunited heart all the night long, and begin to search at the library early in the morning...
Flat-top Thursday December 27th, 2001 6:05:44 PM
Flat-top looks over Kale shoulder, "Hmmm! don't carry much,But he likes to play cards. He don't like to lose though." Flat-top turn to Raorr, "you peek into the fort, to see what's going on." Flat-top continues,"if I poke my head aroun the corner, they'll know I a Centaur, But since you a Minotaur the won't even pay any attention to you." Flat-top smiles at Raorr.
Ceira Karwyn Thursday December 27th, 2001 8:14:30 PM
"Hmm... more trouble from the Hand of Love." Ceira mutters to herself. 'This monster might not be what it's cracked up to be either.' she wonders to herself. She asks one of the villagers, "So were these members of the Hands of Love all wemics or did they consist of centaurs and minotaurs as well? And how many of them were there? Did you see anyone with a lot of pouches and other funny looking trinkets hanging off of belts and straps? Sort of wizard-like?"
Kenisha Thursday December 27th, 2001 11:23:46 PM
Kenisha nodded as the old minotaur spoke. "I too have had a run in with the cultists. Some of them seemed pushy, but did not attack. But the Hand of Love was another matter all together. They kept a healer prisoner for their own selfish purposes."
She smiled at him warmly as he spoke of joining the younger sailors fight the cultists. She tilted her head towards him, her five white braids reached towards him like a hand. "I think you have a harder task at hand, my friend. Some say it is the hardest task there is."
She winked before continuing. "You sound like a good man to teach to next generation how to fight and how to guard their people from injustice and harm. If you choose this herculean task, I would only ask that you consider accepting students of all the taur races. Our greatest strength comes from working together."
"As to the problem of the cultists, I don't know how many there are of them. If they are too numerous to be stopped now, it may be best to plan a strategic retreat until we are strong enough to put an end to their tyrrany."
"I can not tell you what to do. That is for your own hearts to decide. But there is an open invitation to any and all who are willing to live in peace with their fellow taurs on Heartshold Isle. You are more than welcome there."
Standing up, she brushed off her tunic. "I think I had best see for myself what is happening up at the Fort. If things are going badly for our sailor friends I promise to race back and give you warning. But if all goes well, your young men and I will be back before long with stories to tell. Knowing Bralik, it will be the tales to tell and not tails between legs."
She grinned at her own joke and with a parting wave of her hand, Kenisha took off towards the Fort; hoping to met her friend before he entered but not expecting to have that much luck.
Zeoll Friday December 28th, 2001 1:55:36 AM
Zeoll takes the first chance he gets after the festivities to talk to Kalon.
"I have tried to boost our peoples' spirits and build their devotion to unity among all taurs," the priest-bard says to his fellow liontaur in their mother tongue. "But I agree that if we could get Tomi's heart to live again, it would be a much greater boost than anything I could say!"
"But how? We could try to obtain magics like Stone to Flesh and Raise Dead spells. But that might not even work! We could research and quest -- maybe some divine friend of Tomi's like Alemi, the chief of gods, would help. I would love to hear your idea."
"But I will stay here while you go seek out Kenisha. One of us should be here in case others return. And I wouldn't want to intrude." Zeoll says the last sentence with a friendly smile.
In the days following, Zeoll does his best to inspire others around the Keep. He visits the new colonists and preaches and sings to them. He listens carefully to Milo's lessons. He is glad to see the two priests are staying, and he tries to find out more about them. He practices readng with them as they search the library. (OOC: Library? we have a library? hee hee. Let me know where it is and I'll add it to the maps.)
Zeoll also tries to draw Zakeria into conversation, since she has been so quiet lately.
Kale Friday December 28th, 2001 9:36:47 AM
"Put on his uniform Raorr." Kale tells the minotaur. "Then you can move about freely."
Zakeria Goresmear Friday December 28th, 2001 1:09:33 PM
Zakeria stops reading the book she found in the library, when Zeoll approaches her.
"Yes Zeoll how can I help you?" her voice seems shallow still and she's obviously seems uncomfortable.
By her feet lays Timon sleeping quietly, she gently leans over and pets the dog and looks back to Zeoll. "Your doing a good job here, I can see your friends are very focused on returning the your god back to his place." she closes the book she was reading and continues to speak softly "Tell me Zeoll, why do you want Tomi to return. I've heard you are one of his preists, so try not to say it's your duty. Tell me your personal reasons and why you only worship Tomi?"
Slowly gathering - DM Laurent Friday December 28th, 2001 3:21:30 PM
AT THE HEARTKEEP
(OOC: I always thought there was a library at the heartkeep...Where does Palamedes works usually? There must be a library where he teaches the children, no?)
Zeoll, Kalon and Zakeria spend much time talking and studying. Ferazan and Taeken, the centaur and wemic priests who finally decided to stay, thought and talked a lot about Domi's heart too. They wonder what they should do: if Domi's heart can beat again, then the god will be back, and then they must still worship him. But if they begin to worship other gods, like Minisha and Mylo teach them, what will think Domi when he is back?
AT FORT LOVE
As Kale and Flat-Top are trying to explain their plan to Raorr, other things happen near them (Listen check VS 20).
AT CEIRA'S VILLAGE
"Yes we saw them too!"
Answers a voice among the crowd when Ceira talks of pouches and trinkets. Another voice, a woman this time, goes on:
"They had ribbons, and tiny bells! Yes young Ceira! And they claimed to be servants of love, or something like this! All minotaurs!"
"And they wanted our young and brave wemics to give up their tools and hunting weapons to follow them and take flowers instead!"
"And the others with the heart-shaped shield came one week after! Hoperfully this kind of giant caterpillar came from the forest, and they didn't ask it to wear a flower crown!"
AT THE FISHING VILLAGE
"Well spoken young centaur!"
Answers the old minotaur.
"But a couple of axe slashes here and there among those cultists heads wouldn't arm either!"
He coughs once again, but refuses the water this time.
"We won't go to your Keep, centaur, although your offer is welcome. Here we lived, here we fish, here we'll stay, love cultists or not! And once we have rebuilt our homes, if those heart-heads show up once again, they'll taste my old horns!"
"Until this, you should run if you want to find Bralik and the others. Those young bulls really wanted to kick those cultists away from the island when they left!"
Flat-top d20+3=23 Friday December 28th, 2001 6:04:15 PM
"Fits you well, Raorr, Now all you have to do is enter the gate and see what going on." Flat-top has this uneasy feelings, "Shush! I thing I hear something? Can you two hear it too?" Flat-top starts to look around.
Kenisha Saturday December 29th, 2001 12:04:50 AM
Kenisha takes off as fast as she can race, heading to the Fort. She expected to find trouble, but she felt that she had to get there as fast as she could. Trouble was brewing.
Zeoll Saturday December 29th, 2001 9:15:47 AM
Zeoll finds Zakeria in the last place he looks -- the library. "I didn't even know this place existed until I starrted to learrn to rread," he remarks. "But I am glad to have found you. I hope I am not disturrbing you."
The first thing Zeoll does is make sure the minotaur got her gift -- an embroidered pillow. If not, he gives it to her now, saying, "As a symbol that I hope this is a place you can rrest yourr head."
