DM Carl: The Same But Different Tuesday February 5th, 2002 10:32:25 AM
You find yourselves, incredibly, back in the Heart Chamber! It feels like you have walked back out of a mirror.
But you realize almost at once that this is not the same Heart Chamber you left. Oh, the building is the same, it is undoubtedly Hearthold Keep... but there are changes.
The guard and the Heart are both gone. There is a dried bloodstain on the wall that you know was not there before. And the bustle of activity that you had subconciously been aware of coming from the keep's occupants is now gone. Everything is deathly silent. And now, you realise, it even feels different. There is a sort of static charge in the air, like an anticipation so immense it has become tangible.
You head back into the main hall, and notice that the front gates are wide open,. From outside you begin to hear a rumbling, almost below your threshold of hearing. And the screams begin. There must be hundreds, no thousands of Taurs out there! All standing outside the Keep, staring off into the distance. Some are screaming, some simply stand and stare in horror out to sea...
(OOC: Hi one and all! Good to be back!
First off, everyone gets 600XP for the last two scenes. Add that to your sheets, level up if needs be, and mail me your updated sheet. Be sure to include any changes required due to the new Woldian House Rules for 'Monster' PCs. Full details can be found on Cayzle's site: http://www.geocities.com/cayzle/characters/zeoll/woldtaursnew.html
Please mail me at carlw@clara.net with any questions, and let's be careful out there!)
Zeoll d20+3=7 Tuesday February 5th, 2002 4:55:54 PM
Zeoll's hackles rise, and tension is clear in his stance and posture. "Have we enterred the Spirrit Rrealm?" he asks. "Arre these the Dead that beforre us stand scrreaming?"
"Orr do we walk in some waking drream? What does it mean?"
"And what do they see out on the ocean?" Zeoll looks intently for a minute.
Zeoll tries to draw on his bardic lore, to remember anything that might have echoed this. (Roll 7 = probably not!)
"Well, I forr one, fearr not the spirrits of the dead. I will walk among them, if good Kenisha does not object."
If Kenisha does not object, Zeoll will go walk among the crowd, looking for the faces of those who have passed on to the Lands of Rest, perhaps members of his clan who were brutally slain by hell hounds on his home island.
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday February 5th, 2002 8:22:00 PM
Kalon moves to a vantage piont where he can see the ocean and what they are staring at.
Kenisha d20+3=16 Tuesday February 5th, 2002 11:11:53 PM
"Everyone be careful, but let's fnd out where we are and what's going on here." Kenisha says to the other Chosen. She looks out towards the sea, hoping to see what is causing all of this. (Spot roll=16)
Ceira Karwyn Wednesday February 6th, 2002 12:11:25 AM
"Okay... this... is really weird." stammers Ceira as she continuously glances at her surroundings. "First of all, I saw blood on that wall so something's obviously not right." Ceira takes a long look in the same direction of the crowds.
Kale Wednesday February 6th, 2002 9:44:04 AM
not saying anything, Kale holds his bow in one hand and his sword in the other, waiting for any trouble that may come
Flat-top Wednesday February 6th, 2002 9:58:15 AM
Flat-top passes through the door and turns to look back. Them turns back to the party "Wow! this is weird almost like passing through a mirror." Flat-top trots to where Kale is more or less apart from the rest of the group and question him,"Where are we? We are not at home, that's for sure. What is Land of Rest? and what did Zeoll mean about walking among the dead? Are you going to stay near me,Kale?"
Leets Wednesday February 6th, 2002 10:01:53 AM
The young centaur paladin shkes his head, as if he was having some kind of dizzy turn, and unsheathes his sword, holding his shield a little bit tighter.
"I don't know what's this place. I feel really...strange."
On the way to the gates, Leets tries to focus on his feelings, and to detect evil. Once arrived, he looks at the living tide of horrified Taurs, and stands opened-mouthed for a couple of seconds, his eyes full of awe...
"Zeoll...If those are the Deads...Maybe Domi is here too..."
"Ceira? Kenisha? Kalon? Do you see something?"
DM Carl: Oh No, Here It Comes! Wednesday February 6th, 2002 10:02:24 AM
DM: Oh No, Here It Comes... Wednesday February 6th, 2002 8:56:17 AM The trouble Kale waits for is not long in coming, though it is almost certainly not of the sort he might have wanted.
Domi's Chosen walk slowly out to join the crowd outside the Heartkeep. Out here you can really feel the electrical charge in the air, and above you ominous purple clouds boil and seeth, racing eastwards across the sky as if in mortal fear. There is something strange about the light, and that rumbling sound is growing ever so slightly louder.
Leets attempts to detect the presence of evil at work, but feels nothing around him that could be causing... whatever this is. He does notice that there are evil presences amongst the crowd, but has he focuses in upon them he realises they too are huddled in fear. Everyone is here, the good, the bad and the nuetral. All together, facing to the west.
Zeoll is at a loss to explain your situation. Nothing in his experience or the experience of his clan tale-spinners comes close to this.
He looks into the crowd, searching for the faces of deceased comrades and loved ones, finding only the living. As the rest of you move out of the main gates you notice many familiar faces amongst those gathered there, though twisted in grief and fear. A couple of Heartkeep guards, there's Neima, head housekeeper, sobbing on the shoulder of a no-less petrified looking centaur. You see familiar faces from around the keep and from your respective islands, along with many faces you do not know. All those not hiding their heads in their hands gaze out to the west with terror, sorrow, anguish or resignation; something unutterable is coming.
You gaze with them, but at first can make nothing out. It is just the sea, meeting gray, featureless sky, with storm clouds up above...
...wait, that doesn't look right...
"Look!" chokes Kenisha and points to the west with tremulous finger. A shiver of disbelieving horror runs through each of you as you each realize... the horizon is getting closer!!
The sea and sky reach out westward perhaps ten or so miles, and then... nothing. It simply stops. It's almost as if, out towards the west of the Taur Isles, the Wold is simply... vanishing. And it's heading your way...
A powerful voice rings out from the enormous crowd, far ahead of you all down towards the shore, stilling the rising panic. "Everybody, back inside the Keep! It's our last hope! Everybody back inside NOW!" You all recognize the voice. True, it sounds harsher, sterner, more desperate than normal, but the voice is unmistakable.
It is the voice of your leader, Kenisha.
Kenisha Wednesday February 6th, 2002 10:23:51 AM
At first Kenisha is startled to hear her own voice when she has not spoken. Realization hits and she calls out in an equally loud voice,"She's right! Everyone back in the Keep!"
Kenisha will not enter the Keep, but will help direct the natives of this world, making sure no one gets trampled in panic. She will also be scanning the faces, looking for this other Kenisha.
If she finds her or any of the "other" Chosen, she will ask, "What caused this? We need to know!"
Kalon the Wemic Wednesday February 6th, 2002 10:34:06 AM
Kalon stares at the approaching nothingness for a few seconds till startled into motion by Kenisha voice coming from in the crowd. Looking at the Kenisha near him,"Well my love it would seem that you do have answers to what's going on." He smiles at her then moves to take her hand,"I don't think that we were guided here to be part of the end of the Wold so surely we are supposed to learn something about how we can prevent it from observing this"
Glancing at Leets he says,"The good news Leets is that we see nothing. The bad news is it's gettting closer"
Leets Wednesday February 6th, 2002 11:24:01 AM
"Very SPIRITUAL my friend! Whatever it is Kalon, we must bring those people in a safe location!"
"Kenisha! I shall not search for a shelter behind those walls as long as there is a single child outside!!!"
Leets tries to help as well as he can, lifting the youngest above the crowd, protecting the older from being crushed or leading the wounded.
"You! Don't take this way! It's closer if you take this one! DON'T PUSH!!!"
"Let this woman with those children enter first!"
"Help this one! HELP THIS ONE I SAID!"
"Abandon this! You won't need it if you die!"
"run! Run!! RUN!!!"
Flat-top Wednesday February 6th, 2002 1:12:35 PM
"I'm with you, Kenisa, I'll try to carry as many children as possible." Flat-top will pink up and carry as many calves, colts and kittens to the Keep. And make as many trips as possible.
