<font color="peru">Sabbiel (Sand Cat Spy!)</font>

Sabbiel slowly wriggled out of his burrow, unnoticed by the small group. Padding away softly to a slight distance, he sniffed the air inquisitively. Yes, two males had left the group. The two strange smelling ones. He swiveled his head towards the remaining group and smelled the air again, placing the scents to the people. The female lay asleep, while the other males talked. The strange smelling one appeared to be elf, but Sabbiel knew there was something more to this creature.

The sand cat turned towards the other trail again, and wrinkled his nose in disgust at the dark smells wafting from it. Yes, there was much to tell.

Waving his tail once, the sand cat turned and began making his way swiftly back towards the forest, away from the ominous desert.

<font color="goldenrod">Liam</font>

Liam crouched at the edge of the desert and lifted his nose to the air, testing. His hybrid features frowned as he smelled something other than Sabbiel. Feline, but not someone he recognized... Something deep inside him stirred, and he pushed it away.

<font color="goldenrod">"Time to rrejoin the otherrs,"</font> he growled in a husky voice, and he turned back towards the forest and receded into its depths.

<font color=#AAAAA> Silt 80/80

Silt listened carefully, and his fears were confirmed, they would not be coming back he decided. "Do not worry, what ever you tell me I shall keep to myself, unless you bid otherwise. Would you care to tell me what you heard, or am I asking too much of you? I can only guess what this other force is, but I hope I am wrong. Are you saying that either Andrion of Roderik are in league with the Shadow Mage?"

Silt looked perplexed, taking time to think. "As to your other question, Im not entirely sure. If, as we fear, the Shadow Mage, or some other evil has a part to play in Andrion and Roderiks disappearance, then we could be up against more than we could handle. Having said that, if we went back to Larry emtpy handed he would be very dissapointed Im sure, although being the kind man he is he may not tell us this, but Im sure in his heart he would be. We could get the Necklace Team to help us search for Andrion and Roderik, but they may be hard to track in the time it takes us to reach Larry and co, for we do not even know that Larry will be waiting for us. This is a complex decision..."</font>

ooc>> I know Silt is kind of coming to his own conclusions here, and correct me if Im wrong, but Im putting it down to his
inquistive type nature.

<font color="darkseagreen">Lyulfe</font>

Lyulfe hesitated, clearly waging an inner battle. <font color="darkseagreen">"I may have a way to reach them quickly, and possibly even get someone to come help us,"</font> he said slowly.

<font color="darkseagreen">"But that would involve leaving you and Rong alone by yourself for a period of time... I can't tell you how I can achieve this, but are you willing to take the risk? Anything can happen while I am gone, and you don't know how strong the Shadow's minions can be... I do believe at least one of the two of Roderik and Andrion are on His side,"</font> the elf confirmed with a tilt of his head. <font color="darkseagreen">"As to what he said... He really didn't say enough that I could understand that would make sense to you. Maybe if I told Larry or the druid, they could figure it out."</font>

He then went silent, waiting for Silt's answer and decision to his earlier question.

<font color=darkgoldenrod>Nanashi

She watched Liam from her secret location, and wanted nothing more than to tear him to pieces then and there. But, he would also lead her to Larry, the one that her master bade her destroy. That path would also take her toward the she-wolf...but she would be as much of a threat as Liam would.

She decided to just track Liam for now, and when she found Larry, she'd begin the killing spree.

Pausing for just a moment, she gave Liam a chance to get ahead on the pathway, then she began to follow at the stalker's distance. The ring her master gave her helped conceal her in the shadows as she crept, for the canopy of the forest created deep shadows to hide in. </font>

=================================================

<font color=aqua>Larry

He saluted Arcades as he went by, then finally found Kaylisa.

"Hello, lady druid! I don't suppose we've heard from the cat yet, that was tracking the others? Where is Liam, anyway?</font>

=================================================

<font color=orchid>Rong Er

She awoke to the babbling duo standing nearby.
She sat up, rubbbing the laziness out of her eyes.

"Good morning you two! Are we fussing over who's turn it is to make breakfast?"</font>

[ 07-05-2004, 06:31 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

Arcades flys about for a short while, using his sense of smell to pick up a choice of several edible animals ranging from Wild Boars to Deer, and he begins a series of dives, eating his fill. The gold dragon lands in a forest clearing nearly a mile away from Liam's Cabin, picking up a distinctly different scent from the edible animals he was picking off. It was the scent of a Horse and Rider.

