OOC: okay, here's the deal, I can't post alot or the way I want when at work, starting tomorrow night, I will catch up on my posts in here and Tavern....... hopefully get everything up to speed.....

see ya'll tomorrow night :D [img]graemlins/cheers.gif[/img]

OOC>>Hi, TAO. How's tricks? IC>>

<font color=white> LADY GALADRIA (She goes over to Blandamour, not seeing Lilyblack at first.) "What's the matter. Eliza, you look like someone walked over your grave." (Sees Lilyblack) "Helm, that's the woman I saw you talking to in Tarashia, Sir Blandamour. What is she doing out here? How did she find us in this howling wilderness? Something strange is going on." </font>

[ 07-17-2002, 02:17 PM: Message edited by: Galadria ]

SIR BLANDAMOUR (to Galadria, hugging Eliza protectively) "That is Lilyblack of the Scar. She is Sir Bors' spymaster. What whe is doing here, I have no idea." (to Eliza) "Eliza, snap out of it. You want to be a paladin, you must face your fears, not run for protection."

Sanael Ganahr

walks up to the rest of the group.

"Is this a Paladins and Princesses meeting only or can any one join the discussion. Bye the way - who is the woman over there? She seems familiar - allthough I can't quite place her.

[ 07-17-2002, 04:42 PM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

SIR BLANDAMOUR (smiles slightly at Sanael) "As I was just telling these ladies, that is Lilyblack of the Scar. You may remember her from Korup-Shun. We are wondering what in Torm's name she is doing here."

OOC>>> Time out everyone... first off, thanks to all for your concern [img]smile.gif[/img] Now, to serious business...*cough**cough*

When I first set up this thread, my intention was to create a world in which anyone interested could roleplay in and more importantly, for the members to <font color=gold>engage in wholesome, companionable <font color=white>fun</font></font>. In this spirit, I let things run freely, hoping that things would somehow just work out by themselves. This was on the assumption that <font color=yellow>all members were sporting, accommodating and logical</font>.

Well, so far I think we've done a pretty good job so far, considering the multitude of personalities, talent and roleplaying styles we have here. The situation, however, has changed somewhat now and I think we may be in danger of losing certain players due to the varied differences.

Let me state upfront that <font color=lime>I do not want <font color=lightblue>anyone</font> to leave. As most of you would have guessed by now, I hate unpleasantness as much as Sorsha does (probably more [img]tongue.gif[/img] ).</font>

If I could, I'd tie you all to this thread so you couldn't leave :D Either that, or [img]graemlins/crying.gif[/img] and fall on my knees to beg you to stay. <font color=yellow>But that would be pointless if any of you truly disliked being in this story, for whatever reasons.</font>

So rather than let our story continue to swing erratically one way or another, I think it will be better to have <font color=plum>a more experienced DM in the story</font>. Now, I know some of you will not like being told that you can't do this, or you can't do that. And so very likely, you'll abandon this thread in a huff :( All I can say is that to my best knowledge, the DM I am appointing will be able to do a better job than myself.

If, in the event, the DM makes a decision which totally [img]graemlins/1pissed.gif[/img] any member off and <font color=pink>no win-win situation can be achieved</font>, then I will either (1) stand by the DM because I agree with the call or (2)ask the moderators to close the thread because I do not want to witness actions taken that I am not agreeable to.

I want to reiterate that that I hope everyone will be able to get along together despite our differences, but if these cannot be resolved and members leave, it will be our great loss [img]graemlins/crying.gif[/img] if you leave.

Having said this, I want to give everyone a [img]graemlins/bighug.gif[/img] and thank you all for your participation thus far. Really hope this thread continues to develop into an epic story that is fun to be involved in [img]smile.gif[/img]

That's all for now [img]graemlins/happywave.gif[/img] Phew.

[ 07-17-2002, 10:32 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

OOC>>Erm, I don't think I understood all of that, Mistral. I thought we were having a good time (I certainly was) but I shall abide by your decision.

OOC>>OK Mistral, thats fine with me. Hope you dont make the game too restricting, or you'll squelch Verloren's adventerous attitude [img]tongue.gif[/img] . Whos the DM to be?