Zeoll d20+34=54 d20+34=46 d20+34=37 d20+34=52 Wednesday February 6th, 2002 3:10:31 PM
"This still seems to me to be a waking dream, a dream of omen," Zeoll declares. He runs toward the beach, jumping over the Taurs who are headed in the other direction (Jump rolls above indicate leaps of 163 feet long, 43 feet up in the air; 136 feet long, 36 feet up; 106 feet long, 29 feet up; and 156 feet long, 41 feet up).
As he leaps, Zeoll seeks out the one who speaks with Kenisha's voice. He also looks out to sea -- how far away is the nothingness, how fast is it approaching, and how much time is there before it reaches the beach?
Are the ocean's creatures also fleeing? Are the shallows teeming with sea life trying to escape as well? How about seagulls, or other such creatures? If Zeoll sees a sea bird of any kind, he will cast Animal Friendship on it.
Ceira Karwyn d20=18 Thursday February 7th, 2002 12:12:18 AM
While everyone is running and shuffling inside, Ceira remains outside to study the phenomenon. At least until she is one of the last ones in. "This doesn't make any sense!" she says in confusion. "There has to be something else going on. Land cannot simply vanish!" She looks out and tries to study the crests of the waves and their direction of motion. Does it look like the water is rushing away from them as if the world is dropping off into a chasm?
Ceira looks up to the sky at the cloud formations near the vanishing point. She will study the behavior of those clouds in an attempt to determine whether the clouds are swirling or just simply disappearing.
"Maybe it's a spell." she mutters to herself as she concentrates. (Spellcraft=18) "Or maybe it's just the way this particular Wold works..."
Raorr shrugs Thursday February 7th, 2002 5:09:23 AM
Raorr looks out amongst the chaos of fleeing taurs, listening to Kenisha's voice directing them. Raorr continues his silent watching, knowing that if needed he will be asked to do something.
He ponders the various comments and confusion caused by the receding skyline, but suddenly realizes immediately that whether it is the end of the world or just another vision, that all this time he's spent with the chosen is actually a dream, one he still hasn't awoken from. He's positive since nothing seems to surprise him any longer. Flying Purple creature that ar just drunks, Imod's death, A cult of Love-struck Taurs, and now the 'end of the world'. IT is all too unbelievable, and nothing since going to sleep before arriving in the Vineyard has made any sense. Not even his own behaviour, the feeling, the desire for constant bloodshed seems unnatural even to his barbaric side.
When will this nightmare end, he thinks. When will this world make sense, humans are the problem Raorr's sure of it. But how to prove it.
Kale Thursday February 7th, 2002 7:51:42 AM
while everyone is helping the masses into the keep, Kale keeps an eye on the horizon, hoping that he can see any sigh of anything. "Why did we go through that door!" Kale says to himself. once everyone is in, Kale follows and prays that he doesnt find some clone of himself
DM Carl: Stampede! Thursday February 7th, 2002 10:41:11 AM
Responding to the words of both Kenishas, it would seem, many of the Chosen lend a hand as the crowd rapidly degenerates into a stampede. Only commanding tones of Kenisha and Leets prevent many from getting crushed. The next few minutes are a desperate race against time, herding the crowd through the great Keep gates, protecting the young and the infirm from being trampled to death, as the western horizon grows inexorably closer. From further down towards the beach you occasionaly hear the voice of the other Kenisha, barking out orders over the wails and screams of distress.
Zeoll is not able to make it all the way down to the beach, and is too distracted to carefully study the impending horizon. The crowd is so dense and chaotic that he has to be very careful indeed not to crush anyone with his titanic leaps, and he only makes it about halfway before landing near a wailing mare. He sees her colt snatched from her arms by the sheer press of bodies, vanishing instants later under a thundering of hooves. He realizes he has only moments in which to attempt a rescue.
Ceira and Kale, stepping back from the screaming throng, are able to examine the phenomena carefully. Where the... Nothing, for want of a better word, meets the sea, the waves explode into a white mist, obscuring clear vision. But it is almost certain that the waves are not draining off anywhere. They are simply stopping dead at the horizon.
The same is true of the clouds. Where they meet the horizon event they thin out somewhat, swirling and spiraling as if caught in wildly chaotic barometric eddies. Then they too simply vanish as they pass beyond.
This cannot be a simple spell, Ceira realizes. Surely all the magic in the Wold could never create this Nul-horror. As far as the eye can see the entire western horizon is a fast-approaching wall of non-existence. It seems to suck the eye in almost hypnotically, inducing a feeling of near vertigo in the beholder. It is not an easy thing to look upon. The End of Everything is moving relentlessly towards you, and it is a profoundly terrifying sight.
Ceira tries to work out how fast it is coming, how long they have left. Given the scale it is hard to be sure, but it seems to be approaching at some considerable speed. At fastest sprint she would guess she could probably not outpace it. And at its current speed they can have only a handful of minutes before it hits land.
Flat-top Thursday February 7th, 2002 3:47:33 PM
Flat-top has just unloaded the latest of the youngsters, when he hears Kenisha's voice. So off he goes back to in the direction to where he heard the leader's voice, "I'm doing so many thing and rushing so much, I would not be suprised if I met my Self."
Kenisha Thursday February 7th, 2002 11:28:28 PM
Kenisha continues to search for her double while helping the fleeing Taurs.
'There has to be a reason why we were sent here.' she thinks to herself.
"Kalon! Can you get around this mob? We need to find the "other" Chosen and find out what's behind all this."
Kale Friday February 8th, 2002 7:09:15 AM
"Ceira," Kale says in a shaky voice, "I see no reason to run. It looks to me that whatever that thing touches just dissapears. We cant outrun that." Kale shoulders slumps as he sits down on the ground. "No hope of running at all."
Leets Friday February 8th, 2002 9:09:00 AM
"Kale, thanks to the gods, my eye on ennemies of goodness is opened once again. I feel a great evil at work, wether it is this nothingness or not. However, if this thing is the threat I feel, we have a chance to survive, and so do those people, by being on the holy ground of the Heartkeep!"
"If there is a chance, we must try! Hey come on! You never gave up Kale, and I know life hasn't been easy for you everyday! So stand up my friend, and show those Taurs the way!"
Zeoll Friday February 8th, 2002 10:34:46 AM
Seeing that the danger is close by, Zeoll turns his attention to helping people get into the HeartHold Keep. If it will help. he'll jump hither and yon to pick up the fallen, carrying children to safety. He himself will not enter the Keep until the last civilian has entered.
Kalon the Wemic Friday February 8th, 2002 10:40:50 AM
Kalon thinks for a moment wondering how he would find Kenisha in this mob of taurs. The fact that they hadn't seen any of the other Chosen might mean they are already dead. It might mean that he is dead!
He makes his way as best he can to an open spot free of stampeding people and cupping his hands towards either side of his mouth he yells with all his strength.
"Kenisha my love it is Kalon. Myself and the rest of the Chosen are close to the keep. We need to speak to you so we can find out what is going on"
After yelling that out he proceeds at his best speed toward where he last heard Kenisha speaking, dodging and tumbling as he goes.
DM Carl: The Patter Of Tiny... What? Friday February 8th, 2002 11:55:15 AM
The Chosen do their best to help the crowd into the Keep, and they are largely successful in lending a semblance of order to the proceedings. The majority are inside now, and the crowd is thinning considerably. You strain to see where Kenisha's 'other' voice came from.
Kalon calls out, trying to locate her, and a few moments later an incredulous voice cries "KALON?!?
The crowd parts, and Kalon is suddenly face to face with Kenisha. But she is a Kenisha greatly changed. She looks haggard, exhausted, dirt and blood smeared. She bears many scars, some fresh and bleeding, some clearly several months old. She looks tougher, harder, more battle wearied, and there is something in her deep blue eyes that speaks of untold horrors.
But as her eyes fall on Kalon all that is suddenly washed away in a flood of emotion. Tears of joy spring to her eyes.