Arcades decides that Stealth is the best option and shapeshifts into his Elven form, causing his extra mass to generate a large Dragon Shadow only visible to those who know what they are looking for. Walking up to a forest trail, he sees the rider and gives a friendly wave to him.

"Greetings stranger, where are you headed?"

((ooc: Arcades has just crossed roads with the Inquisitor Marcos.))

<font color="goldenrod">Liam</font>

Liam frowned to himself but didn't slow his pace. The scent he had caught back at the desert edge was still bothering him, and he couldn't tell if it was merely his mind playing tricks or something else. He glanced up at the light filtering through the trees, where he knew the sun hid the almost full moon.

Still puzzling over the strange scent, the hybrid's nose caught the smell of horse and man and the distinct smell of Arcades. Deciding to check it out, Liam discretely changed his direction so the path brought him not to his clearing, but that of another.

He watched from the shadows as Arcades approached the stranger with a friendly expression. While he waited in the shadows, Liam extended his senses to their farthest extent, searching for the strange feline scent. The back of his neck prickled, making him feel wary.

ooc- I hope no one minds Liam's detour. [img]smile.gif[/img] DM, does Liam sense anything?

<font color=#AAAAA> Silt 80/80

Silt contemplated the idea, and thought it a sound enough plan. Just at the right time, Rong woke up.

"Good morning Rong, how are you today? I only wish that was the case. Unfortunately it's a little more serious than that. Roderik and Andrion have gone, how shall I put it...missing. Lyulfe has an idea, but Il let him explain since it's his idea, but basically, you and I would have to stay here on our own for a while. I think we could manage it, and his plan sounds convincing, although I do not know the intimate details. But anyway, Im up for it if you are. Would you care to expalin to Rong, Lyulfe?" </font>

<font color=white>To Liam:

Upon smelling the dragon and human ahead, our huntress stopped cold in her tracks and decided to evaluate the situation, in case this was a trap set for her. Your senses can still detect her, but is so faint, that you learn nothing new about who or what it might be. Your ears and eyes tell you nothing. Your "cat-sense" continues to feel unnerved. </font>

=================================================

<font color=orchid>Rong

She gets up from her nap-sack, brushing the dust from her hair.

Being fully alert and awake now, she demands to know what is going on. She looks to Lyulfe who explains the details he just covered with Silt. When he is done, she has her own opinion to add.

"It does appear that there is trouble, but I think that we would be fools to go after the candle. This is Larry's quest, and I only came along for a nice adventure. I see no reason to forfeit my life for this stranger, and if Roderik and Andrion have gone to this mad wizard that everybody talks about with the candle, it does not affect me.

Lyulfe, do you really want to get involved in this?"</font>

OOC>>>I hope that I am playing Rong the way Mistral would have me do so. I tried to mimic her attitude from the beginning of this adventure.

<font color=skyblue>She looks up and smiles at Larry as she offers him some tea and some of the ranger breakfast she was cooking. "Liam should be back soon, and Arcades is out hunting. How did you sleep?"

She lifts her head as the wind shifts, and narrows her eyes for but a second as she almost but not quite catches something upon the wind.

Standing, she cups her tea in her palms and stares to the west thoughtfully....</font>

[ 07-06-2004, 09:16 AM: Message edited by: TAOWolf ]

<font color=lime> Rodie

"I fair as well as your Iblith decided I should. Although I suspect you really don't care that much about my well being, and are instead thinking about ways you can use me." The bard sat in silence, glaring daggers into Andrion, dreaming of seeing him flayed alive, and set out for fire ants.</font>

ooc Iblith is drow for offal, crap, and outsiders (ie non-drow)

[ 07-06-2004, 09:25 AM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=aqua>Larry

"I slept well, Lady Druid. I was hoping to receive more insight in a dream, but my mind was left in darkness this night. However, it did allow me to rest well.

You...you sometimes have this look on your face that says that you are far away in thought.

Mistral used to do that sometimes.

Tell me, are you and your dragon friend here to ensure I succeed in my quest, or to make sure that the Mage does not kill me? Why would Nature care of either? What balance would be undone in either case?"</font>

=================================================

<font color=steelblue>The Shadow Mage

"Very perceptive of you, Rodie."