OOC>>> I don't think it's a matter of squelching enthusiasm, LadyBlue :D It's more of setting some basic understanding of how the game will proceed. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Some observations so far:

1) <font color=cyan>Our adventurers range from the almost-uninitiated (witness the poor waif scrambling to get out of trouble [img]graemlins/hehe.gif[/img] ) to almost god-like ability (one stroke and the enemies are disposed of). To ensure optimal enjoyment, I think we need to come up with an agreed experience level range.</font>

2) <font color=gold>The more creative among us may wish to create worlds/adventures and act as semi-DMs within these worlds. In which case, I think it is reasonable for all players within that world/adventure to respect the semi-DM's instructions on what they can/cannot do.</font>

3) <font color=cyan>Some of us are unable to respond immediately, due to timezone, personal or whatever problems. To be fair to those, I think we should try to wait for them to respond unless they have specifically mentioned that we can drag their characters along or RP them temporarily. If there is no response for 1 day, we can PM the member in question and ask if it's ok for us to help run the character to push the plot along.</font>

4) <font color=gold>Some of us take the AD&D rules more seriously than the others. For the game to be enjoyable, we need to agree on how serious we should be. For this reason especially, I would need the overall DM to take charge.</font>

The overall DM, on top of being responsible for 4), will help oversee the game and ensure that 1) to 3) are being observed.

I hope what I've mentioned so far sounds agreeable and reasonable to the rest.

As for the DM... let me think through my list of candidates. Will get back soon! [img]smile.gif[/img]

[ 07-17-2002, 11:44 PM: Message edited by: mistral4543 ]

Ooh...kay. I think I see where this is leading, but I'm gonna wait for the pronouncement. I still don't know what brought this on, but I think that I know. Well, all good things must come to an end...

OOC- okkkaaay, despite the fact that we seem to be at a resting point at the moment, i'm merely going to post in order to catch up to everyone. ^^ So once we get a DM, I'll be back up to speed. ^_^
IC- Skye stretched and yawned. "Looks like I fell asleep," she muttered to herself. Glancing over, she noticed the hermit had disapeared.. along with her elven mead. Shrugging to herself, she looked up to see that Sanael had also disapeared.. but there were many footprints leading towards and away form the dragon cave. Skye smiled to herself. "One problem dealt with... now lets go see what part the forestdwellers play." She wandered off in direction of the forest, strumming a chord on her harp softly.
OOC- a few comments- 1- yay, LadyBlue! great character playing! ^^ now we have a good descendant to bump off that evil king... imean... *whistles innocently*
2- Skye's gonna go wander around in the forest some now.. maybe she'll bump into Kellen or TAO, or some other woodland creature. ^^

I know that I'm a relative newcommer to this thread, but I feel that I must express my (minor) disagreement to some of the pionts raised here.

As long as the range of expirience isn't too narrow - It would be hard to imagine f.x. that a paladin and his squire being of the same expirience. Also If the person playing 'the poor waif' is having fun roleplaying, I fail to see the trouble.

Isn't that what Attalus have been doing recently - It worked great (except for Sanaels and Addison little (deleted) altercation. [img]graemlins/uhoh1.gif[/img] ;) )

I know that I've faced these problems recently - but it's nothing that can't be worked around of in order to keep the thread flowing along. [img]smile.gif[/img]

(Are we talking 2nd or 3rd ed. here ;) There are quite a few changes.)
As long as we don't have to wait for a DM to rule on evrything we do - it will be too stifeling (I think it caused Galadria's Planescape thread to 'die' :( )

In closing: This thread is the most active and lively here - it would be a shame to change it too much. "If it aint broke - don't fix it [img]smile.gif[/img]

Thanks, Ar Cunin, for your "counter-points" - they actually comfort me a lot during these trying times (esp at work) :D

As I explained in my earlier post, I have received feedback from different quarters and tried as hard as I could to retain those who were contemplating leaving :( What made it sad was that they were, each and every one, unique, talented and fun to roleplay with. I find it a real tragedy that the differences seem to be outweighing the fun that this thread was supposed to provide [img]graemlins/verysad.gif[/img]

Believe me, it is not easy to have to come out and make a statement as I have had, because I know I risk losing every single one of you. I am the last person who wants restrictions, but then, I think I can say without fear that I have been accommodating and closed an eye in areas which could easily have irritated others. The question now is, can every one of us do this? If we can, then I agree that nothing needs to be done.

Anyway, just to let all of you know that I will be awaiting all your comments, in line with my statement that every one should be given time to respond to earlier posts.

If I am unable to find a suitable DM (whom every one could agree was "unbiased"), I may well end up being the one.

OOC>>Mistral, I am really dumfounded about all of this. I quite agree with Ar-Cunin's statements, especially the one that said that when you try and over regulate them, threads die. Attalus has been doing our part like a fantasy novel, not so much AD&D, but still, the villians are playing by the rules, and I honestly don't think that I was ubering with Lilyblack. She is a Planewalker and can go anywhere, though she she can't do everything. I still don't think that I know what brought all of this out, but I am waiting to see.

Like Galadria, I am at a loss as to what this is about. I know that Lilyblack is powerful, but, as I understand it, she is going to be the villainess on this segment. Blandamour is strong and brave, but he is certainly not all that bright, witness how Eliza and Kinn'zuwannnik both manipulated him. As for "wham, the villain is dead," both Kinn'zuwannik and the nefarious druids of Greentunic are still going strong, though they lost. The last villain that died was Bazguul'tek, and Larry clearly said that he wanted to kill him off. I like that there are characters of different levels, here; as Ar-Cunin said, how could Blandamour and Eliza be on the same level? He is an immensely experienced Paladin, and she is what amounts to a first level. That's life, after all. People are differently abled. If someone is upset that Lilyblack stole the vase, well, it was my vase, and we worked that out between us.