"You're doing a good job here; I can see your friends are very focused on returning your god back to his place." she closes the book she was reading and continues to speak softly "Tell me Zeoll, why do you want Tomi to return. I've heard you are one of his priests, so try not to say it's your duty. Tell me your personal reasons and why you only worship Tomi?"
Zeoll gracefully plops down next to her. "Well, I've been thinking about these same questions myself," he replies. "But I wouldn't say that we arre trrying to rreturrn Tomi to his place. See, Tomi is dead! We merre morrtals -- and not verry powerrful morrtals, to be frrank -- have no powerr orr ability to brring him back! It would be silly to trry!"
"I wish Tomi werre not dead, of courrse. The Wold needs a god of brraverry, hunting, and warr. Especially one who has the desirre to see all Taurrs united as one people."
"We arre wonderring if we can rrestorre Tomi's Hearrt, which rrests herre in this place, frrom cold stone to beating life again. But the Hearrt is not Tomi. It is a symbol of Taurr unity, and its rrestorration would be a sign of hope. We want to do this in orrderr to lift the spirrit of all Taurrs and inspirre them to join ourr cause. But we can't worrship the Hearrt!"
"In fact, I'm not a prriest of Tomi any morre -- you can't be the prriest of a dead god! That's why I am interrested in this philosophy of yourrs. It seems unfaithful to Tomi's memorry to switch to a new god -- and if Tomi can die, so can any otherr god! But honorring all of them seems a good alterrnative. So I hope you and Mylo can teach me morre about what you believe."
"And if Tomi rreturrns, honorring all gods means honorring him as well, rright? If he is angrry, he can tell us so. He was neverr rreluctant to tell us his will in the past!"
[OOC: Yes, it makes sense that the Keep should have a library! I just overlooked it somehow when I drew up the plans, is all. I'll add one when I have a free bit of time.]
Ceira Karwyn Monday December 31st, 2001 10:42:15 AM
"Thank you for all of your help everyone." says Ceira. "I think I will visit this giant caterpillar and uhh... thank it personally."
Ceira packs a day's worth of her mother's ever popular Ekena's Dried Venison Jerky and sets off towards the forest in search of this giant beast. Ceira takes a small nibble from one of the strips of venison jerky; careful to savor every single bite.
Meetings - DM Laurent Tuesday January 1st, 2002 7:44:40 AM
AT FORT LOVE (at night)
While Kale, Flat-Top and Raorr remain hidden in the shadow of the gate, Flat-Top's attention focuses on a noise coming from behind a small rock wall, on the way they took to come here themselves. The noise sounded like "Sssshhh", and there is also some metallic noise, and people whispering.
AT THE HEARTHOLD KEEP
Ferazan and Taeken also listen to Zeoll's speech, and nod. However, they still seem quite worried and Ferazan asks:
"I see what you mean my wemic brrother, however, I was wondering if making Domi's heart beat again wouldn't make the Taurs think Domi lives again...However, in those troubled times, it could probably bring more good than a new threat: I now try to have a long-term sight of the events, and I wonder if Domi's death couldn't have dramatic consequences concerning the Taurs unity..."
AT FORT LOVE (from Kenisha's point of view-night too)
Kenisha trots as quickly as she can, trying not to be exhausted when she arrives near Fort Love. She then approaches more prudently, from trees to trees, from rocks to rocks. Suddenly, as she prepares to find one last shadowy place where to hide, she notices half a dozen of minotaurs a hundred of yards ahead, hiding behind a small rock wall. They seem to have harpoons, nets and hooked-lances.
IN THE FOREST
Ceira walks through the forest in the direction of the caves described by the villagers, tasting the sweet salted pieces of meat she longed for. Suddenly, as she arrives in sight of the rocky hill, she notices something, perhaps too late...
(OOC: spot check and reflex save VS 18)
Flat-top Tuesday January 1st, 2002 8:14:40 AM
"Think I hear something or someone!" Flat-top points toward a bunch of rock and trees. "I smell trouble! I thought I heard some taurs whispering and metallic noise. We better be ready for anything and I don't like being this close to this gate. Might draw attention from the inside." Flat-top look toward his buddies and ask "Well, What do you Minotaurs want to do now? Fight in front of the gates? or Surprise who ever behind the rocks and bushes?"
Ceira Karwyn d20+4=14 Tuesday January 1st, 2002 10:45:00 AM
Ceira continues walking through the forest seemingly distracted. Her thoughts are flooded with childhood memories of playing Hide-and-Seek with her brother Tumuke and the older and bigger centaur, Kogemor, who loved to bully them.
Kenisha d20+2=13 d20+2=18 Tuesday January 1st, 2002 11:59:42 PM
Kenisha, having spotted the nets and harpoons, hoped that this was the fighertaurs and her friend, Bralik. But being a sensible centaur she did her best to sneak up close enough for her to hear wha they were saying and perhaps recognize Bralik. (Move Silently roll is 13)
>>for brevity sake, I'm including two option of what she'll do next based on what she finds<<
(this is what she'll do next if it is the fishertaurs)
She stepped out with her hands spread out and her hands empty.
"Hail and well met, good taurs. Bralik? Are you here? For have have it from an elder of your village that you have come this way to gie the cultists a lesson."
(this is what she'll do if she can't tell who they are)
Kenisha nibbled on her lower lip. On one hand the nets spoke of fish and not of cultists, but there were more that just the two groups that might be roaming around at night since Imod's demise.
Resolving herself, she decided to follow them as best she could until she could discover who they were. (Move silently roll =18)
Zeoll Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 10:03:42 AM
Zeoll listens to Ferazan and Taeken and includes them in the conversation. "Everryone knows that Domi is dead. We morrtals can't brring him back. The stone that we call "Domi's Hearrt" -- even if it became what it was beforre -- is not Domi. The clearrest sign of that will be that even if the Hearrt is rrestorred, we prriests will not rregain ourr spirritual and mirraculous powerrs that derrived frrom Domi. All will see that."
"The Hearrt is a symbol, not the god. It is a symbol of Taurr unity. If it werre Domi's trrue physical hearrt, how could he have lived forr centurries while it was sunderred?"
"As a symbol, the Hearrt is a powerrful sign, not a god. We will be carreful to make surre all underrstand -- healing the Hearrt will not brring back Domi."
"As soon as all the Chosen have rreturrned, I hope we can all discuss this togetherr."
Time for decisions - DM Laurent Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 12:20:21 PM
CEIRA IN THE FOREST
Ceira is remembering those moments she shared with her brother and their friend, when suddenly..
DING DEELING DING DING!
She realizes that she stumbled on a piece of tight rope hidden among the ferns. The rope seems to be tied to a small bell hanged in a tree next to her, that ringed when she walked on the rope.
Just before her is the entrance of the caves...
AT FORT LOVE
Flat-Top sees a couple bull heads looking over the small wall, and quickly hiding when they see he is looking at them. There seem to be a lot of movement suddenly behind this small wall...
At the same time, Kenisha gets closer to the group of minotaurs, and thinks there is somebody who really looks like Bralik among them (at least he does have the same tattoo on the shoulder).