"Andrion, you are dismissed for now. Return to your quarters and wait for me there. I shall like to speak with our friend here with no restraints."

<font color=white>Andrion bows low and silently leaves the throneroom to go down to the second floor where he had a room set aside for him. It was filled with numerous tomes of magic and other wizardry stuff. Enough to keep him busy at what he loved most. Learning how to achieve a greater power. </font>

"Now that he is no longer here to push your buttons, let us talk. You will see that I am a very reasonable personage if given the chance. Take a seat, why don't you?"

The mage motioned with his hand and the shadows in the room picked Roderik off of the horse he was strapped to, and tore his bindings away from him. Other shadows assaulted the horse, tearing the flesh form its body as it screamed in terror, leaving only the clean skeleton frame. In another moment, the bones were broken and rearranged to form a seat made of the bones, facing the Throne of the Mage.

The mage gestured to the seat in invitation for Roderik/Rodie to sit down. </font>

[ 07-06-2004, 11:17 AM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=lime>Roderik

Looking at the chair that had till recently been his mount, Roderik walked around it, examining the ways it was held together, and finished off his potion, enojoying the way his wounds closed and his bruised flesh was made whole.

Leaning against the chair, the bard stretched his arm out, "You've made me your guest, as you did my father in times long past, I cannot flee without your leave, so what would you have me do, dark one, what favor would you have me perform in exchange for my freedom?"</font>

{edit for spelling, I really don't want to be SM's ghast} ;)

[ 07-06-2004, 03:28 PM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=steelblue>Shadow

"Welcome back, Roderik.

I must say that I am surprised that you are here. I had instructed Andrion to only bring me the candle, and he disobeyed me, deciding to bring you here as well. Well...I shall not punish him this time, because you are such a catch! So much to learn from you, given to the fact of what you actually are.

Would you like something to drink, or maybe having your possessions back would make you feel better? You may have them. They are right over there."

The Shadow raises a cloaked arm and points to the bag that is Roderik's satchel.

"In addition to your supplies, you will find in place of the candle, a few items that you have been desiring in your dreams for a while. Three daggers of throwing. Sound familiar? Yes, they also can be taught to respond to a few commands, such as returning and all that. Do not worry, they are not of Shadow Magic; they are of Mystra's workmanship, so you can easily master them."</font>

OOC>>>He is purposely avoiding the question he was asked.

[ 07-06-2004, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=lime>Roderik 39/70

The bard glanced around, and collected his belongings, sifting out the daggers and anything else the mage may have hidden in his gear, and set it on the chair in front of him, looking at the folds of darkness enclosing, concealing, and merging with his host he said, "I'd like to know the price of your hospitality, before accepting any gifts which would endenture myself to you, wise men have often said, learn the price of your meal before sittig down for the feast, heh the last thing I need is to be hung out to dry in the wind, or face off against the Stormbringer on his own turf."

As he paced around behind his chair he kept his thoughts to himself noting the Shadows answers, or lack thereof and logging them for future use, if he was a creature of his word, as he seemed, then being able to twist the mage's words against him would be of immense use.</font>

[ 07-06-2004, 04:18 PM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=gray>Reaper hp Alot/A whole bunch

The previous day had been interesting, his elite orcs, and orogs (1/2orc 1/2ogre) were being infected with lycanthropy, it would make them more ruthless and powerful than they could imagine, and once they created new pack alpha's they would be juggernauts of destruction to be released on his neighbors.

His spies had been reporting throughout the night, but he was worried, the druidess believed in her power a bit too strongly, but he was not prepared to move against her again, at least not without loosing the gates of hell into her face. A force of fiends that none, not even his rival the Shadow Mage could hope to quell. But demons are competition, and without a way to banish them wholly once the slaughter was over, he would not even try to summon the numbers that would be needed.

While he waited he fed his mount the hearts of some elves that had been caught snooping around his borders. The nightmare seemed to relish the taste of elf flesh. "They're a bit too sweet for my liking" he told the mare running a hand across her coat, watching the ash shake free.