I'd just like to take a moment and say, I love roleplaying with ya'll, and it really helps me with the stress of work, and keeping my mind off of the overseas tour I have to pull in October...... :(

:D I hope all this can be resolved without anything changing, because I think the way things have went have been really inspired, imaginative, and just all around REALLY GOOD WRITING!!! [img]graemlins/cheers.gif[/img]

Mistral, you have done an excellent job and so has everyone else, IMO......

I will go ahead and post tonight if that is agreeable to all, and if not, you can PM me.........<font color=white>EDIT:I am going to wait to post</font>

I truly hope that whatever went wrong can be resolved and we can continue as thus far......... We have some really creative posts going on in here, and.......well....... I will get off my "soap box" now :D ....

Grey

[ 07-18-2002, 01:17 PM: Message edited by: TAOWolf ]

Agree with you, TAO, but I guess that we will have to wait to see what Misral wants to do...

Hmm, ya, i agree with Ar-Cunins points, even though i only joined this thread a few days ago. Its fun, and i wouldnt leave unless it wasnt. Don't want this thread to die :( .
Also, i'll have to wait for Gal to post on Lilyblack b4 I can post for Verloren, so lets not wait too long

Edit: I just added a drawing of Verloren in stealthys sketchbook http://groups.msn.com/StealthysSite/...to&PhotoID=720
Hope the thread is around long enough for it 2 matter [img]tongue.gif[/img]

[ 07-18-2002, 02:38 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

OOC>>> Okay, everyone, we can post on while I try to sort out the misunderstanding.

In the meantime, shall we post a little more about our various characters so everyone can see their background, alignment, likes/dislikes, current weaponry/armour, experience level and whatever else we care to share? [img]smile.gif[/img] In fact, the more details we give, the better :D

This way, not only do the rest have a chance of appreciating and understanding our characters, they also know what is in line and out of line for our characters.

I will be posting on Sorsha and Isaura soon. Anyone who is ready, please go right ahead [img]smile.gif[/img]

Okay, Mistral, but I'm still puzzled:
Sir Blandamour: 34th level Paladin, wearing Schupperak's Plate and The Helm of Anti-Charm, which he wasn't wearing that night Eliza snuck into his room. He is currently Eliza's lover and under vow to retrieve the vase called Peace of Mind for the dragon Kinn'zuwannik. He also wears Holy Bracers, which cast Resurrection once a day. He bears the sword Cold Iron, a gift to him from Torm, whose wounds never heal unless he touches the hilt to them.
Kinn'zuwannik: Black Dragon, cowardly and glib, wants Peace of Mind back, the way dragons do.
Sir Bors: Lord knows what level. Head of the whole bloody order and a statesman on the order of the Lord of Burleigh, Elizabeth's prime minister.

Thank you so much, Attalus [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] That was really helpful... for the first time, I really know something more personal about the characters :D

As I mentioned, it might have been a case of misunderstanding and expectations of members joining this thread. I am trying to sort out the concerns of individuals through PMs since this thread should as far as possible stick to in-character posts ;)

<font color=silver>Sorsha: Started off inexperienced and later discovered that she is a princess. Even more recently, she has realised that she has a sister by the name of Isaura. She has found true love in the form of the elven ranger Legolas, and wishes to put the cares of the world behind her. Yet, she must see that the kingdom ruled by her father earlier is ensured of a good leader. She wears white robes and carries a mace which she hardly uses. Soft-spoken and trying to find her own feet, she needs constant reassurance even as she strives to prove her worth in whichever group.</font>

<font color=magenta>Isaura: A 15th level illusionist, she has somehow lost parts of her memory after the attack on her in Korrup Shun. Formerly attached to Raymond, she now feels guilt about appearing indifferent to him after she had reunited with him. She carries a bejewelled dagger and bears a mark upon her right cheek to remind herself of her folly in her youth (she bore a child out of wedlock by Tobias - now a tree in Cora's garden [img]tongue.gif[/img] - and the child, Joy, died from cold unattended).

Having just reunited with her sister Sorsha, she is starting to feel real affection for someone. Her wish now is to follow Lady Galadria, if for nothing then to ensure Sir Blandamour finally sees his error in choosing the obviously inferior Eliza.</font>

OOC: I think my post will explain my character better than using D&D guidelines......

IC:
<font color=white>STEEPLEWOOD FOREST</font>

<font color=skyblue>She looks at each Druidess in turn, and looks to the ground....