"Hail and well met, good taurs. Bralik? Are you here? For have have it from an elder of your village that you have come this way to gie the cultists a lesson."
The minotaur with the tattoo frowns, trying to see who spoke, while another one with a net whispers:
"We are lost! They discovered us!"
The minotaur with the tattoo hits the other one behind his head with his palm, and says:
"Sssshhhhh!!! Don't you see it's a centaur!!! There were only minotaurs among those love-thing-cult!"
"Kenisha? Is it you? Those blues eyes, those white locks! By the kraken's beak it's you!!!"
"SSSSSHHHHHHHH"
Answer all the five other minotaurs at the same time.
"You know this centaur Bralik? Who is it? Tell her to talk less loudly!"
AT THE HEARTHOLD KEEP
"I see what you mean wise Zeoll" answers centaur Taeken.
"This is also a thing that has to be discussed among the chosen..."
"But there is something else. I've been walking in the camp that appeared among the Heartkeep in the days following Domi's death. Those people - Taurs from all isles, gathered here searching for answers. Now, most of them either didn't get what they were looking for, or don't know what to do. I have been talking of it with Neima, and she doesn't know what to do either: On one hand it's a sign of Taurs reunification, and it's a good thing. But those people are really living in...well...Filth, they begin to lack of food, and many live in wood or cloth buildings that look like piles of trashes. Should we ask them to leave? To go home? But where are their home now? What should we do?"
Zeoll Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 5:03:32 PM
Zeoll has really strong ideas on the presence of new Taurs coming to Bridge Island, and he shares them at length with all who will listen.
"This land, rraised frrom the ocean by Domi for all Taurrs, is a place of rrefuge and yet anotherr sign of our unity. We must welcome all Taurrs who come to dwell herre togetherr as one people. These folk arre the models forr all theirr brrotherrs and sisterrs. Our job must be not only to welcome them, but to help them settle herre and live prrosperrous lives!"
"The waterrs teem with fish, the interrior with game. So long as therre is enough forr all, we have to do whateverr we can to help these people."
"When the Chosen have rreturrned, we must gatherr in a grrand Conclave. Then we can discuss how to make this all worrk. But firrst we must see to the most prressing needs."
Zeoll goes to the Keep's chatelaine, Neima, and urges her to send Keep staff with whatever supplies and goods she can spare. He asks Meralda, formerly the head of the hunt and chief warrior of the Keep since Borus died, to send as much meat and game as possible to the newcomers.
Then Zeoll asks Kalon; the healers Minisha, Mylo, and Zakeria; and the two clerics, Ferazan and Taeken, to join him in visiting the newcomer camp. They will try to encourage them, let them know that they are welcome to settle, and that help in settling is on the way. If any need food, shelter, healing, or other immediate help, they will do their best.
Also, Zeoll sings to Inspire Courage in the newcomers, and takes small groups to visit the Heart, explaining that this is a symbol of Taur unity.
Flat-top Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 5:29:59 PM
"Look! Over there" Flat-top points to where Bulls head pop up for a second or two. There some Minotaur playing peek-a-boo. Say why don't we go and see what's in their minds. If they wanted a fight, they would have had the surprised on us. Ahh! come on guy, Let's sneak up on them."
Flat-top will try to tip hoof over to the small wall, and pop his head up and go "BOO!" Hoping that Kale and Raorr is behind him.
Kenisha Wednesday January 2nd, 2002 8:23:46 PM
Kenisha grins widely as she sees more clrealy that it is indeed her friend. She advances and gives him a hug. "It has been too long my watery friend." Kenisha speaks more softly in deference to the other minotaurs.
"Have you been shipwrecked at all since last we met?" she teases him lightly.
To all of them she adds, "I know of your mission and why and have come to help. But I must warn you also, not all the Love cultists are combative so you should take care in whom you attack."
Ceira Karwyn d20+3=6 d20+2=7 Thursday January 3rd, 2002 12:43:12 AM
Ceira panics but only for a second. She quickly begins scouring the area for a thick set of bushes to dive into for cover. (Search=6)
Finding nothing, she dashes towards the left side of the cave's exterior (from her perspective) and leans up against the wall. Ceira then attempts to hide (Hide=7) but realizes the exterior wall angles towards the cave mouth so she would be too easily seen.
Getting frustrated, she quickly reaches in her pouch, pulls out a bit of fleece and also picks up a bit of mud or a rock from the ground. She fuses them together somehow and then flings the fleece as far as she can away from the alarm bells. Ceira will cast an image of...
RAORR with his back turned to the cave entrance. Once something emerges from the cave, Ceira will have the image of Raorr turn around in surprise and then hold his hands up in fear and start backing up slowly (Max 70ft). Realizing she has never actually SEEN Raorr's look of fear (probably because he fears nothing) she will have to use her imagination based off of other minotaur warriors. Once the cave inhabitants reach Raorr, Ceira will break her concentration and sneak into the cave.
Kale Thursday January 3rd, 2002 9:00:47 AM
moving behind Flat-Top, Kale draws out his bow, preparing to shoot it at the first thing he sees
Raorr Thursday January 3rd, 2002 2:48:53 PM
Raorr feels uncomfortable in the guards clothes but decides to play along.
"Step Out from the bushes before you are killed" he says in a deep voice trying to fit the role of guard. he holds his greatsword in his off handand points with his right hand towards the bush.
Hidden things revealed - DM Laurent Thursday January 3rd, 2002 3:33:26 PM
AT THE CAVES ON WEMIC ISLAND
Ceira's plan seems to work: as soon as the false Raorr begins to walk backward, she begins to hear it - "tkktktktktktktktkt", as if two or three giant centipedes were leaving the cave. And the thing itself also appears: something that looks like a 12 feet tall emerald-green caterpillar, with legs looking like branches. The whole thing glows and a couple of "light bubbles" also dance around its head. The thing still moves forward, following "Raorr", without noticing Ceira, who enters the cave easily, still hearing the "tkkttkktktkttkktktkt" noise.
AT FORT LOVE
Behind the small rock wall, Bralik takes Kenisha in his strong sailor arms, and hugs her.
"But what are you doing here? You said you came from the village? Then you know what happened?"
Whispers Bralik. But Kenisha doesn't have the time to answer. A strong minotaur's voice, familiar to Kenisha's ears, suddenly breaks the night's silence.
""Step Out from the bushes before you are killed"
And the second after, Flat-Top's head emerges from behind the wall, saying:
"BOO!!!"
All the fishermen and sailors who are here point their weapons at the centaur, somehow disappointed to see another centaur in this minotaur's place, and all making one step backward.
AT THE HEARTKEEP
Zeoll talks with Neima, who seem really sad when they talk of the new settlers. The Keep supplies are very low, and she can barely do something to help those people. By going "on the ground", Zakeria, Kalon and Zeoll can size the situation of those poor people. Some kind of strange customs began to appear in the camp: most of those people still worship Domi, some strange cults talk of revenge, other even seem to talk of following Domi... However, the Chosens' presence among the settlers do much good. For the first time, they feel like beeing listened, and many gather around the Zeoll, Zakeria or Kalon to hear them. Small groups led by Zeoll visit the Heartkeep, see how Taurs are working all together there, and facing Domi's death. With faithful whispers, they also enter the Heart Chamber, and many fall on the ground praying before the Reunited Heart. Although time will be needed, Zeoll's efforts bring a new breath in the camp, and in the days following, centaurs, wemics and minotaurs together begin to build wooden frameworks for their home, begin to throw together nets in the sea, and gather around the fire to talk of the way they will deal with their god's death...