He had seen the Render returned, it was now held in a cage with bars of braided silver, and cold wrought iron, which did little to halt it's slamming into the walls of the cage, until the feeding began, goblins were thrown into the cage at the rate of several every minute, with a pause only long enough for the creature to feed. Once it looked to be at full health again the feeding would stop for several hours. The beasts howls of pain, rage and hunger still rang throughout the keep, and brought a wicked smile to his lips. The day was looking up already.</font>

<font color=steelblue>Shadow

"The daggers are useless to me. I have no need of them. They were given to you in hopes to buy the calm resolve you now possess in order to make talking with you easier.

As for my interest in you, that would be simple enough to explain. There are only a few in this game world that trouble me. The one that is known as TaoWolf, the Windbringer that you mentioned, and Morgeraut, or now known as the Reaper. He is my most recent interest, for he was able to withstand a direct blast of shadow magic from my hand, with no injury. I am interested in knowing how he did that.

Therefore, I have a question for you that will clear up your inquiry as to what I want with you...

How much value does he give to your tortured soul? As he made you what you are today, are you of value to him?"</font>

<font color=orange>Inquisitor Marcos of Snowdale - 98/98

If there was any surprise at the sudden appearance of the elf, it would sooner show in his delayed response than any facial expression. Or perhaps it was no surprise, and the rider was merely examining this forest dweller. Certainly his gaze possessed some intensity.

After a moment, he halted his horse and nodded his greeting. He found no immediate ill intent in the fey creature, certainly this was a fair chance at getting directions.

"I am Marcos of Snowdale, Inquisitor.
"I know not where this trail leads nor where the man I seek departed to, but I would find it most helpful should you be able to direct me to the One-Eyed Wolf tavern."
</font>

Vincent Pathfinder 91 ? /98

After some time of widdleing away at the wood, it slowly started to take on a dimunitive form. Vincent smiled at his little wooden figurine, and then he slipped into a pouch, and pulled out some of the silver from the other night. Everyone was still sleeping, the dragon's breathing deep and hypnotic, as the cats seemed to blend into the pattern. Standing up, Vincent wentback inside to check the fire in the hearth, it was still going and needed some tending for what he needed to do. Reaching into the wood bin he pulled out some smaller pieces of tinder and put them in the fire. Waiting till the caught ablaze he put a little more on. The temperature in the room rose noticeably. Reaching into a sack he pulled out of his back pack, he pulled forth a small cast iron smelting pot. He placed the several pieces of silver into it, and then reached into his belt and pulled forth a few silver coins and put them in the pot with a chinkle sound. He sit in the small fire he had going, and then reached into another into the sack again pulled out a small wooden box. He held the box for a moment as if going over some memory and set it down. Golden runes glistened in the firelight . He opened it and took out two small vials and a small pouch. He poured some fluid from each vial into the pot and then opened the pouch and and took a small pinch of poweder from it. He sprinkled the poweder into the fire and as he did so the orange flames turned blue. The temperature rose significantly in the small area and the silver in the pot turned to liquid. Reaching for his quiver he pulled out several arrows and started dippng them in the silver liquid. After doing this about 12 times he pulled the pot off the fire with a pair of tongs and set it down inside the bow with a slight hiss, the pot went from theorange glow of heated metal to the cool color of cold cast iron. The silver that was left in the bowl began to harden as well. Vincent grabbed another vial and poured some of the liquid on the heated silver, and began mixing it with a pestal. He worked it into a small oblong ball and then let it cool. He then took the tongs and spread the remains of his fire back into that of the main fire, the blue flames turned orange again and the temperature turned back to normal, although the heat of the fire still radiated from the earthen dwelling. After everything had cooled to a normal temp, Vincent cleaned up his mess, rolled the silver nugget out of the pot and put it back into his belt. Wiping everything down he put it away carefully, and then gathered up his arrows. He could hear people starting to awaken, so he headed back out to the porch and proceeded to sharpen his arrows. Larry walked past him a few minutes later.

Arcades smiles and nods, pointing down the forest path. "Continue on this path untill you clear the forest, you should be able to find the One-Eyed Wolf tavern not far beyond. If you dont mind my asking, who is it you hope to find there?"

The old dragon was usually good at getting information, but he didnt want to press his luck with an Inquisitor. The Dragonslayer branch of the inquisitors was quite good at what they do, or so he's heard. Arcades didnt like tangling with them either way.