She looks up as silver tears fall from her eyes, and begins...

"I'm sure you know part or all of the "Myth" I seem to have become...
but it is NOT myth I assure you...."

She smiles softly at the wolves, and wipes away the tears, whispering

"My true name is Kaylisa GreyWolf, sister of the wolfpack Siruis, and a Druid to the foundation of the citadel of the Kingdom of Ariandor Army. I was once an excellent ranger and swordswoman, instilled with the magic of my ancestors, strong magic. Then one day, I killed a child, that was by all rights evil.........."

The tears softly fall again, and she goes on,

"But I forgot my most sacred oath, to my kin, my druid family........ so now I am cursed to walk this forsaken time ~it has been over 200 years for her now" "So I am cursed to walk the earth, to be avenger, trial, judge.......with no remorse, no feelings,........ ~here she hesitates, because she has had feelings and remorse ~ "But humans have brought out what the fates said would never be brought out again....the compassionate side.........the side of me that I thought was given up.......... 'spioradail de madadh' (spirit of wolf) that is me."

She stops and sips of her wine, then continues…….

"It begins on the day it was found that I am more than just a shapeshifting Druid. The wolf is not only my familiar, but also a part of me, going back in my family for centuries. When this was recognized, it was also found that I could wield weapons of metal, and use my powers together. This is very rare among Druids. I was not recognized as human any longer, but something else, something.."

She hesitates here, for good reason, because she cannot tell them the name that was bestowed upon her. If only they had known what this naming would cause and the curse it would invoke.

“I was struck with the vision of a silver wolf dying not too long ago. That wolf was like a mother to me. She had been near me for 150 years, not a normal wolf. The smoke and fire I have seen in visions sent to me I now know was my home. It has been destroyed. Something has set the Dragons loose again. The curse. The bloody curse...."

She shakes her head, and sighs.

"I told you my true name. GreyWolf (liath madadh-allaidh), but that is not what they named me that day. I was out with my wolf-pack, Siruis, doing some Ranger work on the outskirts of a village near the Capital of Ariandor. There in the forest I came upon a group of "people", around a fire. I stood silently, waving the wolves down, watching carefully. They were trying to raise the Goddess Fay're. What I did not realize at that time, was they had a child, a girl-child, who could channel. Channel the evil side of the "ONE". I thought they were to sacrifice the child. So I waited until they slept, and snuck in, wrapping the child in a blanket, and hurrying back to the Citadel quarters of the Druid Foundation. The wolves tried to warn me, I know that now, but I refused to believe a child would be so evil. I took her into the garden, (one of many) and called to my brothers and sisters to come.......... thats when everything went wrong, and my life changed forever........"

Here she stops for a moment, the tears brimming her eyes, intensifying the amber/silver glow. She reaches up with a hand, but stops...instead letting the tears flow, letting the hurt out, and ridding herself of the last vestige of fear and madness. Letting the tears carry it away into the wind, leaving behind the strong resolve of her spirit and hope, She continues slowly.....

”My first clue something was wrong was the child. She sat up from where I had laid her, and reached back without looking. She gave me a smile so evil, the wolves who were sending me messages at the time, howled in pain, fleeing my mind quickly. Reaching back she touched the "nan tursachan" behind her. The sign carved into it glowed, and one of the "a' treigsinn" started to appear slowly directly behind her, and merged with her, the only sign it had happened was her eyes..........oh her eyes, blood-red as the rest of her face disappeared, becoming smooth. She stood, now 7 feet tall, truly one of the "a' treigsinn". I knew I had no weapons upon myself to fight such an evil being, and fled to the next garden, where the "nan tursachan" for the mighty wizard "Glandish" stood.

Among our people this stone was NEVER to be touched, it was a symbol of what can happen if you try to control the power instead of letting it flow thru you, and allowing it to help you. Of what would happen, if you got greedy, and tried to draw too much, for the wrong reasons. So I did the one thing that would set me on my path and what would get myself cursed, not realizing that at the time, only concerned with the fact I had invited "a' treigsinn" into a haven, a safe place, and if it ever left the garden, such destruction to all the innocents would be my fault...."

She pauses again, looking at them from the corner of her eye, trying to judge their reaction to this.......She sighs, and continues once again........