Flat-top Thursday January 3rd, 2002 6:23:05 PM
Flat-top is surprise to see these minotaurs, they vary in age. "Hold it Boys, These Taurs are not the Colts, these seem to come from a farm or village." Flat-top trots around the rock and will talk to these taur.
OOC: Flat-top will not have a weapon as he advance and does not see Kanisha with Bralik right away.
Kenisha Thursday January 3rd, 2002 10:22:37 PM
Kenisha stares at Raorr and Flat-top for a moment before breaking out in giggles. She moves so that they can see her.
"What are you guys up to?" she asked them in a loud whisper. "And please keep it down! The last thing we need right now is for the cultists to hear us and spring a surprise attack on us."
Zeoll Thursday January 3rd, 2002 11:15:57 PM
Zeoll makes sure everyone understands a few simple things, telling these truths in gentle, sympathetic ways:
1) Zeoll was a priest of Domi. He even met Domi. His sword was touched and blessed by Domi.
2) But Zeoll (and you! and you, too!) felt the truth. You know the truth. Domi is dead! He's gone. He does not exist. He can't answer your prayers because he is no more! So don't waste your spirit in worship of him.
3) The Heart of Domi is NOT Domi! Don't worship it either! It is only a symbol of his wish to see the Taur races united as one. Be glad it is a sign of our brotherhood and sisterhood, but do not think it is Domi. If it were to beat again, Domi would still be dead.
4) There are Troubles ahead. We are living in dangerous times. People will be sad at heart, and many will die. Domi knew that. He tried to prepare us by joining us as one. Would Domi want us to focus on revenge? On another god? On his dead self? NO! He would want us to work together, be strong, have courage, and survive the coming Troubles!
Zeoll tries to preach and live his message by going among the Keep staff, and among the newcomers on Bridge Island. He is always positive and upbeat, and he inspires courage wherever he goes. He uses his bard magic to cure light wounds. He uses his perform and diplomacy skills to help all the Taurs live in peace together. He tries to reason with those who follow the stranger cults and ideas that are springing up.
Zeoll encourages the two clerics and the healers to join him in his labors. He continues his conversations with Mylo and Zakeria about honoring all gods of the Wold.
He also helps Meralda train those who can learn to hunt in the rich interior of the island.
Ceira Karwyn d20+8=22 d20+2=14 Thursday January 3rd, 2002 11:57:37 PM
Not being very fond of arthropods, Ceira shudders at the sight and ESPECIALLY the sound of the caterpillar's steps. "Must... stay... calm..." she mutters to herself.
Ceira then sneaks her way into the cave but stops short when it occurs to her that those 'light bubbles' seem a bit peculiar. She turns around and ponders her initial hypothesis about this creature being an illusion. She studies the bubbles intently (Spellcraft=22) while the caterpillar is confused or trying to turn around.
OOC: Once it begins its trek back towards the cave, Ceira will delve deeper in an attempt to stay ahead of the oversized beast. How fast does the creature move? If it moves faster than her, she'll attempt to hide somewhere instead. (Hide=14, or maybe not! Better off just running depending on DC)
Kale Friday January 4th, 2002 8:54:37 AM
"They dont look very friendly to me." Kale tells Flat-Top as he keeps his bow pointed at the minotaurs
Soon back home - DM Laurent Friday January 4th, 2002 12:11:27 PM
AT FORT LOVE
Bralik looks at Flat-Top and Raorr, and then at Kenisha.
« Those are your friends ? Now we understand ! We have been watching them attacking the guards, and we were wondering what they were doing...Well, guys, it sounds like we had the same idea, but you'd have realized that it was a bad one : we arrived early this afternoon, and we have been watching how the Fort works. There are at least thirty minotaurs with those heart-shaped weapons inside, a dozen of archers on the walls and probably as much with flower crowns. And you can say what you want Kenisha, those cultists attacked us just after the ones with the flowers visited us : they are at least working together and won't deserve any pity... »
Bralik gets a look at Flat-Top's weapons and Raorr's muscles.
« You guys seem trained and well equiped, and together we would probably have more chances, but I still think this would be suicide -- If we want to make those cultists disappear, we'll have to come back with more fighters and more weapons, otherwise, it will be only half a victory and they'll still exist. Let's go back to the village, or wherever we can talk of this plan Kenisha -- perhaps do you have other friends who could help us ? »
CEIRA AT THE CAVE
Ceira enters deeper in the cave, and hides behind... an armchair. There is a nice fire, around which is another armchair with a soft blanket on it. On the rocky ground is a nice carpet, and a rabbit is roasting on the fire. A little bit further are two mattresses put directly on the ground with several blankets, skins and pillows on it. Between the beds are boxes full of vegetables, at least one whole ham and a couple of chickens hanging over it. Ceira becomes doubtful, and as she looks at the thing that slowly creeped outside. It now sounds obvious to her that the noise doesn't come from the thing itself, but from the cave. Morevover, those light bubbles really make her think of a light spell. And the thing comes back. It slowly turns on itself to face the cave, and enters. Suddenly, it stops, and the caterpillar's head leans on one side, as if it was looking at Ceira. The wemic sorceress is about to run away when something odd happens : the whole caterpillar dangerously bends backward, and the sounds of teared up cloth can be heard. The thing then bends forward, as if it was falling, makes a couple of little jumps on the left, and finally falls backward.
« It's your fault ! »
Tells the caterpillar, now a pile of cloth, wood and branches.
« I told you not to put your paws on my face ! I just can't see where I'm going ! »
« Oh shut up ! And remove your ass from my knee ! »
« I'm wrapped in this stupid costume, help me to... »
And then the whole caterpillar tears up in two, revealing two young wemics who look at Ceira, smiling.
« Errr...Hello...Mi..mimi...Miss...Well...We'll explain you....This is a terrible story...We were walking in the forest when...Well...Well you, you explain her... »
The second young wemic hits the other one behind the head, and says :
« Well, this thing, well, the caterpillar, it found us, and well, well it swallowed us, like this ! Slurp ! »
« Yes madam » says the other one, « like this ! And hopefully you came, and you killed it, and now we are free ! This is great ! I think that we'll go back home now ! And thank you again ! Let's go brother !»
The wemic is about to leave, and turns his back, but the second one grabs his shoulder.