<font color=orange>Inquisitor Marcos of Snowdale - 98/98

Marcos produced a gold coin, and promptly offered it to the elf. He had been quick in his answer, and thereby likely truthful. Not that it mattered had he lied, as Marcos had already picked his path well before asking the question. The inquisitor was merely pleased it turned out he was not too far lost.

"Let it not be said there are no rewards in helpfulness and honesty," he told the elf.
"And although I would normally be hesitant to respond to your question with similar ease as that you displayed, in this case it matters little. If the fruits of my work reveal the man to be a warlock, none are aided by ignorance."

Marcos thought back to the dark presence he had sensed on the plains.

"And for one to warn him... I believe he would know of my coming already.
"I come in search of Silverfall, praying I do not find the Modding Mage of legend in his stead."</font>

He accepts the gold coin, suffering his kind's attraction to treasure and trinkets. After pocketing the coin, he listens to Marco speak of the Modding Mage and Larry. Thinking it would be best for his friends to meet the Inquisitor at the One Eyed Wolf rather than Liam's cabin, he nods and smiles.

"There is much rumor and mystery surrounding Larry Silverfall. I hear his name often, and tales of him attempting to bring his love back from oblivion. I personally try to keep myself open and opinionated, so I try not to judge a person on tales, but on merit. I hope you find him and manage to do the same, but for now I should go rejoin my traveling companions. Hopefully we will see each other again." [i]And with that, he begins walking back off into the forest clearing, where Arcades sheds his elven form and flys back to the Cabin.

<font color=orange>Inquisitor Marcos of Snowdale - 98/98

A frown passed briefly over his face as the elf presumed to offer council on how to judge others, but the forestdweller had too soon turned his back and left. Of course, lengthy debates with random strangers were never a priority on mornings as these.
He signalled his horse onward and made for the tavern.</font>

Arcades quickly returns to Cabin after parting company with the inquisitor. Upon landing next to the cabin, he takes his elven shape again and walks up to Larry.

"Larry, There is something important to tell you. A Inquisitor is going to be waiting at the One Eyed Wolf for you, but I cant be sure if his intentions are hostile."

<font color=lime>Roderik 39/70

The minstrel walked around in front of the chair, steadily eyeing the shadow mage, he did not like where the conversation was going. Reaching back, apparently to adjust his armor, he considered his words before speaking. "I am... only as valuable as his other servants, and only useful while I am actively enganged in his goals, If my loyalties were changed he would know soon, and likely the remainder of my short life would be spent fleeing, just as any of his other servants who would turn against him.

"If you're asking what he'd pay to ransom me, I honestly have no idea. He wouldn't give up any of his plans, but you might coerce one or two favors from him, or a certain beast I hear has escaped his torture chambers and is decimating his troops"

When the musician stepped away from the chair the daggers were gone.</font>

[ 07-08-2004, 02:52 PM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=aqua>Larry

"An Inquisitor? Well if he is looking for me, then we should not keep him waiting. I am interested to see what he would want with me. Maybe if I prove to him once and for all that I am no longer the Mage of Shadow, he will get the word out easier than I have been able to. People will believe him!

How soon can we get there?"

He looks to Tao and wonders if Vincent was too busy to leave immediately. He seemed pretty busy earlier with making something. They also would be leaving without notifying Liam, but maybe he'd guess at their direction or something. Larry could not think...he was too busy worrying about the Inquisitor and how he might use him to clear his name for good. </font>

=================================================

<font color=steelblue>Shadow

"Your answer is not as I had hoped, which I am sure is what you had in mind...but if that is the story you are sticking to, then fine. I shall see for myself if this Reaper comes calling for his baby or not. Meanwhile you shall spend osme time keeping my pets entertained."

The hooded personage seemed to be smiling, even though Roderik could see nothing within his cowl. In the next moment, a shadow elemental was borne from the dark room's corner and grabbed him, holding the wiggling man tight in it's strange, dark mists of arms. Rather than carrying him away, the elemental began to expand over Roderik's body as though it were consuming him, leaving him in pitch blackness and cold. When the elemental finally moved away and dissapated, Roderik found himself in another room, behind bars made from the same rock that the rest of the prison room was made of. It was a black, oily-looking stone, though dry to the touch despite it's appearance. The room was so dark, he did not even know if something shared this very room with him. noises could be heard, but were unknown to the bard.</font>

<font color=skyblue>She narrows her eyes as she hears Arcade's message. Handing him some tea, she looks at Larry and whispers, "Discretion would be better at this point, Larry. Arcades and I have had dealings with Inquistors before, and believe me, his intention is not to clear your name...."