"I reached up, and touched the sign for the wizard, the one cursed to become this stone, the one who had gotten too greedy, thinking himself mightier than the gods.........." "As I touched the sign, the rock began to vibrate, the ground shaking, knocking me to my knees as if in obeyance to the stone. I looked up and the rock slowly fell apart, revealing the wizard, frozen, holding an ancient sword. One of the soul-reavers, the "aignean a' chlaidheimh" of legend, the "SpiritSword". Without thinking of myself, only for the others inside the walls of the Foundation, I reached up and took hold of the sword. Immediately the ground quit shaking, and for one brief second, the wizards eyes flared, and a message burned into my brain, knocking me to my knees again, the sword clutched in both hands, my hands on fire. The Wizard stated the following to me.......... “</font>

<font color=teal>"This omen I give you, this sword is now yours to use, and cure.. The marks now put on your hands are weapons, 22 more marks will you gain thru time. Your eyes will now betray you to friends and enemy alike. They will glow and change color."</font>

<font color=skyblue>” This is when I felt something snap around my neck.”</font>

<font color=teal>"This bracer you shall wear forever. Forever immortal to walk the earth, to gather souls for this sword. But beware, beware the Fey're who would free these souls, and bring about the last battle, the end of the Age...... you are now cursed to this task. Omens you will find along the way and this prophecy...

"Where two were born of wind,
so shall two be born of fire.
Where two are scarred and sorrowed,
so shall two unite in fire....fire....
fire and wind, storm and lightning,
so the prophecies say, and tell.
So shall it be, so shall it come forward.
Two shall be united, two shall love,
where heartbreak and curses roam...
so shall two break free...."
Until you fulfill this prophecy, you are doomed. Doomed to walk the earth." </font>

<font color=skyblue>“And so..............I will not tell you what has happened since then. I slew the "a' tregsinn", who instantly turned back to the child. My brethern appeared only at the moment after the forsaken fled the child, leaving me standing there, SpiritSword in hand, runes burned into my hands, a platinum amulet bracer around my neck, the Wizard's stone broken, and an innocent looking child, lying murdered on the ground...............I was cursed to walk the land, fighting for Chaotic Neutral, but with a cruel twist...."

She looks them straight in the eyes, hers showing no fear, no sorrow anymore, only fate, hope, and a strange kind of vengence. She waits for them to speak, slowly sipping at the wine.... </font>

[ 07-18-2002, 10:43 PM: Message edited by: TAOWolf ]

OOC>>> Galadria and Attalus - I've PMed you [img]smile.gif[/img]

IC>>>
<font color=yellow>Kira

Her knees tremble as she makes her way towards the door, occasionally darting glances behind to ensure no one has seen her. Upstairs, her parents are grumbling as usual, about the state of affairs in this city which has always been her home.

Her green eyes flash as they catch sight of the rapier hanging on the sides of the door. Deftly, she removes it and places it on her side. Praying to Mielikki for her blessings, she closes her palm over the knob and turns it.

The door yawns open, defiantly. She knows they have heard.

Sprinting, she dashes across the street, dodging the random rain of arrows showering about. Stumbling once as one grazes her shoulder ferociously. Whimpering, but stubbornly, she runs on.

Anywhere. Anywhere but this terrifying, gloomy city. She plunges on towards the forestry ahead of her...</font>

Okay, Mistral, if it will make you happy:

<font color=white> LADY GALADRIA FOEBANE (17th level Cavalier, wears red dragon armor and helm, giving it the distictive pinkish color. She bears Carsomyr +6, and the Dagger of Desire, though she does not know it has a name, or many of its properties, which will remain secret for now. Her bonded war horse, Gold Top, can change color at her will, and will always come when called. She is in love with Blandamour, and is jealous of Eliza, his esquire and lover, but feels guilty about it, as Eliza saved her life once.</font>

<font color=fuschia> PRINCESS ELIZA, DAUGHTER OF CEDRIC (12th level Bard/1st level Paladin) Once cruel, spoiled, and arrogant, she killed herself in despair and awoke not to oblivion, but the Abyss, where she had to fight in the Blood War as a Petitioner, until unexpectedly resurrected by the late Britomart Foebane, Galadria's sister. She was Britomart's slave for a while, until an unexpected chance allowed her to rescue Galadria and flee Britomart. She subsequently met Blandamour, fell in love with him, and now is his esquire and mistress. She dreams of being his wife. She struggles to do good, so as to avoid returning to the Abyss, but must fight murderous urges.</font>

<font color=gray> LILYBLACK OF THE SCAR (17th Level Planewalker, which means that she has the ability, given any component of a thing, to reach it agasin, by constructing a portal lens that will instantly take her there on her mind focussing on it. She was taught this skill by a mysterious individual who I am not going to introduce, yet.) Sensuous and beautiful, her lovely face marked with a hideous scar running from her left eyebrow to her right cheek, she is Spymaster for Sir Bors, but nurses a secret grudge against Eliza. </font>

<font color="yellow">WOW!!! [img]graemlins/wow.gif[/img] What an AWESOME story, TAO! [img]graemlins/thumbsup.gif[/img] Very, very good.</font>

<font color="plum">Now for my characters.

