Flat-top Wednesday February 20th, 2002 12:21:48 PM
"Oh! Look! I found a gold ring. That I fish out of a tree in the Red Wyrm Inn. Now we are ready. Do you have a handkerchief, Raorr? I know your going to cry."
DM Carl: Domi's last gift Wednesday February 20th, 2002 1:19:10 PM
As the Chosen finalise their plans, the attendant Kular sent returns, with Minisha, Mylo, Zakeria and the human cleric of Alemi in tow. The attendant struggles under the weight of a large silk-wrapped parcel. "Thank you for joining us," whispers Kular, motioning the attendant towards him. "I asked you all here because I don't know what will happen in the next few minutes, and your services may be required." Turning to the Chosen he continues;
"When Domi first created this place he entrusted me with this," he pats the large parcel now placed upon his knees. "He told me only, 'Use this only when the time is right. You will know when.' And I believe now is that time."
He begins to slowly unwrap the parcel with weak and trembling hands, until finally the covering is stripped away to reveal a large stone tablet, with ancient Tauric runes inscribed into its surface.
He looks around the group before he begins to read out loud;
"The First shall be the Last, Be he who marks the Path, To guide the Chosen Few Till Stone is Flesh anew!"
As the frail True Taur reads the runes begin to glow faint blue. By the second line they burn with azure fire, blazing more brightly with every word. And Kular's voice and posture seem to be changing also. As the verse continues his old strength seems to flood back into the True Taur. His shoulders square, his chest expands and by the last verse the feeble invalid who began the reading is standing, feet planted wide, muscles cracking with power and blue fire, his once cracked voice a furious, joyous roar!
With the final word there is a blinding flash of light. Thunder rumbles over the Keep, and Kular stands before you, bigger, stronger, more powerful that ever before! Sparks of the magical light flicker over his skin and fade, as Ilsa, the human cleric, falls to her knees and whispers "Blessed Alemi!" (Make a spellcraft check DC 15 to recognize the light as Divine in origin).
"It is done," Kular rumbles mightily, smiling down at each you. "I am returned."
But the Taur who speaks to you does not speak with Kular's voice!
Raorr d20=8 Wednesday February 20th, 2002 2:18:56 PM
Surprise crosses his face at Kalon's suggestion "Kalon I'm no preist nor do I have any desire to be one. Let those who chose to worship stone and paper bring you together, I worship through steel and blood. That is the way of the warrior, the way I see Imod. The rest may see his kinder side but I don't my reservations are neither against you or Kenisha, it's that I believe that it will not be tolerated by the taurs so soon, when and iff you have a child it will not be accepted by either side. I'm sure you two are not the first 'couple' even before our people split."
Raorr looks at Flat-top raising a hand to smack him "I aught to.." Obviously he restrains himself but it looked close. <Just trying to provoke me I bet> he thinks <that's prtety dangerous>.
He becomes distracted once Kular begins to talk
Once he speaks Raorr says gasping "Imod!" with that he lowers his head.
Flat-top d20+1=19 Wednesday February 20th, 2002 3:45:31 PM
Flat-top looks at Raorr as hes about to hit him one,hold fast against the blow to come... But the voice... that voive of... "He's back" whispers Flat-top. "He's back in the true form of the Taurs." Then he is silent, waiting for the sound of his voice again.
Leets Wednesday February 20th, 2002 7:03:07 PM
The young centaur paladin walks with awe before the mighty Taur standing before them. Unable to spell the most single word, he bows his head and kneels down, understanding that there is much more than Kular here...
Kenisha Wednesday February 20th, 2002 11:37:49 PM
With tears in her eyes, Kenisha kneels down as well from her place next to Kalon.
Doubting Zeoll d20+1=18 d20+7=24 d20+4=9 Thursday February 21st, 2002 12:02:50 AM
Zeoll's untrained Spellcraft check (raw Int roll okay?) suggests a divine origin, but Zeoll just cannot believe his eyes.
He makes a Sense Motive roll to see if Kular has been affected by some enchantment (roll 24 falls one short I think).
But since the Being has made no claims, Zeoll offers no challenge. Instead, he just watched and waits, paying very close attention. (Spot roll 9)
He tries to remember if this being's voice is the same as the voice he remembers from when he met Domi.