She sits back on a stump, making it apparent she will wait for Liam to come back....</font>

<font color="goldenrod">Liam</font>

The hybrid's ears twitched with indecision, swiveling first in the direction the inquisitor went, then back towards the cabin.

<font color="goldenrod">I know I should go back soon and lead the otherrs thrrough the forrest, but I'm also supposed to watch out for Larrry... Arrcades prrobably has told KayLisa about the Inquisitorr, so if I don't show up for a while she will underrstand..."</font>

Having come to a decision, Liam padded silently after the inquisitor, moving more carefully than usual, not wanting to tip off to the ranger that he was being followed. He was still worried about that prickling uneasiness as well, and did not wish to lead it back to his cabin.

<font color="peru">Sabbiel (Sand Cat spy)</font>

Sabbiel continued at his dogged pace, finally reaching the edge of the forest. He sniffed the air, smelling Him and the other feline... The sand cat growled in the back of his throat and his fur puffed up slightly in a mixture of fear and confusion. Instead of following their scent, he made his way back to the cabin.

He ignored the two-leggers as their heads turned towards him in recognition as he entered the clearing. After pointedly cleaning his paws for awhile, Sabbiel decided that Liam wasn't going to come back, at least not for awhile. Cautiously he approached the druid. His fur bristled and his large ears flattened against his skull as he smelled wolf on her, the sworn enemy of sand cats. <font color="peru">But He is helping this two-legger, I can smell her on Him</font> the sand cat argued internally.

He calmly sat in front of her and coiled his tail elegantly around his feet. After staring at her intensely for a few moments like only cats can, he related to her in a variety of mrowls, growls, and other catty noises what he had witnessed, including the uneasy scent that he noticed following Liam around, and the possible danger.

[ 07-10-2004, 11:55 PM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]

<font color=skyblue>She watches as the sand cat enters the clearing and sits down, acting nonchalantly, and hides her smile by looking up at the sky thoughtfully studying the clouds.

When he finally decides to approach, she looks down again, watching his reaction to her wolf side and waits patiently not moving...

As he finally decides to tolerate her for the moment, (as only cats can) she listens intently as he relays his information to her. Her eyes narrow suddenly at the mention of the unusual feline scent he discovered and that it was following Liam.

Looking down at the cat, she speaks softly so that only he and Arcades will hear her, "Is Liam returning? Or will he lead off this.. this.. creature following him?"

She turns, looking at the rest of the group as they are emerging from their activities of the morning.

"Some information has just come to me, and I'm not sure we should all go to the One-Eyed Wolf. I think it would be smart if Arcades and I and the sand cat went to check things out first, then report back. Larry, if we are not back by tomorrow, then proceed with extreme caution to the tavern, but stay to the trees and be watchful."

Having said that, she quickly hands Vincent her backpack and staff. Turning to Arcades, her eyes glow a fierce silver and the wind begins to swirl faster and faster around the clearing. She is quickly obscured from view as the wind adds leaves, dirt and sand. As suddenly as the wind starts, it stops, the leaves falling slowly to the ground.

A larger than normal size wolf stands in her place. Silver/blue eyes looks at Arcades as the morning sunlight reflects the silver strands of fur running through the midnight black majority. She shakes herself, the bracer around her neck sending the soft sound of bells around the group as she pads over to her friend, and sits next to him looking at everyone else.</font>

Arcades nods in approval with Kaylisa's plan, and turns to look at Sabbiel. He wasnt sure how the sand cat would feel about traveling with a disguised Dragon and a Wolf. In order to avoid drawing the Inquisitor's attention to him when they get to the One-Eyed Wolf, Arcades transforms his Elven form from a typical woodland elf to a Drow, his skin and hair taking on a much more pale color, his clothes becoming black leather and his traveling cloak turns into a crimson color with black lineing.

"This should do fine for when we arrive. I suspect the travelers in the One-Eyed Wolf wouldnt want to buddy up to a Drow too soon." He smiles and adds a few battle scars to the face and arms of his Drow form, giving him a distinct air of hostility for anyone else that looks at him.

