The Orb of Shadows — Legacy Forums

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#81

"How do we track it and what are the demon's weakness?" Seabrum asked bluntly.

Clerics had moved into the room, now, and had started their healing magics on those with injury.

As Seabrum waited for the answers, he could feel the warm tickle of his wounds mending.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#82

Harper jolted awake as a warm tingle ran through her arm. She shook her head and rubbed her eyes she looked around the room at the people there and then rubbed her eye's again "I'm so sorry i never meant to fall asleep" She looked to the floor and then shook her head again. Harper looked at Father keane and blurted out "There can't be that many of these demons surely, and where do they come from?" Harper put her hand to her mouth and sighed she had always had a problem with being to blunt about what she thought. Harper flicked her hair out of her face and waited for the cleric to answer.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#83

"It's very late, and I sympathize with your weariness, young lady," said Father Keane, acknowledging her falling asleep. "While our acolytes attend to your wounds, we are making arrangements for each of you to stay within the safety of the church for the remainder of the evening. In the morning, we will set about a plan of action for the orb's retrieval."

Aesltan started to suggest that they leave now, in the middle of the night, to prevent the demons from getting further away, but Lord Theodric stood up suddenly and addressed the group.

"My friends, I realize that some of you may have little reason to get involved with these matters, and I wouldn't blame you if you passed on the opportunity. But for what it's worth, my family is prepared to offer substantial financial compensation to anyone who can return the orb, intact."

Lord Theodric reached and pulled out a small pouch that had been buried behind his thick red cape. He spilled its contents onto the table in front of everyone, and Aelstan estimated that there must be at least 100 gold crowns scattered about.

"This is to help you get whatever equipment you need to get started," continued Lord Theodric. "In the morning, the demons will be gone, yes, but they will most likely not be too far, for I don't think they will travel in the daylight. You will each need your rest, and to possibly stock up on supplies. Father Keane will provide each of you with a small amount of healing devices."

Aelstan lifted a finger, as if asking permission to speak, and the young lord stopped and allowed the ranger to interject.

"Excuse me, m'lord," said Aelstan in a frustrated but assertive manner. "But once we have these supplies, where exactly are we supposed to go? I mean, we know the Jandoshan have the Orb, and that they are probably taking it back to their summoner - the thief who stole the Orb of Shadows in the first place. But surely you can't expect us to have any real knowledge of it's whereabouts."

Father Keane looked very uncomfortable, and slowly stepped back to allow Lord Theodric to move to the front of the room and continue.

"I appreciate the help you are giving us, but my friends and I have no idea where to go, or where these demons were summoned," continued Aelstan, looking even more aggravated. The ranger could tell that the young nobleman had anticipated this question and was prepared to answer. "So exactly where is it you want us to go in the morning?"

After a short pause, possibly for emphasis, possibly out of hesitation, Lord Theodric finally answered.

"Just outside of the city of Falmouth is the Baron's... my father's.. castle. I believe that you will find the answers to your questions there..."

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#84

Piper allowed the healers to do their work. It helped, a little. The wounds stopped aching and bleeding, at least. He'd always have the scars, but that didn't matter. More for his collection, and at least this time he'd done worse to them. As they moved away, he whispered, "And what of this curse? Once we find your orb and kill the thief, what then? How do we bring it back to you with out falling to this curse ourselves?"

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#85

Eri shuddered at the thought of loosing her sanity and health. She was listening intently, and the incentive of money was always a good reason to get involved in a crazy quest. Eri smiled lightly listening to the discussion being made.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#86

Harper grimaced at the money now spread over the table. It had only bought her bad luck ever since she had stolen that stupid warlocks stupid gold coin. Harper shook her head 'how was i supposed to know he had cursed it' thought harper to herself "I don't do things for money. Well not any more i don't." Harper had been through a lot and now this. She swore she had a curse on her. Harper was usally in some kind of trouble but she always managed to pull herself out of it, but Harper also had the bad problem of not saying no. It was always yes this and yes that which got Harper into trouble.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#87

Aelstan was surprised to hear that Lord Theodric was implicating his own father, Baron Grath, behind the theft of the Orb. Presumably this was why the young nobleman seemed so distraught. He must have known that his father had something to do with this.