Ceira Karwyn d20+8=15 Thursday February 21st, 2002 12:32:41 AM
Ceira blushes at the suggestion of being the Bride's Maid and acknowledges Kenisha and Kalon with a curtsy as best as a wemic's four paws can manage. Due to her feline build, she manages to pull it off without tripping over herself.
(OOC: Spellcraft=15) Ceira's jaw feels as if it scrapes the floor as she stares in awe at what has transipired. "Kular?" she whispers in a hushed voice as if hesitant to believe.
Kale d20+2=12 Thursday February 21st, 2002 8:25:32 AM
Not seeing anything unusual about the light, Kale says to Kular, "Your voice changed. What happened?"
DM Carl: Like a Taur Possessed Thursday February 21st, 2002 10:07:48 AM
Zeoll is certain that the voice is not that of Domi. Though not well versed in these matters, he believes Kular has been possessed. But by who? Or what? It doesn't take long to find out.
'Kular' shakes his huge head sadly at Roarr's exclamation. "No my Children, am not Domi. I wish that it were so! My name is Tarsus, the first of the Taurs. I was the sire of the Taur races."
He looks at each of you, fixing you with the impossible depth of those black eyes, before continuing;
"I am sent by Gargul from the realms of the Dead, as a token of respect for your faith and hope in my Heart given so long ago by Domi. Yes, the Heart that was sundered and then reunited by your faith was my own, suffused with my spirit and brought alive by the power of Domi.
I am here to advise you. Gargul has requested and Alemi granted that my heart be alive and active once more. I am here to guide you in your quest to achieve that end."
At the mention of Alemi Ilsa stands and steps forward. "Yes, I felt great Alemi's mighty hand at work. It is by his power that this... Tarsus has entered the body of Kular." She gazes up at the magnificent Taur in awe.
Kalon the Wemic Thursday February 21st, 2002 11:00:26 AM
Kalon remembering his experience as a child had not moved at the change in Kular. Domi's final words still ringing in his heart he faces the changed Kular. He does however make note of those around eager for Kular to be the returned Domi. When he hears who the new Kular is his heart sinks briefly with dissappointment.
"So you are the first taur named Tarsus. Perhaps you can explain what reunite the taurs means" he asks. Then helping Kenisha back to her feet he waits for Tarsus answer.
Flat-top Thursday February 21st, 2002 11:36:46 AM
Tarsus? Tarsus? I though your were just a myth, told to young colts? What race were YOU Centaur? Minotaur? or Wemic? Answer Us these question and I follow the banner of Unity to the end of time." Flat-top look to Kale and Raorr and questions "OK! what's wrong? You two have your eyebrows in a knot?"
Leets Thursday February 21st, 2002 12:05:05 PM
Leets quickly stands up, almost losing his balance. He glances at Kular-Tarsus with amazement, eyes wide opened.
"Err...Hem...Tarsus the Holy Father of all Taurs! Oh my...I knew somebody important just arrived but that...That's really great!!!"
The young paladin listens to Tarsus quietly, and politely wait for Flat-Top and Kalon to have finished.
"Gargul requested it! Alemi granted it! So in this quest there are even two gods who shall walk by our side! Then there is no way to hesitate anymore!"
Raorr look at Flat-top Thursday February 21st, 2002 6:25:29 PM
Shaking his head Raorr says, "Flat-top, it's good to know you're so eager NOT to follow the banner of unity if he choose not to answer. Isn't it obvious to you all He was the first that is why he looks that way. When the heart was sundered so was he. That is why the three races look so different. They each took on differnt portions of the Taur race."
Still shaking his head, "I don't need some old tale to explain that one that was easy."
Kenisha Friday February 22nd, 2002 1:39:39 AM
Kenisha smiles at Kalon and kisses him on the cheek after he helps her up. "Thanks." she whispers to him.
"I think Raorr has it right. 'The First shall be the last'. Kular is the living embodiment of what the Taurs use to be. Right?"
Kale Friday February 22nd, 2002 9:23:42 AM
"Sorry, but I havnt heard of you." Kale says. "Though if what you say is true, does that mean the Minotaurs were first to exist, since your a minotaur."