"Kalon, how is this possible? How have you come back to me?" She races towards him, crushes him to her in a desperate embrace. "My darling, my love, how? How can this be? You died! I saw you die...Oh, my love, how I've missed you..." For a moment the fearless commander, the leader of the Chosen is gone, and in her place stands a simple mare, weeping openly at the return of her lost love.
But only for a moment. She regains control almost at once, looks around at the crowd, her responsibilities flooding back to her. As she turns to call on the stragglers Kalon suddenly realizes something that had escaped his attention until she turned sideways on to him..
Kenisha is pregnant.
The rest of you look on in astonishment at this bizarre reunion (Spot check DC 15 to notice the pregnancy). This other Kenisha has not seen you yet, she only has eyes for Kalon, but across the crowd you spy some familiar faces. Flat Top, Leets and Kale, similarly unkempt and battle worn, stare back at you in open astonishment.
Behind them, drawing ever closer, the edge of the Wold continues its relentless advance.
Leets d20=18 Friday February 8th, 2002 5:36:12 PM
"Oh GODS!!! Kenisha you hav...you'll have a baby and...OH!!! It's me! IT'S ME!!!"
During a couple of seconds, Leets stares at his double with awe, don't beleaving what he's seeing, and temporary forgetting what's BEHIND. He shakes his head, and nods at himself, who should be understanding what he's thinking.
"No, no... This shouldn't have happened. Whichever is the reason of our presence here, we've already seen too much. Only the gods can change what must be, and know what the future is made of: we must leave this place!"
Raorr Friday February 8th, 2002 6:16:25 PM
Raorr looks towards the other 'chosen' and smiles "Figures!"
"I don't want to break up this little reunion people, but PERHAPS things can be duscussed more quickly, I'd like to help out but standing here watching the horizon get closer makes me want to..." Raorr realizes something he'd forgotten.
With that he turns and rushes back into the keep back to the heart chamber. Looking around he checks for the sword and shield he dropped only moments ago.
Another idea pops into his head and he looks at the 'Heart' to see if anything is different tahn the last time he saw it.
Kenisha d20+3=23 Friday February 8th, 2002 7:15:43 PM
Stunned for a moment as she notices her double's pregnant state. But then Raorr's words filter in.
"You're right, my friend. Time is fleeting..."
She moves up to the other Kenisha and says in a soft but firm voice. "Kenisha, time is short and though I do not wish to shock you we must have answers before it is too late. What day is this and how did all this" pointing to the horizon, "come to pass?"
She will not touch her other self.
Flat -top d20+3=17 Saturday February 9th, 2002 9:26:54 PM
"Kenisha ??" Flat-tops stop in his tracks, that an odd looking Kenisha, Then it dawn on him. Kenisha is with fold, "Why you old TOM you." And he winks at Kalon. Flat -tops eyes set over Kenisha's shoulder and there he is the other self. Flat-top mouth hang open for a few minutes. Then what is like a dream, His Kenisha ask a few question, very important question. "Yes! That's it!" As Flat-top realizes that they are in the future. "Leets? Kale? tell me, we can change this in our time??"
Kale d20+5=19 Sunday February 10th, 2002 9:40:44 AM
heartened a bit by Leet's words, Kale follows him until he sees the older Kenisha. he sees that shes pregnant, but that thought slips his mind as he sees himself standing just a few feet away. not really knowing what to say or do, Kale just stands there, staring at himself
Kalon the Wemic Sunday February 10th, 2002 10:36:37 AM
Kalon stands silent in the embrace of his love. A love he has not yet known, through times he has not yet seen. He returns her embrace trying to draw the turmoil from her in an attempt to give this Kenisha a moment of respite. The burdens of her life evident on her face and her scarred body. He tries to fill with the love she apparently once knew with him. To strengthen her with his presense as much as he could.
Her pregnant state slowly sinks in past the his concern for her and rocks his soul more then anything he has seen.
"You are pregnant?...?"he stammers out his normal composure slipping off into a seperate abyss.
"Pregnant?" his face lighting up he pulls her closer then pauses.
Looking into her haggard face,"Our child? I did not know it was possible?" confusion races across his face as he tries to focus.
"What has happened? Kenisha" as he glances back at the other Kenisha feeling guilty and joyous at the same time
Ceira Karwyn Monday February 11th, 2002 1:29:10 AM
Knowing full well that it is futile to outrun the nothingness, Ceira decides to run anyhow in the hopes that some miracle may happen. As she sees her friends coming up ahead, she screeches to a halt as she sees two of everyone. Ceira rubs her eyes and grumbles, "The longer I stay here... the wackier it seems to get! What's going on?!?" Seeing the battered, mirrored images of herself and her friends, she directs her attention towards them in the hopes of receiving answers.
Zeoll Monday February 11th, 2002 9:31:36 AM
Taking the interests of the folks around him to heart, Zeoll's top priority is to get people into the Keep AND through the Door out of this dream place into the Waking Wold.
"GO THRROUGH THE DOORR IN THE HEARRT CHAMBERR," He shouts to everyone there.
DM Carl: The Once And Future Taurs Monday February 11th, 2002 10:49:28 AM
As the rest of the Chosen stare at doubles of each other in disbelief, Roarr races back to the Heart Chamber. He reclaims his sword and shield, then looks around for the Heart. It is no-where to be seen, indeed it was absent from the plinth when they first came through the portal, Roarr remembers. The portal is still there though, its surface shimmering silver.
Outside the future Kenisha attempts to answer some of the questions in the limited time available, once she has managed to grasp that these other Chosen are from the past.
"Who would have thought it possible?" she smiles at Kalon, "That a centaur and a wemic... but there is no time! It is almost over..."
The date she gives her other self places these future Taurs some six months in the Chosen's future. "You must not let this happen!" She cries, gesturing at the doom that approaches you all. "We failed! We failed in Domi's quest! We were unable to unite the races, we lacked the courage to carry out his wish! We were divided amongst ourselves, we talked and argued and failed to act until it was too late. It is we who are responsible!"
The future Kale interjects; "Yeah, well, beating ourselves up over it isn't going to help. Listen, how did you get here? Can you get back? None of this is going to be much use if you all die here with us."
When told of the portal the future Chosen's eyes widen. "A doorway through time? Might it work the other way?" Thinking furiously Kenisha comes to a decision. "The end that comes is utter. No afterlife, nothing, it is the end of all that is. If this portal can be used to return to the past, perhaps we and the Heartkeep refugees might yet be saved... or at least not be ended by that... horror. We must try!"
She gallops off after Zeoll, calling out "To the Heart Chamber! To the portal!"
As you turn to follow you look back one final time at the horizon. It is mere moments away, almost at the beach.
Wait! There's someone left behind! Standing on the shoreline, facing the encroaching nothing with calm fury.
It's the future Roarr.
As the horizon grows near he lets out a terrible bellow of impotent rage, shakes his great head and cries to the heavens
"HAVE COURRAAAAAAGE!!!!"
With that he lowers his horns, and charges as fast as he can down the beach, meeting the onrushing horizon just as it reaches the land... and then he is gone.
Kalon the Wemic Monday February 11th, 2002 12:39:34 PM
Witnessing the last act of his friend he stands there staring at the approaching nothingness. His frined had called out the last words of Domi. Turning abruptly he chases after the future Kenisha and grabs her by the arm,"Wait! Who created this nothingness Kenisha. You say that it is the utter end. That there is nothing beyond it. No afterlife but if you have not been beyond it how do you know that. People turned to the other gods. Were and are these gods not able to protect their people. This Raorr just allowed himself to be consumed are you sure that is not what Domi meant for us?"
Flat-top Monday February 11th, 2002 4:21:42 PM
"Come! Lets go, Kenisha. We have a lot of work for us," said Flat-top, "You have a lot planing for us." Flat-top motions for the rest of the party to hurry along. When he turn and see the same scene that Kalon is witnessing, "Kalon! I never said that Barbarian Raorr did not have Courage. I think he's the model of it, and that's why HE was chosen. Come on let's go back to the pass and see if we can do something about the future."