"Lord Theodric, we appreciate your generos offer for supplies, and we appreciate the Church's protection for the night, but I'm not sure what it is you want us to do when we arrive at your father's castle in Falmouth," said Aelstan. As a traveling ranger, he was used to keeping late hours and sleeping in the wild, but under the present circumstances, he wasn't sure he'd be able to get much rest tonight. The looks on his companions' faces told him that they probably wouldn't have as much trouble getting some sleep...

"I am not sure myself," replied Lord Theodric. "But then again, since you will be doing the traveling tomorrow, I suggest that you each retire for the evening while Father Keane and I prepare a plan to share with you in the morning. Should you choose not to assist us in recovering the Orb, we will understand and let you be on your way."

And with that, the nobleman politely but quickly excused himself and left the room. Father Keane looked a bit baffled as to what to do next, so he call for the acolytes to come escort the guests to the visitor quarters.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#88

Piper let the acolytes lead him to the guest quarters, suddenly realizing how exhausted he was. Fighting the Jandoshan took a lot out of him. Fortunately, he'd picked up a warrior's way of sleeping: dozing off and resting when and wherever the opportunity presented itself, always ready to defend himself at a moment's notice. Upon being shown to the chamber he was to use, he sat down on the floor, leaning against the wall and completely ignoring the bed. He hadn't slept in a bed for so long he doubted he could anymore. He simply pulled his cloak further around him and closed his eyes. Underneath the cloak, one hand rested on a sword hilt, and the other on his crossbow.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#89

Harper smiled and walked into the small room, she looked once at the bed and then walked over to the window which overlooked the small town. Harper rested her head on her hands and her elbows on the window seal. "I shouldn't go with them i know i shouldn't" Harper said into the quietness of the room. a small whistle and click answered her words. A small fluff ball rolled out of one of her pockets and landed with a plop on the floor. "What do you think Momo, should i go? but if i go i know i will just ruin everything i always do" a series of clicks and whistles emitted from the puff ball, Harper looked shocked as Momo started to jump up and down on the floor. She looked out the window and watched as people flitted in and out of houses and shops. "I never thought of it that way" Said Harper quickly "What if this is my time to change everything around!" Momo squeked loudly, Harper turned and picked the little fluff ball up and placed it on her shoulder where it sat playing with it's tiny feet which poked out the bottom of it's fur. it had short arm's with long slender fingers on the end, it was a light blue colour and looked more like a bit of cotton wool than anything. Harper smiled and flung herself onto the bed. if any of the others heard her talking they would probably wonder who she was talking to, but they wouldn't hear the small squeks and whistles.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#90

Eri was eternally grateful with the alcolytes came in and showed them all to their rooms. Happily accepting the chance for a bath and sleep, she quickly unpacked her saddle bag and grabbed some supplies. Smiling she went over to the fireplace, where a large tub sat, filled with scented water. The fire had warmed it up significantly, so she promptly stripped and jumped in.

Relaxing in the frothy tub, she concidered her circumstances. She just came from a two day, little sleep trek from the mountains, after a hired-job for some Prince - if that's what he really was - and had little to no sleep or rest the entire way here. She had encountered a few creatures of the night, that had set her journey along duing the dead of night. And some daylight hunters that surprised her even more. It was almost like the animals were getting more and more desperate. It frightened her a little. She wondered if it was from the 'Shadowy Orb' or whatever they called it.

That artifact gave her the chills too. Something that could be re-created after it was destroyed was creepy enough, but the fact that it held the essense of evil, that was petrifying.

Maybe this isn't a good idea? She thought, running her hands through her mousy-brown hair. No, it's the right thing to do. Something that horrible shouldn't get in the hands of othe evil people. The church is a good place to keep it.

Finally decided, she climbed out of her tub and dried off, jumping into her smallclothes, she slipping into the nice bed, the first one she had in weeks. And promptly fell asleep.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#91

Seabrum, alone in the darkness of his room, did not contemplate whether or not he was going to continue after the Orb. In his mind there was no other option.

His thoughts were otherwise occupied with the rage of loss.