Kneeling down next to Kaylisa in wolf form, he places a hand on her back, looking at her a Sabbiel. "Well, shall we go?"

<font color=palegreen> Rodie 39/70

The shadows had come again, cold, unfeeling they washed over him, carrying him from the throne room. A scream cried for release from the minstrels throat, but was stillborn by the unending chill. The transportation lasted only seconds, but felt like an eternity, in the blackness of his mind the... other cried out for release. It's repression a hateful thing, it pushed against the weakened mind, and finally broke free, in control of his own form again. The adventurer looked around the cell it now found itself in, recognizing a prison of shadow when it saw one, and knowing only one person who would dare to be so flamboyant in building a prison. The wet looking rocks did not reflect any light, and were quite dry to the touch.

"Mage," cried the prisoner, "come to me, before the other takes me again. I shall serve you if you grant me control of my body." The words were garbled into gibberish of a dozen languagaes, sometimes halfway through a word, but for one of the Shadow's power such a trick would be seen through easily enough. At least he hoped the Shadow mage would see through it.</font>

[ 07-15-2004, 10:22 AM: Message edited by: Morgeruat ]

<font color=orange>Inquisitor Marcos of Snowdale - 98/98

Having his horse stabled at the nearby King's Coach, Marcos drew a plain brown robe over his head. It failed to cover his armor entirely, but then he was not looking to hide his identity.

Making his way to the One Eyed Wolf, he asked his questions and was well enough pleased by the helpfulness of the local good souls. As he had expected, he had returned here before the party sent out after the black candle. Though Silverfall and the witch had returned from their own adventure, the inquisitor was informed they had once again departed. Directions now were hard to come by, so instead he resigned himself to waiting for their return.

Outside, on a low wall and leaning against a neighbouring building, Marcos monitored those entering and leaving the tavern. The appearant inactivity would have to pass as substitute for sleep.
</font>

<font color=steelblue>Mage

It had only taken a moment, but then he heard Rodie calling from the darkness. Within an instant, he was there, lingering in the darkness and sizing up the double-minded man. At length, he concluded to a decision.

"So, Rodie...I have heard you and you have made an interesting offer this evening. Let's see...if I give you the power to control the body that you share with Roderik...then you will owe legiance to me. This is a good plan."

The mage reaches into thin air and grabs at the darkness...then a ring is suddenly in his hand, made of black material of what you suppose used to be nothing but a shadow...

"So...if I were to give you this ring, for example, it would give you dominion, locking your mind in place with no ill side-effects...and in turn, you would be trusted to carry out orders in my behalf?
Are you willing to accept this gift, with the warning that once you betray the shadows, the ring vanishes...allowing Roderik back. But not just back. The shadow of the ring will be burned upon your thoughts, and your's only, making it harder for you to find your way back into reality once Roderik takes command of the ship. Are you willing to serve in my favor?"</font>

=================================================

<font color=aqua>Larry 13/13


Larry watched Kaylisa, Arcades, and the sand-cat venture off, but he was not sure where...only that there seemed to be a danger of some importance and he was being asked to stay behind. He. Larry. The one that had served this website as a faithful follower of Arie until his love for adventure led him with Chani and Mistral into hazards that not many members on this forum even knew about, as it was before this forum was ever created. Then he had become an evil overlord. Now he was just plain old Larry the guy that was deemed a nobody. He sat down and looked over to see what Vincent thought about being left behind as well.

"Do we really want to wait a whole day and see what is afoot? What do you make of this, friend elf?"</font>

=================================================

<font color=darkgoldenrod</font>Nanashi

Her golden-speckled eyes watched from her vantage point and realized that Liam was not returning to any seclusion, he was following the strange man. She knew that she must have been detected. He was a were-tiger, afterall, so his senses would have at least told him that she was in the area. Hating her brother for not making her job any easier, she allowed him nonetheless to lead her where he would. When the man on horse-back made his way out of the forestry and into the city, Liam stayed behind, in the forest. He was alone now. She found it too hard to resist the urge, even if her mission would be jeopordized. Coming up nearer to him, she then dashed across the small area that yet lay before the two siblings, and pounced for the attack, intent on showing her brother just how strong she had become before his life was taken by her vengeful claws.