Addison Sinclair - dual class monk/mage 10/16. Chaotic Good

Addison has the physical build of a fighter (high STR, DEX, CON) Fighting school and the militia did not appeal to him, so he traveled to the Eastern land of Kara-Tur, where he found a style of fighting that suited him in the martial arts. He stayed at the monastary for 4 years before striking out on his own. During his travels, he became increasingly intrigued by all things magical. He began to study the arcane arts and - as he advanced in knowledge - researched many magical items.

He is very curious about any magical item and loves to find new items to study.

He carries +2 Quarterstaff, which he can wield with devestating affect thanks to his martial arts training. He wears a Cloak of Displacement and almost always has 2-4 <font color="yellow"Stoneskin</font> spells in effect.

He LOVES researching new spells and has acquired many "non-standard" spells in his spellbook (Non-standard meaning spells that aren't in the spellbooks carried by most mages.) He has developed an improved version of the standard <font color="yellow">ESP</font> spell that allows it stay in effect for several hours. This makes it almost impossible to fool him or sneak up on him. He is constantly monitoring those around him.

He also has a "pet" pseudo-dragon - named Skrith - that acts as a scout and fighting ally. Addison raised Skrith from an egg and is the only "mother" he has ever known.

He has several miscellaneous magical items he has collected. He developed a pair of Gloves of Anti-Magic to aid in his magical research. These glove nullify the magic of any item other than a relic or artifact. This comes in handy when Identifying cursed items. He can discover they are cursed without being affected.

Right now, Addison is also carrying The Amulet from Baz'guul. He truly meant to destroy it, but Carrick sensed his love of magical items and used that weakness to convince Addison to "study" the amulet, rather than destroy it.

The trapped mage is augmenting Addison's powers greatly, but he is also trying to "corrupt" Addison and convince him to set him free. Addison's mental discipline has managed to thwart Carrick so far, but the subversive attacks are very subtle.....and very constant. Carrick is always "whispering" into Addison's ear about which course of action to follow. This will develop more as the story progresses.</font>

<font color="white">************************************ *************************</font>

<font color="palegreen">Kellen Silverblade - Kellen is simply an elven fighter/mage (5/5) known as a Bladesinger.</font>

<font color=pink>OOC>>Ah, finally good to know we're getting back on track here! OK then...
Verloren
Fighter/mage 26/5. Originaly(before i entered the story)a half elf princess cast off from her home by the prejudice elves she lived with, except her mother. She's been training since she could lift a sword, which explains her high level in fighter. Recently leveled as a mage to obtain spells to better her in battle, though she rarely uses them. The swords she carries- Isan and Isak, +4 long swords, Isan being ice enchanted, Isak being lightning, were a gift to her from her weapons master. The circlet on her head, i think is called Circlet of Netheril(the one cespenar can make in ToB, dont remember its stats). Customized half plate +1. Her boots...well nuthing special about them, but they let her move like an elf, instead of a half-elf :D . She is arrogant(though not as much as Sanael [img]smile.gif[/img] )from the long years of harshness of her father. Hmmm what else...ah, she likes tough guys(in my book she leaves the hero for the villain), nuff said! Laurie, waitin for Lilyblacks post reply :D </font>

[ 07-19-2002, 02:42 AM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

OK - lets see

Sanael Ganahr (6''1')

using 2nd ed.

Elven Ranger lvl 17

STR 15, DEX 18, CON 16, INT 15, WIS 14, CHR 12

He is (as LB poited out [img]tongue.gif[/img] ) arrogant - And basicly looks down on all non-elves ( including ½-elves, LB ;) ) as being 'lesser' beings although he 'tolerates' the paladins because he knows that they live up to a higher standard. (hence all the insults :D ) As elfs come and go he's not particulary handsome but he has a 'hard' edge to him.

He is a ranger because he (as expected/demanded) has followed the family tadition - and although he doesn't particulary like to trudge around in the wilderness, he is a consumate professionel, who does what is needed to accomplish his missions.

He was initially ordered to go on a mission to discover what threat the demon (that Larry played) posed by his liege-lord, Celefin, and encountered Blandamour and ELiza. After the threat was averted he was ordered (again) to act as a liason between his lord and the paladin Order in order to coordinate a response to future threats. Sir Bors then told him to follow Blandamour, as he usually is in the thick of the action. Initially he resented this assignment as he would prefer the conforts of home and elven company, but resently he has begun to enjoy himself.

I play SG as a hard man, who lives in a mideval society (torture is an acceptable way to gather info, enemies deserves no help and 'human' (or elf ;) ) rights are an unknown concept) - I hope this explains his actions towards the druids.

Equipment: longbow +3, a rather tattered looking studded leather armor (non-magical but comfortable [img]smile.gif[/img] ), longsword +2, dagger, a multitude of different arrows, boots of grounding, and his most priced possesion: his multi-hued cloak that grants +35% to hide and stalk, +2AC and non-detection.