Sleep escaped him as he writhed in agony, rolling around the bed, trying to force the images out. Years at the forge had taught Seabrum meticulous patience and self control. All of it he used to keep himself from being lost in the grief.

Eager to leave the solitude, Seabrum left his room early that morning and went to await the others and hear of their next course of action.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#92

As a veteran member of the Blackthorn Brigade back west, Aelstan had spent the vast majority of his nights in the wilderness. He was always at ease in the wild, in the essence of nature, surrounded by the creatures and forms of life that he understood and were within his control. Though the church was offering a very comfortable room by normal travelers' standards, Aelstan could never be completely relaxed in this man-made environment.

The mattress was too soft, probably full of the feathers of a hundred wild birds. The window in his room was not large enough to allow much of a breeze inside. The wood in the fireplace had been treated so as to give off little scent and smoke inside the building, and therefore it did not smell natural. There were dozens of other complaints that Aelstan could list if he had the inclination, but he decided to put it out of his mind and force himself to sleep.

As a young boy growing up in the Warrenwood, Aelstan's father served in the local militia. While he never became powerful or influential, his father did earn an honest reputation for being fair and seeking out justice. One night, young Aelstan awoke to find his father standing over him, reciting a quick prayer of some sort and touching him on the forehead.

"Papa, what are you doing? Are you okay?" the boy asked, rubbing his eyes.

"Relax, my son. I am fine, and I am giving you my blessing. You must sleep, and do not worry, for I won't be gone long," replied his father, nothing more than a dark silhouette framed by the afterglow of the evening's fire in the hearth.

And with that, the father turned and left his son and his family to do his good deed. Perhaps it was to bring a villain to justice in the middle of the night. Perhaps it was to serve the lord of the Warrenwood on a secret mission. Or perhaps his father heeded a call to pull him away forever, and abandon his family.

Aelstan never knew what happened to his father, as did no one. He had always been told that his father would never turn down an opportunity to make things right, even if it would mean risking his own life. And while the ranger never knew what became of his father that night, he loved his father for whatever it was that drove him to do what he felt was right.

As Aelstan climbed into the soft bed and allowed his head to hit the pillow full of bird feathers, he couldn't help but feel that his father would be proud of him for choosing to help out the people of Livien. With a smile slowly forming on his weather-beaten face, Aelstan drifted off to sleep...

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#93

Piper dozed off quickly. He didn't usually dream, but apparently, things were different tonight.

"Congratulations, Sienn!" "Yah, Mara is the prettiest girl in the village!" "Actually, I'm a little stunned... I always thought she'd go for Kieshan. What with him being the Warmaster. I'm just a firedancer." "Oh, come on, Sienn! You say that like you're not the youngest Dancemaster in forever, not to mention one of the only eight men to hold the position!" "Oh, leave him alone. You know how shy he is, and you also know he's never going to believe Mara has been chasing after him for years. When's the ceremony going to be, Sienn?" "Three days time. The princess herself is going to perform it." "I still can't believe you're getting handfasted, Sienn..."

The dream shifted.

Fire, everywhere. The Traitor's hateful face. "Kill the children! You may do as you like with the women, but make sure the warriors are taken alive! I want them to see the end! And I have something special in store for the princess, so no man is to touch her!" "What about their priests?" "The battlepriests are accounted for, and the firedancers are harmless, crippled by thier own inane vows. Have fun." Pain. Heat and light. A woman's scream. Blinding rage. The sound of men and monsters dying. And the overwhelming knowledge that the goddess had not answered the frantic prayers...

Piper awoke, sweating. Old wounds, emotional and physical, ached. Why did he have to remember? Why, of the memories that were originally his, did he have to keep those? They were long dead, and he had sent them back to the goddess himself, the first of many times he had performed the now-meaningless gesture. Piper got up. Sleeping any more was out of the question, and it was nearly dawn anyway. He got up and silently found his way out to the grounds. Might as well patrol a bit while he waited for the others. He was wise enough to know that he couldn't recover the orb and kill the thief by himself. But he had sworn on the ashes of his brother that Lomarin would die in deep water, and Piper always kept his oaths.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#94

Daylight came early, much too early for Aelstan. It had taken him a while to fall asleep, but now that he was comfortable he didn't want to get up. Unfortunately, the acolytes in the church were not inclined to let visitors while away the hours in bed, so the bells rang and rang and rang. Aelstan never could have been a cleric; too much structure and discipline, not enough of the outdoors and hard labor.