Zeoll Friday February 22nd, 2002 9:32:48 AM
"We arre honorred by yourr prresence," Zeoll says in Tauric, bowing deeply.
"And we would be glad to have yourr advice or help in rrestorring the Hearrt. Thank you!"
DM Carl: Tarsus tells it like it is Friday February 22nd, 2002 11:54:32 AM
Tarsus smiles as the Chosen bombard him with questions.
"It seems that since my passing history has turned to legend, and legend turned to myth. Very well, a little history should be of use in clarifying your situation.
"The form I have now, that of centaur, minotaur and liontaur combined (OOC This is the True Taur form of Kular, not, as Kale suggested, a minotaur) is the original form I had as the first taur. My progeny, however, looked as you do today. They were separated into the three distinct races. However my Heart, created as a divine artifact for our people by Domi, was not the cause of the dividing of the races. The physical differences in time became mental and social ones, the races began to divide into tribes. When the heart was presented to the tribes the sundering took place precisely because they were so divided. The sundering of my Heart, and the dividing of the islands symbolized the division amongst my Children.
"You ask what 'Reunite the Taurs' means. It is no less a task than conquering the racial hatreds that exist between the three races, overcoming the stereotypes and petty jealousies, banishing their fear, envy and pride. Only then can a single society arise once more, a united Taur state, made up of all three races acting together in harmony. This, make no mistake, is a monumental task. Perhaps, after so many centuries of war and hatred, and with great Domi gone, it is even impossible. Truthfully, I do not know.
"Now when Domi called each of you, and bade you reunite my Heart, it was the first step on the path to healing the rift begun so long ago. The Heart was to be a symbol of unity between the Taur races, a banner behind which the three races could begin to come together once more.
"Now, through your faith, the dead Heart may beat once more, and the banner may be reinstated. Alemi can provide the power that once came from Domi, but it is not that simple. When Marteaus the dark Lord murdered Domi, the heart was tainted by his foul touch. It is not only dead, it is infected by his vile power.
"Before the Heart can be reanimated, it must first be cleansed. And the only place this can be done is in the most Holy of sanctuaries, and by the most Holy of divine representatives in the Wold. You must travel many miles to the East, to the Temple of Light, in far off Plateau City. There you must seek out the High Priest, and bid her cleanse the Heart, to prepare it for the rituals to follow."
Kale Saturday February 23rd, 2002 5:47:57 PM
"Well, you look like a minotaur to me." Kale says. "Plateau City. I'm not sure we'll be welcomed there, it being a human city and all."
Leets Sunday February 24th, 2002 7:42:31 AM
"Oh come on Kale! I always wanted to get a look at this city, I've been hearing of it so many times! Moreover, we have no choice if we have to find the clerics there. If they have troubles letting us walk their streets, we can always explain them that we have a holy quest. Even people strange tempered like humans should help us with this no? It's their Wold too after all!"
Flat-top Sunday February 24th, 2002 11:33:57 AM
"To me, Kale, he look like a Centaur. A good looking one at that," muses Flat-top. "Leets, to be honest I never heard of this Plateau City? But if that's the way to go and Kenisha says we go. I'm going. Coming Kale? How about you Raorr, coming? It will be a good fight good for the muscles!" Flat-top is baiting Raorr, knowing that Raorr loves a good fight.
Kenisha Sunday February 24th, 2002 12:26:15 PM
Senisha's eyes are laughing even as she strains to keep her mouth from joining in.
"To me Kular has always looked like a beautiful mixture of all three races. As to going to this Plateau City, I say we do it. For Zeoll's plan to get the heart beating again, it sounds like we have to and I'm all for it."
Raorr Monday February 25th, 2002 2:26:44 AM
Raorr pipes in, "I believe I've been to the city once before, helped a few humans kill a purple worm I believe. Of course the details are still dreamy, all I remember is flying carpet and garbage can lid, and a horrible flight that involved me riding a lid holding on to a rope.
"It's called Plateau City for a reason, quite the climb without magic. But tolerant of our kinds. The whole event reinforced my belief humans are stupid. We weren't even there to hunt a purple worm, only to get a sample of its lair. Some human decided to call out into the cave and drew its attention."