« Hey, brother, look at her, don't you recognize her ? Ceira, Ceira Karwynn ? »
« It looks like her...Ceira ? Are you back ? Yeah ! »
Ceira now recognize two wemics she used to play with when she was younger : Down and Hopun. They begin to talk, explaining their story :
« We have to tell you ! When Domi died we dressed up like this to entertain the scared children, but it appeared that they were even more scared, although they knew it was just a costume. They told it to their parents, who thought it was a true monster, and before we understood what was happening, we had food near the entrance of the cave...Well, you know, game is pretty rare now, and with Domi's death and all that...Well, it was quite easy, and we forgot to tell the truth to the villagers. We were about to give up the costume when the Hand of Love cultists appeared, since we brought the costume in the village to show it, we quickly dressed up, and those heart-guys were scared ! It seemed to work, and we prefered to go on with the monster until somebody came to help us ! And today, it looks like it happened ! You are there Ceira ! One of the Chosen ! Tell me Ceira, you'll tell it to your friends, and you'll kick those loverguys asses, won't you ? ! »
AT THE HEARTKEEP
As he spends time among the settlers, Zeoll can see that efforts are made to make life better. However, it still be hard to make this place suitable for so many people. People who were taught by Zeoll, Zakeria, Kalon, Taeken or Ferazan also begin to explain how to worship the other gods to their family, and one family tells it to another one, who tells it to another one... However, there is one thing that darkens Zeoll's thought when he walks among the settlers : of course, he saw some minotaurs, and even centaurs and wemics now, wearing flowers crowns and asking the Taurs to love each other. But more recently, he also saw Taurs wearing heart-shaped weapons...There was no problem with them for the moment, but this really worries the Chosen who saw them.
Raorr Friday January 4th, 2002 3:39:44 PM
"Thirty you say.. Well that's leave eight for me to kill, hopefully they are not all together that would be suicide. Somall groups wouldn't stand a chance. I'm not sure were here to sluaghter them, I'm here to test the groups resolve. Are they willing to die for their new god, or are they just chosing it because its availible."
"If they wish to die they will, I'm not sqeamish battle is eternal, I'm Imod's Champion, I have the soul of his ancient legion of warrior beating in my heart and pumping through my veins. Those who sway from the path will be crushed, do you understand that, Friend of Kenisha? Do you understand my rage at the weakness of our people's quick rejection of their beliefs. Our people have followed the god of bravery and war for hundreds and thousands of years. ANd in a matter of a month they have fallen to worship his opposite. It's the human's fault they have weakened our wills and corrupted our spirits we must fight them. I'm trying to crush the weakened taurs before this disease spreads much further. This 'Love' sickness must end now. If you feel afraid remember this. friend of Kenisha, I will not be afraid."
Flat-top Friday January 4th, 2002 9:33:24 PM
"Hold it! Hold it! Raorr, Remember that Kanisha is the leader. Since she's here, we do what she deiced what should be done. That should be done and that is what we'll do," said Flat-top.
Flat-top turns to Kanisha and Bralik and finishes the story, "The first time we came here, we rescued the Healer. But we did not finish the fight. Maybe we should have, but She was needed at the Keep. Since Zakeria was err hmm let's say LESS than err Impressed. Our feeling were hurt. So we came here to finish the job. Now since we are here, Do We Finish The Job? What is your dissesion, Kanisha?"
Kenisha Friday January 4th, 2002 11:16:34 PM
Kenisha frowns at Raorr as he speaks. "Raorr, Flat-top? This is Bralik and he is from the nearby fishing village; which was devastated by the cultists. I've seen the village with my own eyes. If they are afraid it is with good reason. If they fall in battle who will be left to protect those left in the village?"
"Bralik speaks with more wisdom than you. I do agree with you that in small numbers we could easily defeat them. But they have numbers on their side and we haven't seen what mages they might have. Just because you consider magic to be inferior does not mean that it can't be devastating."
"These cultists need to be reined in and taught a lesson, but let's not do anything stupid."
Turning to Flat-top she asks with a slight smile, "Is Kale here too? Usually if one of you is around so is the other."
Zeoll Sunday January 6th, 2002 11:53:53 PM
Thinking that he has to be sure, Zeoll puts aside his negative feelings and talks with these Love cultists in the Taur camp.
Are they devoted to the idea of Taur unity?
Will they accept non-cultists as brothers and sisters and work together in the cause of uniting all Taurs?
Those are the crucial questions.
Kalon the Wemic Monday January 7th, 2002 1:25:33 AM
For many days Kalon had been silent and in deep contemplation. Any who spoke to him recieved no response other then what was absolutely necessary. He watches Zeoll move among and new refugees and speaking his new doctrine of beliefs. Slowly his own beliefs inch by inch grow more in conflict with Zeoll's. He does not believe that the taurs should set aside their following of Domi. The other gods may well be a path for them to gain the power of healing but that somehow seems to be the easy path. People will always take the easiest route.
As he wandered the grounds seeing the growing presence of the love cultists he knew they were not to be trusted. True love was important, his thoughts drifted toward Kenisha and he sighed. However it was something that should be allowed to come to a person not be brought to them.
The world had changed for everyone with Domi's death that was for certain. He knew in his heart that Domi had died but many seemed to look for the easy answer. The love cultists being one of them. If six months before someone had said that Domi could die he would have said that was impossible. The lesson he learned from Domi's death was that all that he thought was impossible could be. The others quickly forgot that lesson. Domi's last words had been for his children to "Have Courage" yet around him he saw only people without courage. They had in their normal greedy ways written Domi off and were moving onto the nearest and brightest fields. He would not abandon his following and he knew at least one member of his companions who would not as well. Raorr and he were as different as night and day but they had Domi in common.
He knew the others would be back soon and they would have to be convinced that to turn their backs on Domi was the wrong path. There was some common sense in seeking other gods he admitted yet he would follow Domi's words no matter what. In his heart he knew Domi still existed because Kalon himself existed. He was a part of Domi and he was not dead. He determined to find the part of Domi that was lost in the place beyond life and return it to life. All that Domi had created was still there and this again menat Domi himself was still there.
His mission would be almost impossible but impossible things could occur Domi's death had shown that.
The next day as he moved among the people on the island he began to respond. His doctrine unlike Zeoll's would be that the followers of Domi should remain true. That there was hope for his return but only through unity and by remembering his final words. At every opportunity he took the chance to preach this doctrine near the love cultists as loudly and forcefully as he could. He hoped to draw the vipers from their nest. He hoped that Raorr would return soon for he knew they had much to discuss. He only hoped that he would live long enough to see his friend Raorr. After all the problem with drawing viper's out of their neast was that they were likely to strike.
Ceira Karwyn Monday January 7th, 2002 1:48:38 AM
She glares menacingly at Down and Hopun and pounces on them. Hoping to scare them just a little, she eventually breaks out in a giggle and plafully puts them both in a headlock, "It's good to see you two again! You made my mane stand on end because of your little trick. You know I don't like icky creatures with more than four legs! Well, you have little to worry because my newfound friends at Hearthold Keep will teach those Love Cultists a lesson they will never forget! Ha ha!" She laughs in a bold voice to vanquish their doubt and fear.
Ceira looks at the mangled centipede while still holding Down and Hopun in headlocks. "As for this little contraption of yours... It might do the village good if you continue this little ruse to keep those Love Cultists away. But whenever the villagers donate food, I want you two to only take the bare minimum and then secretly return the extra okay?" Ceira playfully squeezes a little tighter. "Promise me!" she laughs.
As soon as she is done, she returns to the village. She will explain to the villagers that although she could not communicate with the centipede, it did not harm her so she assures them the centipede has good intentions.