The ranger lumbered over to a pan of clear water that had been placed in his room the night before and scooped up what he could with both hands, and splashed it on his rough face. Though there was no mirror in the room, Aelstan could tell that he had several days' worth of black stubble that had built up on his face, and his curly dark hair was in need of a wash, considering he was in a civilized area and discussing matters with a lord and high priest. He would need a few minutes to get cleaned up...

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#95

Piper came back inside when he heard the bells ringing. He knew quite well that he probably didn't look quite presentable; his cloak was dusty and still had blood on it from the fights last night, and his scarf wasn't much better. He hadn't mending the new holes in his clothes yet, either. Frankly, he didn't much care. If the young lord and the high priest couldn't handle his apprearance, then they'd just have to deal with it. He went to the guest quarters to wait for the others.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#96

Harper rose quickly ut of bed and ran to the fresh water in her room she splashed it on her face and then leant in backwards and wet her hair. She wringed out her hair and let the glossy black locks fall about her face. She had stayed in her clothes the night before and she was still dressed when she got up. Momo was preening herself on the windowsill making her fluffy hair more and more fluffy "Momo come on girl let's go" Momo jumped from the windowsill and landed in Harper's held open pocket. She walked slowly to the door then turned and looked back out of the window, she sighed slightly and opened the door and walked out. Harper walked slowly towards the guest quarters turning every now and then to check that she wasn't being followed she did this most of the time no matter where she was. Harper turned a corner and there was Piper sat there waiting. Harper walked into the room and leant lazily against the wall.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#97

Seabrum was startled awake by the clanging of the bells. Exhaustion had finally taken him while he sat in an uncomfortable chair in the room they had previously met Father Keane.

Gathering his thoughts, he awaited everyones arrival, mentally preparing for the grim events the day promised.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#98

Aelstan knew that Father Keane would most likely be waiting for him and the others, so the ranger didn't take much time to spruce up, choosing just to clean his face and straighten up his clothes. He didn't have a real change of clothes with him, since he was used to traveling light in the outdoors. He knew he would need to get something else to wear when presenting himself in Falmouth at the Baron's castle.

The bed was difficult to make up for Aelstan. He didn't have the years of practice that most people have, and when he was in town he usually stayed at an inn where that sort of thing was taken care of by default. He tried to remember how his mother had taught him to make his bed when he was a young boy, but that was so long ago...

Stepping out of his room, the Warrenwood ranger could hear voices coming from near the front of the church. He walked down the hall a ways, passing a couple of acolytes who were intently reading scriptures and not even bothering to look up. Up ahead, he could see the rest of the group was waiting. After a perfunctory head count, Aelstan realized they were still waiting on one more, the young archer woman who had a horse, Eri.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#99

Impatient to vindicate his rage, Seabrum addressed those assembled.

"I offer repairs or replacement to any damaged armor or weapons. That and any supplies that can be gathered from my shop." After this day, he knew, the shop would be abandoned, along with all that remained inside it.

"Obviously, only minor repairs can be made, if time permits any at all," he continued.

Anxious to be on with it, he waited to hear the preposed course of action.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#100

"Let us get more information before we start making plans," Piper whispered. Although, keeping them waiting like this... Piper was not impressed by the apparent lack of concern. If this mission was as vital as they had made out, the young lord and the priest would be doing everything possible to hurry them on their way.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#101

Harper sighed and looked around the room "Whats taken them so long? and where's Eri?" Harper shook her head as there was still no sign of either of the people they were waiting for.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#102

"Aelstan," Seabrum said turning his head in the ranger's direction. "What say you?"

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#103

OOC: Sorry guys, had to go out of town for a few days, no pc!

IC: Aelstan was unsure of what the next course of action should be, but before he could shrug his shoulders, Father Keane and two of the acolytes appeared in the foyer near the party.