[ 07-20-2002, 01:48 PM: Message edited by: Ar-Cunin ]

SIR BLANDAMOUR (OOps, forgot to add (thanks, Gal) Blandamour has a bonded warhorse, too, name o' Shaitann, black and vicious.)

<font color="plum">As Addison and Ni Deng travel down the road, Addison stops and begins rubbing his temples. Carrick is "whispering" into his brain again, and the strain of controlling his thoughts is becoming very painful. The mental discipline Addison learned in Kara-Tur helps him withstand the mental assaults, but his <font color="yellow">ESP</font> spell gives Carrick easier access and adds strength to the attacks.

<font color="orange">Why do you not act on your convictions? How much more evidence do you need? Have you not seen enough with your own eyes to believe they are evil? </font>

Their actions can be explained.

<font color="orange">Explained? HOW? Is it normal for paragons of Good to barter with evil dragons or threaten helpless captives?</font>

The druidess wasn't harmed and Blandamour was bartering for the life of a party member.

<font color="orange">For his LOVER, you mean. I wonder how quickly he would have bartered if it had been you in the dragons' clutches.....or would he have considered your death a tragic - but necessary - loss? Better the death of one than of many, after all.</font>

You're wrong. He would not endanger a fellow party member.

<font color="orange">You are blind, Addison. You have challenged thier authority in front of the others. Make no mistake, you would have met with an "unfortunate accident" in short order had you stayed. Who knows? You still might. The Order has many members and Blandamour is one of their champions. You have insulted his honor, and that transgression cannot go unpunished. I would be wary of a crossbow bolt from behind if I were you.</font>

Yes, well you will be sure to warn me should someone attempt that then, won't you Carrick. After all, that was our agreement. You would add your strength to mine if I spared you, correct?

<font color="orange">Correct indeed. That is why I am puzzled. I've given you power enough to destroy them both ten times over, yet you refuse to strike. Even though you know deep down that I speak the truth, you stay your hand. Why wait until you are ambushed? Strike the enemy before they have a chance to strike you.</font>

No. I will NOT listen to your insidious lies and half-truths. If the time should come that I must face them, then I will do so. I will NOT resort to pre-emptive violence for the sake of convenience.

<font color="orange">Carrick realized he had pushed too far- again. Still, Addisons resistance was slowly being worn down. Carrick could afford to bide his time. He had been trapped in the amulet for well over a century; a few more days - or even weeks - would not matter.
Forgive me, Addison. I forget that your ways are not the same as mine. My long years of confinement have made me irritable beyond my years. Come, lets forget about the paladins and seek out this druidess you spoke of</font>

Much more than an ordinary druidess, she is also a shapeshifter. And I suspect her powers extend far beyond what is normal even for that. But you are right, we should continue our journey and put the past behind us.</font>

<font color="white">************************************ **********************************</font>

<font color="skyblue">Ni Deng watches his new friend with concern. He is the only person that knows Addison didn't destroy the amulet, because it was he who gave Addison the tools for the deed - knowing full well that they could not actually accomplish the task.

He worried that Carrick would seek to subvert the young mage. Addison was powerful, both physically and mentally, and would make the perfect "host" if the evil mage were ever freed. The old gardener sincerely hoped he would not be forced to kill his friend in order to save him....but he knew in his heart that it may well come to that.</font>

<font color=gray>LILYBLACK(to Verloren) "I am sorry to disturb you in your meditations, your Highness, but, I merely wanted to congratulate you on your freedom. You travel with...interesting companions. Are these your rescuers? It seems to me that I know some of them. Thast is Sir Blandamour of the Iron Arm, is it not? Such a srong, handsome man! But who is that smallish redhead he is comforting? It weems to me that she is familiar. Could you introduce me? I want to know why she is so frightened. Perhaps I can help." </font>

<font color=pink>OOC>>Tough post to respond to Laurie!
IC>> Verloren
(Verloren carefuly watched Lilyblacks reaction towards Sir Blandamour before answering). "It appears most of the party already knows you, but yes, that is Sir Blandamour. The red head is his esquire, and I suppose his lover. She is Princess Eliza of the Marches. The woman in the dragon armour is Lady Galadria, a paladin who servers under Blandamour. The tall elf with them is called Sanael," (she narrowed her eyes thoughtfuly at the dark ranger before continuing) "The group of 3 over there I do not know at all." (She tossed her hair a bit and turned toward camp; she did not trust this woman)"Follow me, and I will introduce you,"(she heard light footsteps following her back to the group. Verloren kept her hand on <font color=lightblue>Isan</font> before coming to a halt dangerously close to Sanael) "Everyone, this is Lilyblack of the Scar..."</font>