Zeoll Monday February 11th, 2002 10:47:33 PM
"Well," Zeoll says, "my soul tells me we belong back wherre we came frrom. Come frriends, past and futurre, drream and waking! Pass thrrough the porrtal!"
Kenisha Tuesday February 12th, 2002 12:34:42 AM
Kenisha races after her older self, praying that taking the future people back isn't going to make things worst. Praying that they can find the answers before all this happens again.
"Raorr chose his end bravely. And so we much do likewise. I choose to face the seemingly impossible task of uniting the Taurs and saving the Wold. Let's go Taurs! Through the silver doorway, back to the past in order to save the Future of ALL!!!"
Leets Tuesday February 12th, 2002 1:52:35 AM
"Wisely spoken Zeoll!"
Says Leets while troting to the magic portal.
"I really have a bad feeling about all this. I mean, even without the end of all things. If WE have to do something agaisnt such a great evil, it probably means that the gods abandonned us!"
"Now let's go, I follow you Kenisha! We've spent too much time here!"
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday February 12th, 2002 2:17:23 AM
While running alongside her friends, she comments, "Will this have some weird effect on the fabric of time? I mean... I'm feeling good knowing that no matter the risks I take, I will still be around in the future. But then again... We are trying to change the future so nevermind."
Kale Tuesday February 12th, 2002 8:20:32 AM
"You know," Kale says to his future self as they run to the heart chamber, "Since your going to die, why dont you give me any items that you have that might prove useful."
DM Carl: How Soon Is Now? Tuesday February 12th, 2002 10:57:01 AM
The taurs race back towards the Heart Chamber. Leets answers Kalon's question as Kenisha tries to organize people towards the portal.
"Trust me, Kalon, this is not Domi's will. This is wrong, it shouldn't be happening! If there is any way to stop it you must do everything in your power to achieve that end! Unite the Taurs!"
Ceira, pondering the vagaries of time travel and the laws of fate, is overheard by Flat Top. "Um, Ceira? I don't know how to tell you this but... our Ceira was killed three months ago. Along with Zeoll." Flat Top looks pretty upset, but then seeing the expression on Ceira's face continues hurriedly "Oh, but I'm sure you won't die. You have to change things! Start by not getting killed! Of course, things have changed already... we never saw future versions of ourselves, so your lives are already different to ours..."
As the two Kales run side by side the past version tries his luck with the future one. "Hah!" Laughs his counterpart, despite their dire situation. "Isn't that just like me! I'll keep my stuff, thanks, I mean to make it out of here! C'mon!"
The Chosen (all of them) arrive in the Heart Chamber. Already several other Taurs who came here for final prayer are heading through the portal, though there is no time to gather all the others from throughout the Keep.
"We have to go! Now!" Cries Kenisha, and races towards the portal.
And not a moment too soon; the far wall of the chamber suddenly vanishes, and the deadly non-wall races towards you across the room! You have mere seconds to make it to the portal.
Leets d20+2=12 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 11:27:47 AM
"there is evil at work behind those events, and not Domi's will, definitively, and moreo..."
The young centaur paladin stares wide-eyed at the low relief representing Domi's heroïc features as they suddenly vanish.
"GO KALON GO!"
Yells Leets to his friend while talking to him, and tries to push him in the direction of the magic gate (strength check 12). The he jumps through the silvery surface just after.
Flat-top d20+3=23 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 6:15:28 PM
Flat-top grabs Ceira's hand " Don't look back,Ceira, just keep up with me when we are at the Gate. Give all you got and jump with me DON"T LET GO".
They run as fast as they can and as the wall vanishes. Flat-top with Ceira in hand yells "JUMP Through the PORTAL!"
OOC Made my jump of 23, hope Ceira makes hers.
Zeoll d20+34=35 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 8:06:07 PM
Zeoll waits for the last second in order to let others pass through. Then he makes a mighty leap to get through the doorway. [roll a natural one! But with my bonuses that's still a 35.]
Kenisha d20=16 Tuesday February 12th, 2002 8:44:41 PM
Kenisha jumps through just before Zeoll, sure that he will make it as she can see his muscles rippling; all ready to go.
On the other side she looks about and asks, "Did we all make it?"
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday February 12th, 2002 8:50:13 PM
Kalon still unconvinced that what seems obvious may not be obvious. He wonders if it is courage to wait and see what lies beyond. It could mean his death but it is something he is not afraid of. He glances at Kenisha.
"A history unknown and more courage to have if he goes" he thinks to himself. With some reluctance he moves through the portal and back to where he came from.
Raorr Wednesday February 13th, 2002 2:52:21 AM
Raorr cracks his neck looks straight at the coming end.
"I'll be back, cause not even my death can save you from me" He snarls at it with that said he goes to the portal and crosses it's threshold.
"Would someone explain why we brought people with us? These taurs are not suppose to be here. There out of place, but I guess they should be welcome here anyways. Just don't get to comfortable."
Raorr looks to his Kenisha "I suggest you figure out what to do about them" He motions to the Displaced Taurs "Cause I have enough problems with one Kale and one Falt-top, I don't want two of each. That would drive me nuts, more so than now. Hell it would drive me to charge into nothingness" With that he chuckles.
Kale Wednesday February 13th, 2002 7:38:38 AM
moving through the portal, Kale wonders if their opposites can go through too
DM Carl: There's No Place Like Home Wednesday February 13th, 2002 11:00:43 AM
Kale's question is soon answered. As the chosen rush through the portal (Zeoll landing in an ungainly heap after his giant leap) and into their own Heart Chamber beyond their first thought is of the future Taurs.
There is no sign of them.
Whatever mystic force allowed them this brief glimpse of the (a?) future, it couldn't bring their future selves back too. Are they dead? Lost in some inter-time limbo? There is no way to tell. Before your eyes the silvery surface of the portal seems to solidify, until it has set solid, a faintly rippled stone surface.
The Heart Guard who first showed you the portal is watching you agape. "That... that was so weird! You just sort of went in and back out again at the exact same time! Ooh, it gives me a headache just thinking about it! It was just some freaky sort of mirror then, was it?" He leans on his pike and looks at you agog, no doubt thinking this will story will be worthy of an ale or two once he's off duty.
The Reunited Heart is back on its plinth, grey and cold and dead.
Flat-top Wednesday February 13th, 2002 3:47:09 PM
Flat-top jump into the mirror and exit back in to the Heart Chamber. He slip a few feet and come to a stop. "Yes!" in answer to the Heart Guard, " that was very weird." trotting over to Kenisha, "What do we do now? Go looking for the Void? where do we start? I'm not a great thinker like the others. I'm just a fighter and right now I need orders!"
Kenisha Wednesday February 13th, 2002 11:06:20 PM
Kenisha collapses once she realizes that the other Chosen didn't make it through. After a moment, she wipes the tears from her eyes and stands back up.
"Well, we didn't learn as much as I had hoped, but we do know that we have to Unite the Taurs. Now it's not just fulfilling Imod's dream of unity. Now we must do it or face what we saw on the other side. Somehow, the Unity is vital to the continued existance of the whole Wold!"
She pauses for a moment and continues, "We don't know what they tried, but we know we don't have much time. What do you all suggest we try?"
Kalon the Wemic Thursday February 14th, 2002 12:53:41 AM
Kalon looks back at where the portal had been then toward Kenisha.
"I know this may sound kind of dumb. However I really have to ask this question. What does the statement "Unite the taurs" mean? Look around outside and you will see centaurs, minotaurs and wemics living together. Willing to die together. What more must be done to unite the taurs. Our races don't seem to be at war anymore. The love cultists were of all three races. We cannot make taurs be united anymore then we can move the sun in the sky without knowing what exactly it is that we are seeking to do. The goal of unite the taurs seems to vague to me. I will say again that I think we should bring them together by all of our people striving to return Domi to life and his rightful place."
Ceira Karwyn Thursday February 14th, 2002 3:12:46 AM
Ceira cringes at the idea that she would die but shakes it off knowing they are striving to change the future.