"Good morning, my friends! I trust you slept well last night, despite the activities that undoubtedly weighed upon your minds," smiled Father Keane, looking quite robust considering the circumstances. "My young acolytes will feed you and you may then go with them to Maggiore's general store down the road to outfit yourselves. I suggest you take horses, as you will get to Falmouth much quicker, and certainly more safely."

Aelstan started to look around for Eri, but didn't want to wait any longer before eating. The acolytes turned outwardly and gestured for the party to follow them into the dining hall downstairs, where the smell of hot food was originating...

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#104

Harper's mouth started to water as she smelt the food wafting up towards them. Harper hadn't had a good long meal in a few weeks but for some reason she didn't feel as hungry as she had done. Eri was still no where to be seen and the smell was so tantalizing. Harper looked at the company around the room first Aelstan then Seabrum then Piper and then father keane and the acolytes. "Well Eri should catch up soon. Don't you think?" Harper spoke softly trying not to raise her voice to high.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#105

Aelstan had eaten at several monasteries around the kingdoms, and never really cared for the simple fare that monks served travelers. Churches, however, seemed to enjoy catering to hearty appetites, and the Church of Shivaldar was no exception.

The ranger and the others sat down in a relatively simple dining hall, save for the ornate tapestries lining the walls. Poached eggs, ham steaks, and fresh fruit slices were served in abundance to the adventurers. Aelstan felt almost as if they were being courted, or recruited, in some way. Then, with a dismal spark of cognizance, realized that indeed they were.

As they ate, Father Keane produced a map of the barony, including a dotted road that led to Falmouth, where Lord Theodric's father, Baron Grath, lived. The high priest encouraged the travelers to stay on the road and not share any information with wanderers along the way. He apologized for Lord Theodric's absence, but explained that he had to leave late in the night to return home and thus not arouse much alarm. He did, however, leave the party with enough gold to furnish whatever their needs may be, including horses.

Aelstan was used to eating common food, and often even raw, wild food, with few spices. This breakfast was indeed a hearty treat, and he was now eager to get his equipment and head out of town. He hadn't been on a horse in over a year, but felt it would be wise to not share that information with the group just yet. He could pick it up quickly, maybe they wouldn't notice...

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#106

Piper didn't eat much. He never did. He spent the entirity of the meal away from the others, concentrating on eating and listening to the priest. If any of the others was paying attention to him, they would notice that he didn't take his scarf off even when he was eating. He was anxious to go; he wanted to get this over with, and leaving the artifact in the hands it was currently in longer than necessary was inconcievable.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#107

Skipping the meal, Seabrum used the time to make take a quick jaunt to his nearby armor shop.

Looking over the items, he carefully considered his choosings. The most notable of the items he chose were forearm bracers and an chain mail shirt.

traveling clothes over his new armor, the former smithe headed back to the temple, standing out only because of his huge frame and the axe strapped across his back.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#108

Seabrum announced his intentions to the group as a courtesy out of respect. He would listen to any who spoke to the contrary, but his mind was already set.

"I am leaving for Falmouth immediately. I can no longer stand by feasting while innocents stand by to be slaughtered. There is plenty of time to discuss plans on the way."

With that, Seabrum looked around the room, gazing into each person's face. Angry with impatience, he turned on his heal and left the room.

******************************************************8

Blogest was awakened by the sounds of his companions bickering.

Other than the constant whining and in-fighting, life had been good on the road. Bountiful and plentiful were the human merchants that passed this way.

Still, it would be necessary to move on soon. Those in Falmouth wouldn't stand for the lawlessness for long.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#109

Norah's eyes flickered open and she stared in utter confusion at the stone wall in front of her. Pushing herself up she looked around, half of her face was sticky with blood and sweat. She slowly got to her feet and used one of the barrels that she had fallen behind to steady herself. Then the acrid smell hit her. She looked over at the corpse upon the ground, though it was hard to see with the crowd gathered around it. She slowly bent over and picked up her staff, wich had returned to its stick-like form when she had lost consciousness. Exhausted, she ran her hand over her face but the spell faltered and she cleared out the clot of the wound. With another small curse she brushed the powdered blood and salt from her hand, She was going to need a professional and headed towards the temple to seek help... again. She had just returned from a stay there whilst her broken arm mended before the deamons ran through the streets.
"I should have stayed in bed yesterday." she mumbled as the sun poked over the horizon. She looked back after she had walked a ways up the street, wondering why nobody had seen her. She looked at her hands and cursed again. She had hidden in the shadows before she lost consciousness and the spell continued to drain upon her so she negated it.
The Wizard's head pulsated with each beat of her heart and she thought she would never make it to the temple. When she reached the stairs norah sat down upon one. The blood had oozed down her face again. She knew without a doubt that her silvery-white robes under her drab gown were stained but she didn't possess the energy to clean them now.
Exhaused, Norah slung her pack off of her back and ploped it on the step beside her, she leaned against it and felt sleep closing in on her.