Raorr puffs his chest and continues, "Of course the puny humans couldn't harm the beast so I gored it to death in 12 seconds flat, my horns and blade carved it like its hide was a cloth."
Zeoll Monday February 25th, 2002 6:57:53 AM
Zeoll asks the figure of the Taur from out of time, "Good sirr, may I ask forr yourr guidance about two things?"
"After we obtain the patrriarrch's blessing, what else must we do to make the hearrt beat again?"
"And what do you think of the idea of using the Hearrt as a symbol to rrally taurrs and rraise a grreat multi-taurr arrmy to find and fight the forrces of the foul Marrteaus?"
DM Carl: The Quest Accepted Monday February 25th, 2002 11:02:29 AM
"So, we are agreed? Very well.
"In answer to your questions sir," nods the huge True Taur to Zeoll, "I can offer you only this piece of advice. Keep one eye on the future by all means, but keep your mind on the present. What will be will be, but only if the task at hand is accomplished. You ask for my guidance, this is what I can offer you. In time all things become clear, but for now worry about the first steps of your journey, not the destination.
"A ship has docked down near the Shanty Town that has grown up around Heartkeep. It is headed for Plateau City, and will be leaving within the next couple of hours. The Captain will be amenable to your booking passage aboard his vessel. Also, there will be one other who has traveled far to reach you. Accept him as you would accept one another. Now, unless there are any more questions, I would suggest you prepare yourselves for the travails ahead!"
Flat-top Monday February 25th, 2002 11:42:37 AM
Yes! Sir! Keep eye on future and Keep mind on present." Ponders the Centaur. "Come on guys! Kenisha said we go." Flat-top gallops to the door, stops at the threshold turns and bows toward the old Taur. then on to his room, picks up his back pack and gear, exits his room and shouts,"Last One to the Front Door Is A Lacy Pants Taur!"
Zeoll Monday February 25th, 2002 3:30:23 PM
"Two last questions, please, Tarrsus. You said that we should 'trravel many miles to the East, to the Temple of Light, in farr off Plateau City. Therre you must seek out the High Prriest, and bid herr cleanse the Hearrt, to prrepare it forr the rrituals to follow.'"
"My questions arre:"
"Firrst, could we get therre much fasterr using the magical porrtals we found on Centaurr Island? We know how to get to Lankhmarr -- even if we can't get to Plateau City dirrectly, would it save time to go to Lankhmarr firrst?"
"Second, should we brring the Hearrt with us orr brring the High Prriest back herre for the cleansing?"
Kalon the Wemic Monday February 25th, 2002 10:17:24 PM
Kalon moves towards Kenisha and takes her hand. "I guess our wedding day will have to be put off for awhile still my love. We still have our duty first to attend to," he says smiling.
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday February 26th, 2002 12:08:11 AM
"The humans of Plateau City..." scoffs Ceira. "I've never been there myself but I'm sure they're nothing compared to us Taurs. However this High Priest seems to be a humanoid of great power. I will have to see it to believe it."
Kenisha Tuesday February 26th, 2002 1:45:43 AM
Kenisha smiles ruefully at Kalon, "It seems so. But it will take place; it must or my heart will burst."
Turning to the others she simply says, "Everyone get ready, we have a difficult task before us, but I's sure we are most capable of completing it."
Raorr waits Tuesday February 26th, 2002 2:26:06 AM
Raorr stands ready to leave. He mindlessly rubs various patches on his armour, feeling the bumps and edges that protect him.
Leets Tuesday February 26th, 2002 8:48:09 AM
The young centaur paladin races Flat-Top to get his things first. He grabs his backpack, his sword, his shield and his quarterstaff, and heads in the direction of the gates as quickly as he can, skidding in the doorways and galloping when he can.
"We are going to resurrect the heart! THAT'S GREAT!!!"
DM Carl: Parting is such sweet sorrow... Tuesday February 26th, 2002 11:32:53 AM
"Hmm," ponders Tarsus at Zeoll's questions. "A portal to Lankhmar, you say? No, no It would be no quicker to go that way to my mind. And the land you would have to traverse is simply too dangerous in these troubled times. No, the sea route is best.