"You have a point Kalon." agrees Ceira. "That is indeed a vague statement. What we need are specific goals whether they be minor tasks or major tasks that sets the tone for some global event to take place... For example, the revival of Domi would be a huge event. But we will need specifics and we must rely on our... uh... 'selves'?" sputters Ceira with a pondering gaze towards their mirror images. "I suppose we should call you our... 'friends'? It would be appropriate since you are officialy a free-thinking entity that exists in the Wold. Plus we are all working together on this now. Well, enough of this mish-mash on what the proper lingo is. Let's focus on what we need to do. Kenisha?" Ceira looks at the mirrored-version of the centaur expectantly.
DM Carl: The future Chosen didn't make it back. You're on your own on this one!
Leets Thursday February 14th, 2002 3:23:22 AM
Leets puts his hand on Kenisha's shoulder, his eyes full of compassion.
"Kenisha...Please don't be so sad. They told it themselves: this future doesn't exist anymore, because they never made this journey to the future, and we did..."
"As for what we should do, it is obvious that all began when this Marteaus defeated Domi. I propose we find this Maldreen, and finish with her what we have begun. If we can know more about Marteaus' cultists, we can perhaps stop their rising cult, and stop all that too."
Kalon the Wemic Thursday February 14th, 2002 9:52:17 AM
With a sigh he moves to Kenisha placing his arms around her and pulling her in close,"You have and will do everything you can my love. You were picked to be leader by most of us because of our trust in your judgements. That was a world that we will strive to make sure never exists."then leaning in very close he whispers,"After all we have apparently a very special event to attend and I am sure that miraculous event was meant to be."
Zeoll Thursday February 14th, 2002 11:15:55 AM
Zeoll responds to Kenisha. "I have some strrong ideas on how to unify the Taurrs. Let me use the washrroom and I'll come back to tell you."
[OOC: more later, promise!]
Kale Thursday February 14th, 2002 11:38:11 AM
"They said we fought among ourselves." Kale says. "And none of the lointaurs members of our group were there. I think that maybe they failed in uniting the lions with the others."
Raorr Thursday February 14th, 2002 12:00:13 PM
"Kenisha, uniting the taurs is only as didfficult as you make it out to be. Your problem is your thinking too big." He motions to the group and stops at Kenisha "Why are we here? I'm here because I had a dream, a dream where unity of the taurs was an event that is of great importance, a dream where I was told that it was possible and that I could help out in doing it."
Those people beyond the walls of the Keep have not had that dream, they must take our word. Be fore that dream I would have killed Killed Flat-top by now, for his placing of his hand on my shoulder so many times now, I would never had follow a centaur into battle, unless that centaur died by my hands." Raorr shakes his head "No, a dream is powerful, especially one of divine origins. We must use the dream as and if nessecary give that dream to others people of importantance."
Finallly he looks up "And we should not mention anything about the other side of that cursed gate, for that would cause more problems than its worth"
DM Carl: A Time for Words Thursday February 14th, 2002 12:01:19 PM
The Chosen retire to the Commons, with its spectacular windows that circle the room from its southern-most point around to its northern most point. The view out to the western horizon, normaly magnificent, is lent a special significance in light of recent events.
Kular joins you, and is quickly brought up to speed on the meeting with the future Taurs. He looks shaken, and sits back in a huge leather armchair, saying nothing, watching you closely as you continue to discuss what to do next.
(OOC: Okay guys, please feel free to post freely over the next few days before the next scene. As many posts as you like. I'd like to see conversations, discussions, arguments, whatever it takes. Let's get all the ideas out there, get a dialogue going between the characters, and see what happens! Also, stand by for an important email from Jerry.)
Flat-top Thursday February 14th, 2002 1:12:34 PM
Flat-top turns to Raorr, "Your right, Raorr. If it was not for the dream, I would be first in line to kill you. But since that dream, I have learned to look beyond the surface of a taur. When I first met you, I was surprise to see a barbarian, a rough one at that. That was what you look like on the surface. Then WE look deeper and saw not only a fighter, but one of the finest, strongest, well balance fighter. And since you joined us. You are the better fighter among us and Yes! You - I think you could have killed me in battle. But I would have gotten my lick in first, But I still would call you a friend. And that goes for everyone here, Friends and United in one goal." Flat-top goes back to the window and adds "Now to convince the Wold."
Kenisha Thursday February 14th, 2002 9:07:55 PM
Kenisha ponders everything for a few moments then says, "I think we need to show the rest of the Taurs our unity. How about we go to all three islands in turn and talk to the three races? What do you guys think?"
Ceira Karwyn Friday February 15th, 2002 1:40:23 AM
"Your idea certainly has merit," comments Ceira as she paces the room, "but I think it's a push. As the old saying goes, 'action speaks louder than words' and in my honest opinion..." she pauses to look out the window. "Words won't do us much good. Now let me tell you why." Ceira stares hard at the floor as if organizing her thoughts and then begins pacing again.
"With the fall of Domi, the minds of the taurs are in a state of chaos. It's true that the majority of them have regained their sanity but telling them to keep the faith is a thin thread to hang on to. Afterall, we have nothing to back it up. There is no telling whether Domi will return or not. Resurrecting a mortal is granted by the Gods who wield the magic. Resurrecting a God... that's something else." Ceira shrugs her shoulders.
She grabs a glass of chilled water off the table and takes a refreshing gulp. "We have generated enough of a reputation to earn the taurs respect. But what have we really done on a global scale ever since the fall of Domi? Not much. We have been largely focusing on quelling internal issues within our taur domain. For example, things like taking in refugees and stifling those psychotic Love Cultists." She shakes her head in disgust at the thought of those misguided souls.
"There is no doubt in the people's mind that Domi disappeared, driven away, or died. Based on what that witch told us... umm..." Looking at Leets, "You said her name a few minutes ago... well nevermind. I'll stick with 'witch' for now". she adds with a sneer. "That witch told us that Domi died by the hands of her own diety. I still have a hard time believing it but it's all we have to go on for now."
"I know I've been babbling on and on about this so let's get to the point. If we want the Taurs to truly unite as a whole, then let them believe in US, Domi's Chosen. Let's go with Leet's idea and hunt down... OH! I remember her name now. Maldreen!" Ceira growls.
"This is just my suggestion of course. We selected you as our leader Kenisha and I will still back you up. I hope I am not stepping over your authority here or anything..." Ceira is silent for a moment. "It's just a bit disturbing to know that I actually died so I really want to get going on trying to change something here."
Leets Friday February 15th, 2002 2:40:55 AM
"Of course, you'll find me by your side if you decide to resurect Domi first - although I have no idea how to do right now. The powerful divine magic channeled by us clerics and paladins can barely heal light wounds, and well...I guess most of us aren't completely used to work with the other gods."
"Now, this Marteaus probably had his own evil reasons to fight and defeat Domi. If we bring our god back, he will probably attack him once again, and this time, he will have followers. That's why I think we should first oppose Marteaus and his cult, even just to weaken them: then we can bring Domi back."
"I understand what you mean Raorr, and you Flat-Top too. I grew up just near a usual battle line, and the fighters of my tribe are fierce and proud soldiers. My father fell on this ground under Minotaur blows, and many among my friends too. However, I now see more clearly the path mother taught me, because she always kept me away from the battle and shared Domi's virtues with me instead. I seriously wonder if she was not preparing me to uniting our people as one: how the war could have prepared me? There was only hatred and blood...I had no dream, but I know the path of Domi brought me at the Heartkeep. Time of war is over: we all have been prepared in one way or another for the purpose of uniting the Taurs."
Kular Friday February 15th, 2002 5:57:41 AM
The True Taur speaks, though his words are soft and laboured.
"My friends, it is good to see you drawing together. I have faith that whatever decision you make will be the right one.
But understand this; Domi is dead. I, who was partly of his essence, know this better than anyone. The divine spark within me that was Domi is gone, and its passing very nearly killed me. Only your timely gathering of the Taur healers saved my life, though that life is but a shadow of what it once was."
He coughs, and rests a moment before continuing.