((OOC: sorry for my hiatus, life is darn hectic at the moment but i'm back))

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#110

Piper got up without a word and followed Seabrum. He was anxious to be moving along.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#111

Harper watched as Piper and Seabrum started to leave. She looked down at the food a look of pure despair on her face. she looked back towards the moving figures and threw up her hands, "Aelstan, i guess they want to go!" She smiled slightly and waited to see if he got up to leave as well. Harper sighed, "i have a horse already so i don't need money to buy a new one. and one of my Friends" She said this last word with a slight slur "Has one that i could borrow. Instead of money that is" Harper sighed again and stood up and pulled her cloak back onto her shoulders.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#112

[OOC: Sorry, have had unexpected family events come up lately - but it should be easier now for me to post]
IC: Aelstan was a lot hungrier than he had thought, and found himself immersed in the food the acolytes had prepared for the party. While on his second plate, he noticed that his companions were preparing to leave, and the sudden sense of urgency that he had felt the night before quickly returned.

"Father Keane said we would be able to buy horses with the gold they provided us," reminded the ranger. "Let's head over to the stablery at the edge of town and see what we can get before we head out. My equipment is fine, and we have some travel rations... enough to get us to Falmouth."

Aelstan didn't want to let the companions know about his poor horsemanship, but he also knew that their trip would be much more speedy, and possibly safe, if they didn't travel by foot, especially when they would be near the banks of the River Haerlith.

The warrenwood ranger grabbed his gear, including a wooden shield that had seen many days, and headed out the door to join the others.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#113

Blogest, lying in wait, took care to make himself look vulnerable. Bearing the most human like traits of the group, he was often used as a bait to get the wagons to slow.

Seeing the wagon roll around the corner, he laid his head down on the deeply rutted road, turning his back to the group to disguise his goblinoid features.

"Halt," he heard from what he presumed was the driver. The command was shortly followed by the sound of bolts clicking into readiness and the shuffling of feet.

The sound of armor clanged, moving closer to his position. Metal sliding through a scabbard let him know the man was upon him.

With a nervous hand, Blogest allowed himself to be rolled over.

Using the momentum, Blogest rolled to his right arm and knee. Using it as a springboard, he bulled the man over, sliding his left hand's dagger into the man's throat.

Confident in the maneuver, he afforded him self the privilege of taking his eyes off of the man as he died. The group was well armed, for this region. They had spread out, backs to the wagons, along either side of the road. Twenty or so strong, the merchants had them slightly out numbered.

Chaos erupted as a motley crew of monsters exploded into the men, pouring out of well placed hidey-holes, some directly under their feet.

It was soon over; the killing had been most efficient.

Surveying the spoils, Blogest took care to note his own group's losses. One or two at the most, he thought. They rarely lost anyone due to the efficiency of the band. Their execution had been honed to perfection over many years of wandering the highways.

Being half-human, Blogest's intelligence and cunning had given him much status amongst the group. They looked to him for planning and strategy.

Looking around at the dead humans, his stomach rumbled. Time to get to work, he thought. Plenty of meat to be harvested.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#114

The horse he rode wasn't a war hose for sure, yet the beast of burden he had procured was young, with a strong back that could support his girth.

Seabrum, glad to be on the road to Falmouth, was comfortable in the middle of the pack. Now that they were out into one of the less civilized areas of the region; it was only natural for the ranger to resume leading.

A long day of travel had brought about dusk. The loud chirping of the crickets and toads could be heard all around. It seemed like such a chore to hear past them. It made Seabrum feel edgy.