And yes, you will certainly need to take the Heart. The ceremony of cleansing must be carried out in Plateau City."
The Chosen gather their belongings, and say their farewells.
"Don't forget to wrap up warm, and be sure not to eat any of that nasty foreign food!" Sniffs a tearful Neima, waving a hanky as you leave. "Come back safely, you hear?"
The Chosen make their way down to the dock, and sure enough a trading ship has arrived. Zeoll recognises it at once as the Merry Mermaid, the ship he boarded when first he heard Domi's call. Several familiar looking faces lean over the side, taking in the sights.
He spies the gruff Captain Parsons standing at the gangplank, in discussion with a black haired minotaur with ornately engraved horns. The taur's left ear is almost entirely missing and he has many very distinct and gruesome looking scars all over his body. As he turns towards you you realise his tail is missing. Captain Parsons looks up and spots Zeoll. "Hey, hey ain't that Blesser? It is, it is! Good ta see you, matey! What are you doin' here on Bridge Isle?"
{Ladies and gents, kindly welcome Jay to Game 7! He has been playing over in game 3 for several months, and now joins us to fill the Taur roster. You can mail a 'Hello!' to Jay on axemaster1010@yahoo.com
Flat-top Tuesday February 26th, 2002 12:26:32 PM
Flat-top rushes into his room, takes all his gear (bow & arrows, shield, backpack) and puts on his armor. Ready, he starts to gallop for the dock, when Neima bids him a tearful fare well. "Don't worry, Neima, for you I'll be very careful and come back to you." With a wave of the hand Flat-top is off behind Leets, galloping all the way to the dock. There he meets again the old captain, "Ahh! Captain Parson, I see the winds have been good to you. We may have a little favor to ask of you." Flat-top looks around (as to see if anybody is listening) then whispers to the captain, "A marriage on the high seas."
Kale Tuesday February 26th, 2002 4:03:10 PM
Gathering his things, Kale travels with the others to the ship. Once he gets there he says to the captain, "How long until we get to our destination?" Then, remembering something, he goes to Kenisha and whispers, "I think we forgot to bring the heart."
Ceira Karwyn Tuesday February 26th, 2002 9:33:14 PM
"I believe Flat-Top called you Captain Parsons?" Ceira walks up and politely bows to show her respect to his ship. Her attention is soon caught on the minotar without the tail. She leans more to her right to see if it isn't wrapped on the farther end, but is astonished to discover it REALLY IS missing! "Umm Captain... is this one of your crewmen? Unless my eyes deceive me, he is missing a tail."
She looks up to find the minotar looking down at her. "Oops! I'm sorry!" as Ceira quickly stands erect again. "I didn't mean to be rude by staring but I couldn't help but... Ahem! My name is Ceira. Pleased to meet you." She extends her hand and bows slightly.
Kenisha Tuesday February 26th, 2002 10:54:43 PM
Kenisha gathers her things and on the way out of the Keep, notices that the Heart is still where it was brought from the chamber.
"Kalon?" she calls out, "Flat-top? Anyone still here? We need to bring the Heart with us. Give me a hand and we'll get it down to the ship."
(OOC: She will look for any of the Chosen still in the Keep to help her carry the Heart down to the ship)
Kalon the Wemic Tuesday February 26th, 2002 11:33:46 PM
Kalon hearing Kenisha call for help follows her voice. His small backpack his only gear he moves to where she is.
"Ah having my heart alone isn't good enough you must have Tarsus heart as well" he says with a smile moving to the other side of the heart. Lifting at the one side he feels the muscles in his back protesting. Glancing at Kenisha,"I know it may not seem very dignified but the heart is sort of round we could roll it" he smiles again,"Guards...guards we are in need of your assistance"
OOC: what shape is the heart I have never figured that out really?
Raorr the Minotaur Wednesday February 27th, 2002 1:31:44 AM
"Okay I'll help, I agree rolling it would be simpler, but for the sake of hardship and this groups history of doing things the long way I guess we should carry it" The minotaur Barbarian assists the WEmic monk and the centaur sorceress lift the stone.
"Huh that's funny, you could say this time 'we got the rock in a hard place'" he jokes "We got unity here if that's what you want HEart each race helping the other over YOU."