[ 07-20-2002, 01:40 AM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

OOC>> LOL, but you did such a good job, Jen. IC>
<font color=gray> LILYBLACK (At being called by that name, her smile seems for a moment to waver, though she recovers quickly. She might have lost her color, if she had any.) "Ah, Sir Blandamour, so good to see you again. And Princess Eliza? We have surely met before, though you may not recall me. We need to have a nice, long chat, sometimes. About the old days, you know. Dear me, you seem upset. Perhaps there is something that I can do?" (She fixes Eliza in a glittering stare.)</font>

[ 07-20-2002, 08:04 AM: Message edited by: Galadria ]

<font color=fuschia> ELIZA {to Lilyblack) "Th..thank you, but I do not use that title any more. With my father dead and his kingdom in chaos, it does not seem appropriate. As to a chat, I am at my good Lord's bidding, here, and come and go at his pleasure. I am afraid our talk would bring you small pleasure, though, since I have lost most of my memory, and I am afraid that I do not recall you at all." (atempts a wan smile) "Much as I would like to." </font>

SIR BLANDAMOUR(to Lilyblack) "As Eliza says, Mistress Lilyblack, she has unfortunately lost her memory due to...an unfortunate occurance. I am afraid she would be of no assistance to you in recalling the good old days. What is it that you want, for I know you to be a very busy woman?"

<font color=gray> LILYBLACK (Mocks Blandamour's voice) "And, when you say that, you mean that you are a very busy man." (back to her normal voice) "Well, Sir Blandamour of the Iron Arm, I have come to bring you some good news. The quest that you so rashly agreed to is now not necessary. The vase that the dragon wishes is safe in Sir Bors' office, so you need not stoop to theft to fulfill your vow. It may surprise you to know that I had a large part in retrieving this precious thing, as Sir Bors does not think my honor worth considering. Should you not be grateful, and lend me your esquire for a task that I need help on? She would not be gone long?" </font>

<font color=pink>(Verloren flinched lightly as a ring of electricity traveled down <font color=white>Isan's</font> sheath in response to her mood. Something was odd here; it was obvious Eliza was terrified of this woman. The princess shifted and waited.)</font>
OOC>> Ar-Cunin check your PMs :D </font>

[ 07-20-2002, 06:40 PM: Message edited by: Lady Blue03 ]

<font color="plum">Addison and Ni Deng travel to Korup-Shun without incident, and Carrick remains relatively "quiet" for the remainder of the journey (much to Addison's relief).

With the city gates in sight, the two companions pause to consider their options.

Entering the city doesn't seem very wise. As far as they know, there could still be a price on their head or an issue for their arrest. But neither of them is familiar with the surrounding land.

Then Addison remebers the amulet TAO gave him before they battled Baz'guul. TAO had explained that he could always find her by using the amulet.

He removed the item from a pouch, held it in his hands, and concetrated on discovering TAO's location. The amulet quickly pulled him towards a path leading past the city and into the forest beyond.

He replaces the amulet into his pouch...the he and the "gardener" follow the path to the forest.

As they get farther into the woods, their is a "tingling" in the air. They pass through the first, small forest and come upon a clearing that leads to a stand of trees taller than any Addison has ever seen before.

They seem tall enough to touch the clouds..and the aura of magic surrounding the trees is almost palpable. Addison realizes that this inner forest is heavily protected by powerful magics....more powerful than he cares to deal with.

He removes his backpack and begins to set up a camp in the middle of the clearing. Once their camp is made, he places a few protective spells of his own around the perimeter.

He and Ni Deng then settle down for a bite of food and some much needed rest.</font>

<font color=silver>Sorsha

The sight of LilyBlack jolts her memory of a lady she had met earlier... cruel, vicious and with an aura of authority... Britomart... their company seems to be turning into an uncomfortable sort, and she realises that gone are the days of peaceful, carefree travel with Galadria.

I want to leave! ~ Her heart screams repeatedly, and her cheek muscles twitch momentarily, even as she struggles to maintain an emotionless front. The result is a greenish hue on her face as the tension takes its toll on her.

With a gasp, she stumbles back into the arms of Legolas, who holds her steady, whispering in her ear reassuringly. She can sense his own uneasiness as well, and this discovery provides her with no small degree of comfort.</font>

<font color=magenta>Isaura

Her discovery of Sorsha's reaction yields genuine alarm for her sister ~ "Are you alright, Sorsha?" ~ Her voice is whispery, for the presence of LilyBlack, too, makes her extremely wary for no rational reason. Unless, the glint in those fiery eyes is enough of a damning evidence...

Yet, she notes with grim amusement the look upon that wretched Eliza's face at LilyBlack's proposal, then Sir Blandamour's appalled countenance. And lastly, Lady Galadria - her truest friend's - expression` Justice will be swiftly meted, my lady... ~ In truth, she wishes the deed would soon be over - that is, the removal of the visual irritant of a redhead. Then, perhaps, she would feel less obliged to tag along this group, for it seems to be getting into more and more nefarious plots...</font>