Looking around, the entire group seemed tense. Everyone seemed to fear what the darkness might bring.

As the sun melted into the landscape, the natural noises of the forest suddenly stopped.

Seabrum instinctively knew.

The Jandoshan.....

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#115

OOC:

Can I jump in?

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#116

OOC:

I don't see why not.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#117

Jacksius woke up from his nap. He was really tired from fighting these odd demonic-like creatures all night. They've been roaming around these parts alot all of a sudden.

The young elf was startled by the shrieks of the demons again. He grabbed the hilt of his sword then remembered the gashing cut he got from the monsters last time. He scuried up a tree and grabbed his bow and arrow.

Jacksius heard someone coming so he got ready to shoot when he realized that this band of humans, not a group of demons! It was an unlikely bunch, a big burly man,who looked like a craftsman, a mysterious man who kept to the shadows, a man who looked rather clumsy on his horse, and a skiny, young woman.

Jacksius began to relax his grip when he saw a figure hiding in the bushes. Automatically he knew what it was. He fired an arrow at it and heard a shriek that could be heard from miles away.

"I think that's a hit." Jacksius whispered.

Demons started spewing from everwhere, and the group on horses was caught totally off guard!

He decided to help them, because if this band didn't kill the demons, those monsters would surely find and kill him as well.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#118

Piper snarled silently as the demons attacked again. Clearly, they did not mean to make this easy. He fired his crossbow at the nearest one, then leapt at it, swords flashing. I am the fire that dances on the altar, I am the flame that consumes. Fire is the life bringer and the protector. I will burn away the demons of the darkness. The darkness can't keep pace with fire. The Jandoshan were fast, terribly fast, but he was faster. One that he hadn't seen coming threw itself at him, tail and claws lashing. It was only luck that he managed to twist out of the way. Still, the demon caught at his cloak, half throttling him before he managed to rip away.

Breathing hard, Piper fell back to a defensive crouch. They were lucky. These were just lesser demons, not nearly as big or as smart as their greater kin, like the ones that they had fought in town. Still, a horde of them was bad news, and could easily overwhelm them.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#119

Jacksius was shooting the demons down with great ease. Whether he was a better archer than swordsman,or these were easier demons, he didn't care, he was taking them down one by one and that's all he needed to know.

After awhile he became rather amused, the demons, or Jandoshan as the people down on the ground called them, started running around wondering where the arrows were coming from,until, one of them saw him! He was about to shoot it when it just happened to turn around and look up in the trees. So Jacksius put away his bow and arrow and drew his sword.

The Jandoshan came up to the tree and tried to grab him but he kicked it and jumped down from the tree. The monster drew his sword too, and swung at Jacksius but he dodged it and swung at the creature's foot sending it clean off. The monster fell to the ground in agony, usually Jacksius would spair the man laying on the ground but since it wasn't a man he sent his sword straight through it's heart, and went out to battle.

Re: The Orb of Shadows

#120

Seabrum saw the Jandoshan and drew his axe. An angry eagerness filled his heart with energy.

At once several were upon him. Axe head from near the ground, Seabrum raised the great axe in an upward arc. The feeble defense the creature put up was driven through, like the paper Seabrum used to use to demonstrate the sharpness of blades.

Turning away from the follow through, Seabrum faced the creature formerly to his backside. With the continued momentum of his heavy handed uppercut, Seabrum finished the circle, crashing down hard into the skull of the thing.

Seabrum placed a foot at the base of the fallen monster's head to gain purchase for dislodging the heavy weapon. Too quickly, another was on him.

Throwing out a meaty forearm, he blocked the Jandoshan’s sword strike. Involuntarily he flinched at the strength of the impact. The block turned to a deflection, cutting his shoulder and knocking him to the ground.

Landing on the handle of the protruding axe hard, knocked the breath out of him, but dislodged the weapon.

Rolling out of reach of the weapon, the former blacksmith put his head down and drove his shoulder into the chest of another on comer. Falling on top, he used the hardened steel of his forearm bracers to break it's face apart, turning it into unrecognizable bits of hair and blood.

Retrieving the axe he scanned the area for others...