Ceira spends another night to catch up with old times and then returns to Hearthold Keep the next day. This time, she will pack up extra strips of her mom's dried jerky to share with her friends.
Kale Monday January 7th, 2002 8:56:32 AM
"Im here Kenisha. I keep speaking, but no one seems to hear me" Kale says
Back home! - DM Laurent Monday January 7th, 2002 10:01:50 AM
Voice of reason resounds even in the most reckless minds. Moreover, another argument convince the warriors hearts: a unit of twenty minotaurs, wearing the Hand of Love weapons and armors. All of the Chosens and the Fishermen barely hide behind the small rock wall, and the signal is given when the patrol discovers the two bodies near the gate. The doors open, and from their new point of view, the hidden group can see half a dozen of new guards leaving a barrack and also three balistas pointed at the door. During this time, guards with bows or crossbows begin to run on the walls, and the sound of battle horns can be heard. Now knowing the forces of their enemy, the small party knows that they will need to prepare to really fight them.
All the Chosen come back at the Hearthold Keep, and Kenisha even bring Bralik with them so that he can take some supplies to help his village, and explain what happened. He explains how they refused to join the Servants of Passion, and how the Hand of Love came one week after to force them to join the cult, burning their village. When this is told, he refuses the supplies, seeing that there are many needing people living in the settlement around the Keep.
Indeed, the Taurs can see that a couple of things changed while they were journeying: many people seem to have settled around the Keep, and thz framework of "hard" buildings can even be seen as one approaches the Keep. Small boats with mixed Wemics, Centaurs and Minotaurs on board also are bringing fish from the surrounding waters.
Groups of Taurs visit the Keep, listening to Ferazan and Taeken, two former clerics of Domi, who were taught by Zeoll how to guide people through the Keep. New guards and soldiers have been recruited, and many new names are to be learned.
Kular, although still very weak and almost mute, walks among the Keep staff, and welcomes the visiting groups.
Thanks to Kalon, Zakeria and mainly Zeoll's help, things were reorganized, and really serious projects can be talked now. Time goes by, and the Chosens try to find their own path concerning Domi's death, they also help building new buildings near the Keep, new boats to bring more fish, they help to hunt game, or to train guards for the settlement. Those people also need to be taught, to have clerics, and more than all: they need the Chosen as a symbol of unity to live with each other. Five months have passed: barracks and dormitories have been built, and fishing parties are well organized. There are also a couple of cattles, and some even tried to cultivate seaweeds. Many cults have raised in this melting pot of Taurs, most of which derive from Domi's cult. The Servants of Passion are considered with distrust, and although it's not a proven fact, many think that there are cultist of the Hand of Love operating among them. The Chosens, more than anybody else, and especially Kale, Raorr and Flat-Top who are really waiting for their first mistake, keep an eye on those Love cultists. And one day, after so many quit weeks, an expected incident occurs...
While they are "patrolling" near the Servants of passion usual ceremonial place, Flat-Top, Raorr and Kale see a little group who is beating somebody on the ground : there are two minotaurs and a centaur. Although those, who are standing, are wearing flowers and white-and-pink loincloths, they really look very muscled for love cultists. They are yelling: don't let this human talk! Human only can bring hatred among us like they do in their home! They dare to critize our cult! Our ways! They consider us like monster, how could they appreciate our customs! They think they can come here and watch us like strange beasts, we are not pets! We are Taurs! Kill her! Kill her!". Raoor, Kale and Flat-Top are more than pleased to "explain" them that it's no way to behave, and their enemies are easily defeated. The human on the ground is in fact an old woman, wearing a long and humble grey robe and a staff she uses to stand up. Her face is really wrinkled, but she has deep blue eyes that thanksfully look at the three Chosens. They all notice that she is also wearing a silver pendant with a ruby-red gemstone. She tries to walk in the direction of the Taurs, but suddenly sags, holding her side. "The Keep... - she whispers - I just wanted to enter the Keep and meet the ones known as Domi's Chosens...In Alemi's name...Please..."
The woman is brought at the Keep, and healed by Zakeria. The human takes a sip from a wooden beaker, and talks to the gathered Chosen in those words:
"It is the gods who brought you in this place brave warriors...I would not have been able to tell you what I have to tell otherwise...I come in Alemi's name, who weeped for his best friend, his brother Domi, for a long time. However, Alemi says that there is a time to cry, a time to bury one's friend, and a time to take care of his children because this is the duty of one's brother...Alemi is proud of you Taurs, and he would be even more proud if you were honoring him as you were honoring his friend. We know that Domi left a huge and empty hole in your hearts, and for those, this hole may even be bottomless -- she looks at Kalon and Leets more particularly. If Alemi is welcome in your heart, he will be happy to fill what you are missing, and by doing so, bringing a first stone to build a new world for you Taurs."
The woman stands, as if she was suddenly feeling better, and opens her hands, lifting her arms. A presence can easily be felt behind her, and all the Taurs have a strange and warm feeling, as if they were all meeting somebody who was missing for a long time. All can also feel that the ground begins to shake slightly, and the wooden beaker falls on the ground from the table.
"In loving memory of his best friend -- says the woman with a strong of powerful voice -- Alemi will accept to be honoured in Domi's way, and you shall not change your ways, but just worship him like you worshiped his friend! As the leader of the gods, and just among the justs, Alemi will also grant you his protection if you worship the whole gods of the Wold, but you shall not change your ways either, but worship them as you worshiped Domi!"
During the woman's speech the shaking grew stronger, and suddenly ended with her last word. The wemic cleric Ferazan then suddenly enters the room, sweating and muttering non-understandable words:
"wewerevisitingtheheartandtherewas ohmygodsomuchdustandthestatues theyraisedbuttheywerenotthesameand well...Oh! You should just come at the heart chamber and see!"
The recently converted cleric leads the Chosens to the Heart Chamber were a little group of Taurs seems to be petrified with surprise looking on the side of the room. And then the Chosens see it too:
From the broken statues that were lying on the ground two new statues were born. The first one is the greatest and most inspired representation of Domi one ever saw, exalting courage and glory through his attitude. On the pedestal of the statue is written, in golden letters:
IN MEMORY AND HONOR
And behind Domi's statue is another one: a venerable but strong old man, with a long beard and wide opened eyes, wearing a long robe and holding a staff. His other hand is put on Domi's shoulder, like a friend would do, and on the pedestal is written, always with golden letters:
FOR MY FRIEND
Both the two statues seem to look at the reunited stone heart, like one could look at a newborn child.
The old woman, who followed the Chosens, arrives behind Kalon and Leets, and takes their hands, smiling:
"Do you understand, my friends?"
The following hours are a time of joy for the Keep's inhabitants, and the joyfull event is soon known in all the homes of the settlement too. All are thrilled by Alemi's offer, all but a couple of cultists: while all the Chosens are feasting to celebrate the event, Kular walks to the table, holding a red flower, a rose, looking really worried:
"I found this at the door, there was no message..."