</font>

OOC>>>Skye, you have time to make a quick ascertation of the attack, as your senses and the distance uncovered has to allow you at least a brief moment of expectancy of the attack. Your senses note that this attacker is really fast and seeming very determined in her pounce. She is in full tiger form currently.

=================================================

<font color=white>For Marcos

As the Inquisitor stood there watching the individual passerby and weighing them out in his mind, a beggar approaced from the side of the building and when seeing you, beams at an apparant victory of some sort and hobbles over you way.

"Scuse me, Sir...but might I hold a copper? I need some bread for my children and me."

The poxed-stricken man holds out a hand that you see is covered in filth, being half-hid under a moth-eaten thin garment of mildewy cloth.</font>

[ 07-16-2004, 10:02 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=orange>Inquisitor Marcos of Snowdale - 98/98

He turned his gaze towards the man, blue eyes cutting straight through the beggar's flesh and scrutinising the soul. Either a fool or one possessing useful knowledge, for few stepped up to address an inquisitor willingly. The man's grin didn't speak of utter desperation.

"A good day," he bid the commoner after several seconds of uncomfortable silence, letting the request for a copper stand for the moment.

"Perhaps you would sit with me and speak of the witch or warlock responsible for your affliction."
</font>

[ 07-17-2004, 07:57 AM: Message edited by: Legolas ]

<font color=white>Beggar

"Witch o' warlock? Nay Sir, it be no supernatural for da cause o' me afflictions. Be it dose dat tax too high, and when one caint pay his doos as supposes da higher man, well then dey throw you out on the streets like me 'ere.

I only ask for a simple copper, me good Sir." </font>

<font color="#33CCCC">Rodie

The decision was an easy one to make, stay as a background voice, and slave to the bard, or serve another and turn the bard into so much noise. &quot;It's a deal mage, free me and I shall ser… I will wo…</font> <font color="#FF9933">I'll sell out your secrets to the Reaper and laugh when he's done with you.</font><font color="#00CCFF">&quot; The man finished in a voice that rang hollow and dead, the voice of one who has known the joys of the light, and chosen to live in death and decay. Then the man before the shadow cried out in pain and smoke began to rise from his back, and blackened glowing runes could be seen from the man's back, preventing him from making the binding oath.</font>

<font color=steelblue>Shadow

"How very interesting. Let us have a bit of fun then, to test your limits."

The darkness swirled as though it were a tangeable mass, and when it cleared away, leaving a darkened but better lit room than before, the Shadow Mage had gone, but in his place was a terrible spider...twice size of the horse that once belonged to him. It began shuffling over toward the Rodie/Roderik duo-in-one. </font>

OOC>>>You find that you are in possession of only the three daggers that were given to you. Remember that you have not trained them on any specific word commands, but they may be able to do some things as you command them for the first time. We'll see. [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 07-20-2004, 02:48 PM: Message edited by: Larry_OHF ]

<font color=white>To the Candle Team:

(Rong, Lyulfe, and Silt)

After a lengthy discussion, Rong had convinced Lyulfe that the only thing that the three of them were responsible for doing at this time was to return and report to Larry that the candle had been stolen, and let him decide how to best handle the situation, especially if it meant dealing with the Very being that Larry had been harboring for years within his own heart. If he then asked for them to help, Rong suggested that they might accept, given that he hire them to be his allies. Rong felt no reason to just die in battle for a stranger that was chasing dreams. But for the right reasons, she would consider a deal. When the two of them decided on this course, they then returned to Silt and asked if he would be joining them on their way back to warn Larry of the trouble. </font>

<font color="goldenrod">Liam</font>

Watching the man leave the forest, Liam's senses alarmed him to his stalker's sudden change in position. Falling to the ground and rolling to the side in a quick maneuver, he unsheathed his claws as his form melted to that of a heavily muscled, full-grown male tiger. Growling in outrage he looked at the female attacking him, his brow wrinkling in feline consternation as he caught a stronger whiff of her strangely familiar scent.

While the two tigers were about the same size, Liam's armour had melded with his shape-shift, a present from a wizard he had assisted in the past. Light weight, it would provide protection from some fatal attacks if the female decided to confront him.

In tiger form Liam growled a warning at the female, hoping to talk some sense into her.

ooc- pm Larry

[ 07-27-2004, 11:01 AM: Message edited by: Skydracgrrl ]