Leets Wednesday February 27th, 2002 6:44:28 AM
Leets on his way to the ship suddenly stops and let Flat-Top overtake him in the race.
"Oh oh...We just forgot the Heart!"
He comes back to the Keep, where he meets Raorr, Kalon and Kenisha trying to a find a way to bring it on the ship.
"To roll the Heart in the dust! Don't even think of it! We all four together should be able to lift it! Aren't we Raorr?"
Zeoll d20+10=19 d20+10=11 Wednesday February 27th, 2002 6:56:05 AM
Zeoll bows and bids Tarsus farewell. "Thank you forr helping us. And thanks to Kularr forr his rrole as well. Frrom such as you two ourr rraces werre borrn, and borrn well!"
Knowing time is short, Zeoll composes a short ballad to tell the people about the Chosens' new quest. He performs it for the Keep Staff and for the taurs at the harborside village. In it he offers hope for taur unity and a living heart to come. [OOC: sorry, no time to compose the actual ballad! but two perform checks are above. Ouch! Natural 1 in the village!]
Zeoll gathers his belongings, bids farewell to the three NPC healers and the two priests who are remaining behind, helps carry the Heart if need be, and makes his way to the ship.
There he meets Captain Parsons. He smiles and greets the human. "The last time I saw you," the liontaur says, "you werre flat on your back with a nasty bump on the head. I am glad to see that the Miraculous Watery Hand Of Domi that brrought me to Bridge Island did not drown yourr ship!" Zeoll does not mention his very vague recollection of being thrown off the Merry Mermaid into the storm by the mutinous crew while the captain lay unconscious -- maybe he just dreamed that!
Looking at the minotaur, Zeoll holds out his hand in greeting. "If I am not mistaken, ourr meeting was forretold to us, and I am glad to welcome you to stand among the Chosen. I am Zeoll, once Student to Shaman Frrith and Warrriorr to Prride Nonowla, who arre now dust. I still count myself a prroud Son to Clan Aene of Wemic Island."
Zeoll bows, and the beads woven in his auburn mane click together as he rises to his full seven-foot height.
[OOC: Gosh Darn the burp in the Archives that lost Nov 1-8, 2000! I forget exactly what happened. The above is based on my vague recollection.]
Brahmah Wednesday February 27th, 2002 8:29:15 AM
The rather gruesome looking, falchion carrying, eight foot tall minotaur looks down on the Liontaur who just introduced himself as Zeoll. He does not take the hand extended to him in greeting right away, in fact, he seems to be waiting for Zeoll to take his massive hand. "No disrespect intended friend, but are YOU the Honored Leader of Chosen... or their emissary?! Perhaps I'm familiar to you Zeoll, but I don't remember dreaming you up!"
The black-haired minotaur begins to scan the few other Chosen in the area. Not seeing anything but Wemic around, he looks at Ceira and notices her staring at his rear end. "See anything back there that interests you... Ceira was it?!" He also extends his hand to Ceira waiting for her to take it. The large figure just stands waiting in the awkward silence awaiting the hand shakes.
Then he notices the centaur talking to the Captain and lowers both hands, then takes a step closer to the Captain and centaur. "Is he Chosen as well?" The minotaur just seems to be sizing the Centaur up, almost measuring him. "Are the Chosen taking this ship? Why are they sea-bound??!!" He suddenly snaps demandingly, then as if a switch was flipped, his attitude takes a sudden 180 degrees. "You dishonor yourself Brahmah," he says quietly, almost in a chastizing tone. "Is this any way to treat the Chosen!?" With a very robust laugh he turns and grabs the male Wemic's hand, giving it a VERY hardy shake, toothy smile beaming.
"My name is Brahmah, perhaps as one of the wise Chosen you can tell me what this means!" Brahmah fingers around inside a pouch and retrieves a stone button with a symbol of Domi on it. Barely having it out a second he asks again, almost child-like with excitement (a big change from a minute ago). "Does the wise emissary of the Chosen know what this is?! I awoke with it one night about a year ago, I'm not sure where it came from." He pauses. "I was Chosen, wasn't I?" His eyes show a fire within them, a passion, and hope.
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