He puts the rose on the table, and the flower suddenly begins to glow blood-red. Then the rose begins to talk, pulsating red light at each word:
"Chosens. Domi failed in reuniting the Taurs. Alemi will fail reuniting the taurs, whatever is said. War and courage never gathered peoples, nor will justice...Only love, universal love, can gather the Taurs and make them one people. Thus, we Hand of Love, claim to be the true owners of the reunited heart and its temple: the Hearthold Keep. We give you until tomorrow at dusk to give us the keys of the Hearthold Keep and to join us as true worshippers of the Hand of Love. Otherwise, we'll have to teach you a lesson about love."
Flat-top Monday January 7th, 2002 10:06:18 AM
"That's what I like about Kale, always there when we need him, Is that not right,Raorr?" Flat-top pokes Raorr in the ribs.
Kalon the Wemic Monday January 7th, 2002 10:53:00 AM
The old woman, who followed the Chosens, arrives behind Kalon and Leets, and takes their hands, smiling:
"Do you understand, my friends?"
Kalon turns suddenly on the woman pushing her hand aside,"I understand perfectly it is you who does not understand. Domi lives for I live to deny that is to deny everything. We are his children and we were created by him. If others wish to find comfort and new luxury in the embrace of other gods I say let them. It is the easy road people choose to travel. That is not the road I choose to travel. Domi died most assuredly but the spark of his life dwells within me and all the other Chosen. I thank this Alemi for his most gracious offer but I must decline for to do less is to dishonor my great god. He remains my god wether alive or dead at present. I will return him to life if it takes my life or ten thousand years." with that he leaves the group avoiding all festivities.
Feeling once again alone on his path he prepares some dried goods and stores them in his room. In the near future he may need them. As he gathers his supplies in his room he speaks to the still air
"Long ago you came to me Domi at first I did not remember what you wished me to find. When I met Kenisha I thought it was the love. That was a part of it I know but I think she will take the increasingly well travelled road. The path I choose will not be easy but she is a leader now and must think of the best for all. I must find you my lord Domi and I cannot do it alone." With that in mind he seeks out Raorr.
Raorr confused Monday January 7th, 2002 3:06:08 PM
RAorr shakes his head at the events suddenly transpired. "Kenisha? Raorr not feeling well! Raorr confused. RAorr save minotaur healer, minotaur healer say worship all gods and not Imod. Raorr save human woman from minotaurs, she say worship human god, not Imod. Raorr hate humans, Why did Raorr not help kill human woman?"
Raorr begins teetering as Kalon leaves calling out for Raorr "Did Kalon say something? I'm right here Kalon" Roarr says as he charges out chasing down the speeding Wemic Monk
Kenisha Tuesday January 8th, 2002 1:24:06 AM
The rose delivers it's message before Kenisha can answer Raorr, much less go after Kalon. She does first turn to the old woman and says, "We are all free to choose as we wish, but I shall listen to Imod's dying words to us and keep Courage in my heart. If I cannot worship Domi alone, then I shall worship the concept of Courage."
In a voice loud enough to carry over the room she states, "Our Unity has been challenged. Shall we go meekly out in to the night with our tails between our legs? I say NO! Shall we tamely turn over the Heart and Hold to those who basely and falsely use the name of Love to take whatever they like? Again I say NO! Shall we kick these cultists' collective hinnies and show them what real Unity is all about? Hell YES!"
"We will need to prepare ourselves. Food, water and other supplies must be gathered. Message to those taurs we think might aide us on the three other isles must be sent. The children should be placed in our most secure location here in the Hold."
Turning to the Chosen still in the room, she says, "I'll go talk to Kalon and Raorr, can you begin the preparations and missives?"
With that she will exit and look for the two missing Chosen whom she will each greet (if they are not yet together) "Have Courage and prepare for war, the Love Cultists mean to steal our Unity from us."
Zeoll Tuesday January 8th, 2002 10:06:16 AM
When the messenger arrives, Zeoll listens carefully to all that she says. He senses the divine presence in her, and it makes his heart glad. He is amazed at the new statues.
"My frriends, he says to everybody present, "This is a trrue mirracle, and it makes me happy to see the gods honor Domi in this way."
Afterwards Zeoll talks at length to the messenger, treating her with respect. He investigates her offer and Alemi's invitation most carefully.
Zeoll also tries to speak with Kalon and Raorr before they leave, or else he seeks them out.
"As a prriest of Imod, I know that Alemi and Imod werre frriends," the says. "I know that many humans worrship Imod just as Taurrs do. So I rrespect Alemi as I rrespect the frriend of my liege lorrd."
"Rraorrr, you werre rright to NOT kill this human. Imod neverr told us to kill unarrmed innocents and weaklings. Therre would be no honorr in that, no courrage. Courrage means facing change and trragedy, not slaying old people or rrunning away."
"This messenger did not say 'Deny Domi!' or 'You must worship Alemi.' She just extended an invitation. We can choose to accept orr not. Kalon is rright to decline if that is wherre his hearrt leads him. I like Kenisha's idea of worrshipping Courrage."
"But I am a prriest. I want to help my people. I cannot do a good job of that with no magic or mirraculous powerrs. I accept this messengerr's offerr, and I will honorr all gods of the Wold, so that I can serrve Domi's people effectively."
Zeoll seeks out the messenger and tells her this as well.
What shall we do? - DM Laurent Tuesday January 8th, 2002 10:42:54 AM
The old woman doesn't hide her sadness when seeing Kalon and Raorr's reaction. Later, she looks at ther hand Kalon refused, and explains:
"Alemi doesn't want you to do this, or that, he just offers what he can...You are free to choose what to do now Taurs, just know that we followers of Alemi will stand by your side in those troubled times..."
The day after the woman arrived, many Taurs show up at the Keep, with questions:
Hogar Brass-Hoof, stallion of the Fire Mane tribe, came to the Keep with his whole family to know what to do about Domi: he know asks what he should say to his Centaurs: still worshiping Domi as if nothing happened? Uthen Barbak, a white-maned wemic, is the only survivor of his tribe, decimated by rising-deads that awakened from catacombs near their village - he came here because he had nowhere else to go: he wants to know who are the other gods, and if they will protect them against evil... Marnulf Three-Horns, a minotaur warlord covered with scars, almost killed by a three-months fever, wants to know why they should trust this Alemi and not the Hand of Love. And many others follow on the same day: Hingar Sparkling-Tail, a centaur whose wife was a healer and almost died when she discovered she could not heal people anymore. Mirta Cornebouc, an old minotaur woman, who claims that it would be blasphemy to refuse a god's help! Mordun Light-Paw, a one-eyed wemic ranger, who wants to know what the Chosens will do. Tarima and Forban Wind-Pipe, a young centaur couple who wants to know which god should be named for the protection of their child...
Almost from dawn until dusk, Taurs come at the Keep, asking for advices, or gather at the central point of the settlement to talk of Alemi's offer.
However, the Chosens are also worried by other problems, such as the hand of Love. It quickly appears that all the Servants of Passion left the settlement the day before in the afternoon. Leaving nothing behind them, and heading for minotaur island.