"Domi is dead. When a God dies it is a final, immutable thing. Do you not think if Domi could be restored in some way Alemi Himself would not have moved mountains to make it so? He is gone, Chosen, gone forever. Nothing you or anyone else can do will bring him back. Ever. You must have the courage to face this truth before you can move on."
Zeoll Friday February 15th, 2002 8:02:14 AM
Zeoll, who has been listening intently, now stands and speaks.
"I have hearrd severral ideas -- Attack Maldrreen and the followerrs of Marrteus. Trry to rraise Domi, which Kularr says we cannot do. Go to each of the Taurr islands to talk. Earrlierr we talked about brringing the Hearrt back to life."
"I think Kularr had the rright idea when he said, "What does the statement 'Unite the taurrs' mean?"
"We have seen on Minotaurr Island that ourr people arre rrudderrless and easily led astrray. We know that ourr people arre deeply rreligious. We know that they arre warrriorrs. And we know -- frrom ourr own eyes -- that the End of the Wold is to come."
"We know that Domi wanted to unite the Taurrs. And we know that the forrces of evil arre rrising. Evil's firrst strroke was to kill the generral, Domi. Why? So that the arrmy he would lead -- the Taurrs he planned to gatherr -- would instead scatterr."
Zeoll's voice gets louder, he voice, more emotional.
"My frriends, the Endtime is upon us! A grreat battle is coming, a battle in which Domi meant to lead all the Taurrs. We must unite the Taurrs in orrderr to win that battle!"
"Look arround -- at this Keep, at the village on the shorre. Alrready Taurrs flock to ourr standarrd, although we have not yet rraised it! We alrready have a small arrmy of Taurrs waiting forr ourr command!"
"Perrhaps we can brring the Hearrt back to life. Then we can take it and ourr arrmy to each of the Taurr Islands in turrn. We can seek out the forrces of the Enemy, like those love cultists, and converrt orr destrroy them. Those who arre trrue will come to us and join us. Bearring the Beating Hearrt, we will converrt all to ourr cause. The elderrs will bless us. The goverrnments will swearr loyalty to us. We will rraise a huge arrmy of Taurrs! Let only the childrren, the weak, and the elderrly stay behind."
"And when ourr arrmy has swelled, when all Taurrs arre unified underr ourr command, we will seek out the sourrce of evil, and we will take warr to the enemy!"
Kale Friday February 15th, 2002 8:34:18 AM
"It sounds to me we either go hunting or we try to unite the three peoples. Both seem to be daunting tasks, but im for the hunt. Like Kular said, Domi is dead and will never be back, but that doesnt mean we let those responsable off free. We may not be able to bring him back, but we can avenge him."
Kalon the Wemic Friday February 15th, 2002 10:53:36 AM
Kalon listens quietly to the others speak. In particular the words of Zeoll. In his mind he can't help but think that Zeoll hangs on the edge of losing it.
"I have heard all suggestions and I ask again, what does uniting the taurs mean. If as Zeoll says taurs are flocking to our banner then what do we need to that makes this profound state of uniting the taurs" he pauses recalling all that he has heard.
"My heart yearns to slay this dark souled witch we met but how will that in anyway "unite the taurs". We can fight the followers of the dark god Matereus at every step. Will that "Unite the taurs". That is something all creatures of good would do anyway...is it not. That will not unite us anymore."
"We have been out amongst the people and rthey have seen the message of unity in the flesh. If they do not know it by now they never will. We could go out in the world and spread that message but how does that "unite the taurs" our future selves said that we had to "unite the taurs" what does that mean?"
Looking at Zeoll,"I despise what this cult of love did and is still doing but not the people in it. Worshipping love is a worthy and noble thing and I beleive that if Domi were alive he would say it is as well.",he glances at Kenisha,"love has given me more then all the unity that I have seen. Standing beside my fellow taurs is great but it has not done for me in my life what my love of Kenisha and my love of Domi has. Will we slay all who do not believe in what we do. Raorr and I are as different as night and day. He is a warrior true and I would leave all war behind if I could. We now stand together to fight the evil but I would not kill him because he believes things differently then I do"
Dragging his gaze from Kenisha he looks at Kular an unfamiliar sterness in his eyes,"You say that once a god is dead he is dead and we should have the courage to go on. I say that those who do not try the impossible lack the courage. It is not irrationality that guides my heart. It is the final words of OUR god to "Have Courage". I did not believe that Domi could be killed. I thought that impossible. I will not accept that he cannot be brought back. Perhaps he cannot be but I have the courage to find that way if it exists. Find comfort where each of you might in the arms of other gods. I understand well the need to fill that void where Domi once dwelled. I do not hold it against others who have filled it with another god. I fill that void with his final words. Returning him may well be impossible or it may be as simple as having courage no matter what. I will live and die by that so that in my heart I may still be the Chosen of Domi."
DM Carl: Musings Friday February 15th, 2002 11:21:00 AM
The Chosen continue their debate, seeking a way forward, a unity of purpose. Kular continues to listen to the discussion, nodding occasionaly. He seems deep in thought.
(OOC: Keep it coming, folks. We need to see if the party can reach some sort of consensus on the next move, or at least a compromise. And that's down to you guys! Feel free to post as often as you wish over the weekend.)
Kalon the Wemic Friday February 15th, 2002 11:35:56 AM
Suddenly a question dawns on Kalon he looks at Kular,"As a one time servant of Domi and a highly regarded one perhaps you can explain waht the term "Unite the taurs" means."
Raorr Friday February 15th, 2002 12:03:47 PM
RAorr looks to Zeoll and looks inspired until the point where Zeoll foget's to actually proclaim war "So zeoll we attack the humans right?" He says eagerly.
RAoorr suddenlt realizes he said that out loud and looks to Kenisha "I have no suggestions Kenisha, raissing an army requires tactics, I'm no large scale leader in battle, I'm a Charge'em and kill'em type. REmember war means death, and death doesn't discriminate from friends, those taurs you unite behind the banner may men good but you may aggreavate those who say behind. The old ones will not like the change, and the young ones will not understand why their siblings and parents are away. If those die you will begin to have disunity back home."
"You must decide, Kenisha. I would suggest ignoring everything that our other selve's did, includinge the state you were in." He looks carefully at her "The is a time and a place for that, apperently we tried to fight then, perhaps against my better opinion, battle is not the choice this time."
A saddened expression crosses his face, Raorr realizing that his other self prefered to choose his own death rather than continue on when hope may have been still there.
Leets Friday February 15th, 2002 12:20:38 PM
Leets listens carefully, and particularly Zeoll and Kular.
"This makes sense my wemic friend! However Kular, I have a theory for Alemi not bringing Domi back now: it may perfectly be some kind of surprise strategy. Listen, soon Marteaus will soon be at his maximum power: the other gods but Alemi and the One don't seem to react, he has a new ally with Caeroldra, and a whole new army of followers. Bringing Domi back now would be useless, for Marteaus would probably kill him as soon as he knows it."
"But if we raise the mighty army of Taurs as Zeoll say, and walk on Domi's ennemies, then we will weaken them, and Alemi could bring Domi back to lead them at the final battle."
"As for uniting the Taurs, well...I'm not sure, and it can sound stupid, but...well...You saw the future Kenisha as well as me..."
Zeoll Friday February 15th, 2002 3:22:25 PM
Zeoll looks a little abashed. "I know I get too flowerry sometimes," he says.
"So let me be plain. I think we should unite the Taurrs politically, militarrily, and rreligiously. We must rraise a grreat arrmy. To do that we must fight those elements of ourr people who arre strrayng into darrkness. We have alrready made a good starrt on that."
"Then, afterr we have an arrmy of brrave Taurrs, we trravel to the continent and wage warr on those who killed Domi. Maybe they arre human, maybe they arre elf orr orrc orr drragon. Whoeverr has declarred allegience to Marrteus Domi-slayerr is ourr foe, and we will fight to purrge the Wold beforre the Wold is destrroyed!"