The old human woman remains silent most of the day, looking worried and sad at the same time. However, just after noon, she comes by Kenisha's side:
"I hope that your friends feel better, the last thing I wanted to do was to upset them...They seem to consider you as the wisest of the Chosens, and wait for your decisions, but I won't ask you what you have decided about the Hand of Love and the Hearthold Keep, because both common sense and the Taur mighty pride tell me that you'll refuse this insidious blackmail. I just wanted to let you know that I have experienced the hand of Love way of acting: they are militaristic, and organized. While we are talking, their leader are probably heading for their Taur headquarters to prepare their forces: if you want to strike them, it would be the exact right moment to cut their head by discretly attacking their leader meeting and bring them to justice...Now Taur Kenisha, talk of it with your friends, and decide what should be the best for you, but whatever you choose, know that I will stand by your side..."
She ends with a smile, and walks away.
She also talks with Zeoll, and is glad to hear his words. She thanks him warmly, and talks with him during a couple of hours, explaining how Alemi would probably offer the same powers as Imod to his clerics to honor his fallen friend.
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday January 8th, 2002 10:50:38 AM
To Ceira, worship is a word more appropriate for those who practice religious roles like a priest or a paladin. A more appropriate word that describes her previous relationship with Domi is the word respect. She knows that Domi always aspired for the greater good but so did many of the other gods in the Wold. Thus, Ceira is comfortable with the welcoming of Alemi's presence into Hearthold Keep.
After listening to the ultimatum dictated by the Love Cult, Ceira simultaneously pounds her paw on the floor and her fist on the table. "Don't these fools know when to quit!?" she yells as her face begins flushing red. "Just when everything was beginning to fall back together in our home, they have to pull this idiotic move. Teach us a lesson will they? HA! I can't wait to get my paws on their misguided hides!" Still steaming, Ceira gets up from the table and begins pacing back and forth in the room to vent off some of her energy.
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday January 8th, 2002 11:02:25 AM
(OOC: D'oh! After I clicked "Submit", Laurent already sent today's post. I just missed it by a few minutes. So treat my previous post as is appropriate. Now as for today...) - No Problem - DM Laurent.
Ceira calms her anger and approaches Uthen Barbak, Morden Light-Paw, and many of the other wemics present. "Although Domi has left the Wold, that does not mean the light of good and justice left with him. There are many gods with the same good-natured beliefs as Domi. Whether or not you accept them is up to you. It is true that the Love Cultists mean well but their methods are more tainted towards forceful worship. That is not how it should be. If you wish to know what I choose, then I will tell you that I have welcomed Alemi's presence into my life... but on a more trial basis. I will see what he is like and make a personal decision on whether or not he fits into my life."
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday January 8th, 2002 12:32:39 PM
When Kenisha finds Kalon laying down watching the ocean. As she approaches him he looks toward her his heart beginning to race as it always does,"I swear the world thinks I am deaf or stupid. I know that what they say of Domi is true in a certain way. If we want to unite the taurs it should be through devotion to Domi. Through that we can return him to his rightful place."
He motions for her to sit,"As for these love cultists I heard the general gist of what they were saying. We will of course fight them it is the taur way. If we strike at them we should defeat them here and have others in place to destroy their fort so they have no base to retreat to. I believe in Domi Kenisha and I think that most every other taur wants to as well. The lessons he teaches are to be valued by all people." he pauses looking into her eyes with a sigh,"Let me go speak to them my love perhaps I can avoid this bloodshed"
Flat-top Tuesday January 8th, 2002 3:35:23 PM
Flat-top is quite impress with both Ceira (with her temper and stumping of her paw) and Kanisha (why she actually said HELL). Flat-top trots up to the old woman and Kanisha, "excuse me Please Ladies."
"May I have a word with the both of you? When Kanisha think that there is no other way out of this. WE the two minotaurs (Kale and Raorr) the Centaur Paladin and Zeoll the cleric fighter can swing a mean weapon, will start planing. Not because of our Pride, but for the protection of the rest of the taurs on this Island. If Alemi (Friend of Domi) is willing to help us, fine I'll bow my head to him, But I will all ways keep Domi's courage in my heart."
"Kanisha, maybe you should talk to Kalon and Roar, after maybe to Zakeria. We will need every body's help. I know for one thing those Minotaurs will fight military style. but with our combine force, we will be effective." Flat-top bids the girls good day and trots off to talk to Kale and Leets.
Zeoll d20+8=23 d20+8=25 Tuesday January 8th, 2002 4:26:57 PM
To Hogar, Zeoll says, "Honorr Domi as you always did, of courrse. But it is fine to honorr otherr gods too, if yourr hearrt leads you to it. The imporrtant thing is that you see all Taurrs as one people, and keep courrage as Domi taught us." (Diplomacy Check 23)
Zeoll welcomes Uthen Barbak gladly. "I too have lost all my nearr kin. Please stay herre and make a home among us."
Zeoll tells Marnulf Three-Horns stories about how Domi and Alemi have been friends and worked together. (Perform Check 25).
Zeoll does what he can to inspire and support others who come to the Chosen. His message is simple: Honor Domi, feel free to honor other gods, but keep uppermost Domi's wish to unite all Taurs as one people.
Zeoll reminds everyone that the center part of Bridge Island is a plateau or mesa, with the only easy access throught the Keep. He suggests bringing all the children and elder Taurs up through the Keep and onto the plateau. Then fortify the Keep and prepare for attack.
He also suggests setting up an ambush by the bridge to Minotaur Island, if attack from there is deemed most likely.
Zeoll also prays with Alemi's messenger and studies with her.
Kenisha d20+6=25 Wednesday January 9th, 2002 12:21:35 AM
Kenisha bows to Alemi's messenger, "Their reactions are natural even if they do hurt. I do thank you for your support and aid."
Kenisha nods at Zeoll's suggestions for the children and elders to be moved up to the mesa. "Very good idea, my friend. Flat-top, could you and the other fighters lay out our defenses and any ambushes you deem would work?"
"Kale, Kalon brought up a very good idea of a counter strike force attacking the Fort while their forces are attacking us here. How feasible would it be for some of them to enter the Fort through that seaside tunnel we used to exit the cultist's catacombs? They will be defended true, but a strike force might be able to break through and either cause a distraction for the main counter thrust or perhaps open the gates from the inside. What do you think?"
To Kalon she says, "I will not let you go to their Fort alone. We have too much to do here to prepare first. But I have no doubt that they will make one last grandstanding speech asking if we are willing to bow down to their demands before they attack. You may speak to them at that time."
Except when the others need her, Kenisha will spend much of the time preparing herbal remedies useful for aiding healing of wounds common to battle (Herbalist Prof. roll=25) and having some of the older children help her by stirring pots, cutting up and crushing herbs, and those children that know them, looking for fresh plants out around, but near, the Hold (even then always with at least one armed adult to watch over them).
Kale Wednesday January 9th, 2002 5:49:39 AM
"A small force could do it Kenisha." Kale says. "Though if its to be done, I suggest that it be done while the troops are on the march. If its done then it could possibly even prevent an attack on our home, as the soilders would rush back the the temple to protect their homes and leaders." then Kale rubs his chin a bit. "But its almost suicide for the inflitraters. Anything bigger than 10 taurs would be noticed, and anything smaller will have an extremely difficult time getting out, unless you know your way through it, which I happen to. Remember, I use to work those tunnels for a living for my Guild."
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