"Maybe, beforre we do all this, we should rrestorre the Hearrt of Domi to life, so that all Taurrs will flock to ourr side and see the rrighteousness of ourr cause."
"Therre I go, getting flowerry again!" the liontaur says, smiling.
Kalon the Wemic Friday February 15th, 2002 4:05:10 PM
Still waiting for Kular to answer he asks Zeoll,"You keep speaking of making the heart of Domi beat again. Do you know a way to do that without restoring Domi to life?"he pauses then looking at Kenisha,"Many of the Chosen have suggested making war on the dark god and his minions. Of converting taurs to follow our cause or killing them if they do not. I do not think any being deserves to die just because he chooses to believe something different. I choose to fight evil and darkness but that doesn't mean that all who do not support us are evil! We must choose our own path and leave choices to others as well. If we do not then we are no better then the evil we fight. As I said the cult of love has validity and only because a dark goddess manipulated it to evil ends does not make the cause less good"
Zeoll's Plan to Make Domi's Heart Beat Again. Friday February 15th, 2002 10:40:16 PM
"I do have a plan, a plan to make Domi's Hearrt beat again. Herre it is."
"We trravel, in drreams, to places wherre items of powerr may be obtained. We obtain a magic that will rrestorre a stone object to the flesh. We also obtain a magic that will bind a willing stone into empty flesh."
[OOC: Three of us go to the Catacombs and buy a vial of Stone to Flesh oil. The rest of us visit the Black Genie Center and obtain a custom magic that will bind a soul for us. It may be as simple as an item of Lesser Planar Binding or maybe the more powerful Soul Bind.]
"These places rrequirre payment, but if we pool ourr gold and magic items, maybe we can manage. Note also that we should tell none of ourr vision -- the sages at these places might well pay dearrly forr the knowledge of the endtime that we have."
"Then we trravel to the Isle of Wemics, wherre my folk dwell. Among them therre is a trradition of Seerrs, known also as Shamans orr Spirrit-Talkerrs. Some day I hope to be a Seerr, as was my teacherr beforre me."
"A Seerr can summon the spirrit of one who is dead. We knew Domi. We have at least one item he touched -- my sworrd. And we have his hearrt. With these items we can trry to summon the spirrit of Domi."
"I think we will fail in this, but maybe a Seerr will be able to summon a frragment of Domi's spirrit, orr a whisp orr frragment of memorry, orr perrhaps a spirrit of one who serrved Domi in the lands of the Gods. Whateverr we summon, we will beseech what we rraise to let us bind it to the rrestorred hearrt."
"If we arre blessed, the spirrit will agrree -- orr we trry again until we find a spirrit who will help. Then we use Stone to Flesh on the Hearrt, and bind the spirrit to the Hearrt. Perrhaps we all can offerr a sacrrifice as well -- ourr blood, ourr life essence, ourr oaths as Chosen. Maybe then the Hearrt will beat again."
"Will this worrk? Even if it all goes as I have outlined? I don;t know, but I feel it is worrth a trry."
Kale Saturday February 16th, 2002 8:43:34 AM
"Sounds good to me." Kale says "Anything beats not doing nothing. So where do we start?"
Flat-top Saturday February 16th, 2002 10:27:57 AM
Flat-top turns to Kale and with a dumfonded look on his face, ask" Do you think it will work? Them I'm with you."
Leets Saturday February 16th, 2002 5:12:25 PM
"I like this idea Zeoll...At first it looked to me like an illusion to deceive our people, but the more I think of it, the more I think it would more appear like a symbol of our holy struggle against evil. I'll help if I can. Gladly."
"You said that the sages at the Catacombs or the Black Genie Center would pay much for the knowledge we have, but maybe they would simply help if they knew what's about to happen, don't you think so?"
Kenisha Saturday February 16th, 2002 10:39:18 PM
"I like this idea." Kenisha says, nodding her head. "As a symbol, it will be a powerful one for our people."
"As to the thoughts of making war on our own kind just because they won't follow us, I can't agree with that. It would be like the cultists forcing Taurs to follow their new religion."
"Raorr, I'm no more a leader of an army than you are, but I do know this. Having seen a future, I refuse to believe that it has to turn out that way, I am more determined than ever to marry Kalon."
Zeoll Sunday February 17th, 2002 9:56:26 AM
Responding to Kenisha, Zeoll agrees, "I do not advocate making warr on ourr own kind just because they won't follow us. But if some stand in ourr way, orr if they corrrupt ourr people with evil and wrrong-doing -- like the cultists we fought did -- then we must fight."
"But we will not need to battle any except evil followerrs of Marrteus and his ilk. Of everryone else, the grreat majorrity will flock to ourr cause! I am surre of that, especially with the rrenewed Hearrt as a standarrd!"
"So arre we rresolved? Perrhaps we should all just go to the Black Genie Centerr togetherr, therre to gain what we need. Maybe we should brring the Hearrt with us."
[OOC: Back when the Heart was sundered, one Taur could easily carry half the heart. Rejoined and turned to stone, it might take two or three Taurs, is my random guess. Rejoined and not stone, I think one strong Taur would do. That's just my opinion.]
"In fact, maybe we should take the Hearrt with us wherreverr we go, frrom now on. We arre the best prrotectorrs forr it. Since it is so centrral to ourr goals, I suggest that frrom now on at least fourr of us should be awake and with it at all times. Also note that if we have the funds, we might also seek some magic at the BGC to help ourr securrity."
"So we arre rresolved? Firrst, we addrress ourr followerrs herre to explain everrything we have decided and give them hope. Second, to the Black Genie Centerr forr rresearrch and magic that we need. Thirrd, to Wemic Island to find a Spirrit-Talkerr. Fourrth, we rrestorre the Hearrt. Fifth, we tourr all thrree islands with the Hearrt to gatherr Taurrs to ourr cause, starrting with Wemic Island, since we will be therre. Along the way we do ourr best to stomp out Marrteus followerrs in ourr homes. Sixth, we forrge a grreat arrmy -- maybe we will have to find some generrals and officerrs along the way, orr maybe develop some arrmy-leaderr skills ourrselves. Seventh, we take ourr battle to the enemy, invading the mainland and attacking all who declarre fealty to the Evil Ones."
"I also suggest that Kularr and one orr two of ourr Healerrs stay herre to serrve as a hospital forr the wounded we will send back, and to coorrdinate ourr logistics and supplies. The Arrmy will need food, and we will need those who stay in the Taurr Isles to send us everrything they can."
[OOC: Carl, should we all go post in the BGC Monday? Should we post here AND there? Should we go to Wemic Island at the same time we talk with the BGC staff? I'll mentionall this to my fellow BGC staffers -- I hope that's okay?]
OOC: Carl Sunday February 17th, 2002 10:35:28 AM
Hold off on the BGC for now folks. I'll post soon with clarifications of where to take this plan next.
Ceira Karwyn Monday February 18th, 2002 12:02:08 AM
Ceira is awestruck from the details laid out by Zeoll. "Your plan sounds so... so... cryistal clear. These are the type of clutch decisions I saw in you when I first met you. This was why I initially voted for you to be our leader. The fact that you're a Wemic is also a bonus," Ceira snickers to herself, "but that's besides the point. Your plan sounds genuine and I'm willing to take a shot at it."
Kale Monday February 18th, 2002 8:00:26 AM
Kale looks at Flat-Top. "It certainly seems a long, complicated journey, but if all of us can get along, I see no reason why everyone else can."
Raorr grunts Monday February 18th, 2002 9:50:22 AM
"Using magic to get the Heart to work, I don't like the sound of that, I don't think Imod would like that, but since you all seem to believe otherwise, I will agree begrudgingly" Raorr says quietly.
(ooc: What exatcly is the oil suppose to do? I thought Stone to felsh only undid things like petrified people/objects, or worked on Some golems.)
Zeoll Monday February 18th, 2002 10:02:13 AM
Zeoll is glad to see a consensus build. "I think we have a decent shot to make this worrk," he says.
[OOC to Raorr's question: The Heart wasn't always stone. Before Domi died it was a living, beating Heart. I hope the Stone-to-Flesh potion might change it back. But probably it would not beat, and might even decompose (yuck!). So we need to have a spirit (Domi fragent?) live in it to make it beat and give it a life-force. That's my hope, anyway.]
Kular Monday February 18th, 2002 12:04:49 PM
The great Taur nods slowly as the plan begins to come together.
"Yes, yes, that just might work..." he scratches his chin idly, and it pains you to see how terribly old he seems now. As if the best part of him is long gone.
"But I think the use of base magics is not going to be sufficient. Roarr is correct. This is a Holy Artefact we are discussing here. Only the most powerful of Divine magics can bring about what you seek, and even then..."
He drifts off into deep thought, then his eyes suddenly focus once more. "Do I remember rightly...?" He rings a small bell, and an attendant hurries up, leans close to recieve the True taur's instructions, then hurries off to do his bidding.
Kular sits back once more, and listens once more as the Chosen continue to plan.
Flat-top Monday February 18th, 2002 6:52:25 PM
"After seeing the future, I'm ready to go or do anything to change the future. I want Kenisha to have her foul, I want Kalon to live and Raorr to get mad at me again. And I can only do that if we can change the present. That why I became a fighter in the first place. OH! don't pay me no never mind, I'm just an old war horse." Flat-top just stand there and look out the window.
Kenisha Tuesday February 19th, 2002 12:14:39 AM
"Whether through divine or arcane means, I think we should try." Kenisha says vehemently.
Raorr Tuesday February 19th, 2002 1:48:43 AM
Raorr smirks at flat-top's comment "Be careful what you wish for centaur, someone may grant you your desire"
Raorr nods "Okay Kenisha you've decided now we'll stand here while we wait for Kular's servant to return with his wishes and then we should leave."
He looks to Ceira Leets and Zeoll "You three, could you get the heart, this way we can save some time discussing it later, Kale you are quick, perhaps you could ask around to see if anyone has spotted Zakeria. I noticed she hasn't been around since we went into the portal"
To Kenisha he says "WE'll get through this I'm sure, but please don't have children solely based on a future that we are trying to avoid, if you two really mean to get married let it be some where far from the islands, I don't think the people on the islands aprrove of such cross species relations. I'm one of them, but being open to new things I may accept it begrudingly, others may not and causing a racial puritian movement would definetly not help our uniting our peoples. No matter how symbolic it may be, precedents are the most trying emotionally and physically, allow others to take some of the burden you have leadership of the taurs to worry about."
Zeoll Tuesday February 19th, 2002 6:54:16 AM
"Indeed, Rraorrr, I believe at least fourr of us should be with the Hearrt at all times. Let us all go, fetch it, and then keep it close henceforrth."
He goes, with whoever else comes (hopefully all) to bring the Heart.
"I am not tied to my plan," Zeoll says to Kular and the others. "If we think some otherr will worrk as well, we can trry that. I would love advice frrom ourr good frriend."
DM Carl: He Ain't Heavy... Tuesday February 19th, 2002 9:19:21 AM
It takes two strong Taur to carry the Heart back to the common room. You realise that if you're going to carry this thing any great distance it will take more of you; it must be incredibly dense, because it is not all that large. Perhaps some sort of cart or trolley might help?
Kular continues to stroke his chin, awaiting the return of the attendant, watching the Chosen continue their plans. At Roarr's words he holds up a hand. "No need to trouble yourself on that account. The three healers should already be on their way, Zakeria among them."
At the talk of reaction to mixed race marriage he looks sad, but holds his council.
Flat-top Tuesday February 19th, 2002 10:09:38 AM
After a few minutes of watching the birds out the window, Flat-top turns to Zeoll "I think I'm getting the reason behind this question. the reason we can get the Heart can be made alive again, is that it was not Domi's Heart But the Heart of essence of all the Taurs? That was broken into pieces? Is this why we need all that magic?"
"Hmmm! That is another story? Your Right Raorr I have not seen Zakeria since we arrived from the future." Flat-top turns and watches the children at play.
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday February 19th, 2002 1:06:58 PM
Standing quietly in contemplation Kalon waits for the partie's next move.
Leets Tuesday February 19th, 2002 3:15:18 PM
"Wow...That's heavy." says Leets rubbing his shoulder. "While we are at the Genie Center or at the Catacombs, maybe we can buy something to make the holy Heart easier to carry..."
"So, who will stay here, who will go to the Genie Center and who will go to the Catacombs? Do we go there together to have more weight, or do we split to be quicker?"
Kenisha Tuesday February 19th, 2002 11:47:16 PM
"Good idea, Leets." Kenisha replies. "We should have something made to help carry the Heart. As for splitting up or not, that would depend on how much money we have to raise. It'll do no good to send half of us to the Genie Center if they don't have the money they'll need."
Kenisha turns her eyes to Raorr and replies in a far more icy, but still civil tone. "I will not hide my love away like an eyesore. You may be right about racial purists, but I will marry Kalon. The ceremony does not have to be fancy nor flashy, nor will we rub it in the faces of those who might object. In fact I think I would prefer something simple and quiet. What do you think, Kalon?"
Ceira Karwyn Wednesday February 20th, 2002 1:39:35 AM
"Well... I am certainly happy for you Kenisha but a wemic and a..." Ceira pauses to clear her throat as if hesitant to continue, "centaur. It just... sounds weird. Anyways, let's get back on track here." Ceira looks down into her coin pouches. "Hmm... I'm not sure how much we'll need but I will volunteer to be one of the ones to go buy what we need. I'm confident that batting of my eyelashes will get us some decent prices." she winks.
Zeoll Wednesday February 20th, 2002 6:26:40 AM
"Leets," Zeoll says, "That is a good idea. We need a litterr of some kind." The liontaur helps to make one if he can be of service. Plus the artisans who remain at the Keep can do a better job.
"Sly, you arre rright on -- I hope that ourr deeds will fix the hearrts of all Taurrs, not just Domi's Hearrt."
The liontaur looks at Kenisha and Kalon, then to Raorr, Ceira, and Kular. "I, forr one, think that a wedding is just the thing to help people underrstand that all Taurrs must be united! Not only will thins be a happy day forr us herre, but forr all Taurrs!"
Zeoll adds, "On second thought, why don't we all go to the Black Genie Centerr and then go to the Catacombs if the BGC staff tells us to."
Kale Wednesday February 20th, 2002 9:18:24 AM
"I'm pretty sure we're not going to be able to buy Domi's spirit back into the heart, but they may at least be able to tell us some info on how to do it," Kale says. "As far as the wedding goes, let's worry about that issue when we have time. We have too many things to do right now."
Kalon the Wemic Wednesday February 20th, 2002 11:08:44 AM
Kalon smiles at Kenisha, "My love, I would marry you amidst fanfare and revelry or alone on the plains or forests with the wind and birds our only witness." He pauses and takes a deep breath, "We are the Chosen of Domi and we must lead first by example our union before all who can see is a must for our people. In this chaos filled world we can have our times of joy but cannot forget our duties to our people. If there are purists then it will draw them from the woodwork. The enemy we see is less dangerous then the one we don't. I think we should marry in the simplest grand spectacle we can. However we should be married by one who still follows. Perhaps one who has expressed reservations." He stops, looking at Raorr. "Well Raorr, my verbose friend?
He then looks at Leets and Ceira, "Of course to continue showing our unity I think we need two others. Two of seperate branches of our race to endorse our marriage. Perhaps Leets and Ceira," then looking at Zeoll, "Lastly we need someone to create the ceremony and nobody I am sure could do it better then Zeoll."
Looking at the remaining taurs, "Would that I could find something for each of you to do but perhaps we could use your services for security. After all the purists may not wait to strike."
Flat-top Wednesday February 20th, 2002 12:15:42 PM
"We'll need a Cleric besides you Kalon. A bridess Maid Ceira, very good choice, A groom man,Leets the best choice. And Kale, Raorr and I will be the guard taurs. Sounds good to me.
Now let's see how much gold I can come up with? Hmm I have 468 gold That I can spare.
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