The Chronicles of Merick -- part I

[Rockstar]

THE CHRONICLES OF MERICK

PART I of III

(When you start reading it, it seems as if it would go on forever. It speeds up. Please bare with it. I have condensed certain points in the game to make it faster and more readable. Trust me, it's worth a read Feedback is appreciated so I don't feel so lonely in this thread [img]tongue.gif[/img] )


PROLOGUE:

Name: Merick

Race: Dwarf

Class: Fighter

Alignment: Chaotic Evil

Skills: long sword ++
long bow ++

stats:
STR: 18/26
DEX: 17
CON: 19
INT: 5
WIS: 12
CHA: 16

Character Profile:
Merick always dreamed of roaming the plains as a walking deity, powerful and feared by all. He is selfish, impatient and full of hate. In reality he is selfish and obsessed with his own obsession for his own strength. His lust to spill blood often gets in the way of his interests which sometimes gets him into rough situations, but still, he is witty and always has an escape route and a road to victory.

Racial Advantages:
Dwarves have the highest resistance to poison and magic (saving throws) of all classes which protect them from being effected by spells and the effects of spells. Also, dwarves have high constitution meaning higher Hit Points. At 20 CON they gain regeneration. Merick stands a over half-foot taller than most Dwarves (the screen shots are misleading…)

[ 04-04-2007, 09:33 PM: Message edited by: Rockstar ]

[Rockstar]

PROLOGUE: THE STORY BEGINS

Recently things had been changing across the farum. Bandit raids had escalated higher than ever before in only a year. The local economy was taking a heavy down turn. The two major mines, in cloakwood and Nashkel, were struggling to produce any pure iron, and the ore they could gather was of poor quality. Over the past months bandits were specifically targeting the caravans carrying iron to be imported from distant lands which meant that only sourch of iron was the inferior ore that the mines were producing. The military was struggling to find the iron wares to create decent swords that would not break in mid battle and uncertainty was looming everywhere.

Merick grew up in the town of Candlekeep. A large town conceiled by a heavy stone wall which overlooked the ocean. Merick never knew who his real parents were and was raised by his foster father, Gorion, a wise and powerful mage, the most respected in all of Candlekeep. He was looked upon differently as dwarves were none in Candlekeep but he was never bothered by it as he was very physically intimidating to his peers. While not interested in schooling, he spent many hours in the library with his foster father, Gorion, studying warfare and ways of the blade. He foresaw himself as an excellent warrior and had now just reached adulthood. There was always something about Merick that the townsfolk deemed as somewhat super natural. His use of a blade and bow seemed to reflect that of a veteran warrior and his ability to learn new tricks, skills and strategies in combat was unexplainable. Gorion was the only person who nurtured his gifts of combat, and as his talents rose, so did his hatred for everything around him. Merick hated that he had suffered the upbringing of not knowing who he really was and being the only dwarf. Soon this hate developed into a chaotic lust for destruction. He found great use for his physical strength, and while he was not skilled at magic, he did not see this as a downfall as most dwarves were not. Gorion was always worried at the evil nature of Merick’s ways. Merick carried much hatred. It almost seemed as if he was possessed by a power so great it consumed his humanity. Merick still held respect for his foster father as he was a powerful mage and looked up to by the townsfolk due to his magical skill, but thought his father was not a fool for exploiting the gifts he had. “The man could rule Candlekeep and the nearby towns with an iron fist, yet he chooses to waste his days in the library…” Merick thought to himself. He continued to be trained with weapons, particularly the sword as his teacher was a swordsman. He also spent many hours at the archery range firing bows. Merick trained as if there were no tomorrow but didn’t know why. He felt his life lacked significance and always felt as if Gorion was too restrictive. He wanted to adventure but there was never a reason why…


CHAPTER 1:
ACT I
A Rude Awakening

Merick woke up startled by Gorion who was shaking him in a panicked fluster. “Awake child! Wake up!” the said. Gorion shoved a bag of gold into Merick’s hand and told him “This is all the spare gold I have. With it by all the wares you need… We are leaving Candlekeep and must do so before sunset!” Merick was quick to wake up and spoke in his deep dwarven voice, “What has happened? What would worry you so much that you would wake me in such a hurry.” “I will explain in due time my child.” Gorion insisted and then paced quickly out of the room. Merick pocketed the bag of gold and walked to the tavern to by some wares.

Merick pushed through the doors. “How ya doin’ young Merick!” Exclaimed Windthrop, the tavern keeper. “I do not have time for your petty chatter! I’m leaving soon and I need wares not gossip” Snapped Merick. Windthrop was silent with an angry and upset expression on his face before telling Merick “Ye spiteful tongue will give ye what’s coming to ya… The townsfolk have done nothin’ but look out for ya since you were brought here and this is how you treat us? You have the worst reputation of anyone your age by far. You start fights and talk back to your elders. Now why should I serve you after hearin’ that?” Merick tilted his head and eyed Windthrop and stepped closer before telling him “Because my father is Gorion…. now get me a sword and that split mail in the corner.” Windthrop slowly made his way to the wares and got what Merick asked for. Merick placed all his gold on the table and Windthrop took what he wanted and left little change. “This is absurd! Look how much you have charged me for these!?” Exclaimed Merirk. “Your place is not to question with me young one.” Replied Windthrop. Merick stared at the blade on the counter, tempted with evil thoughts, but instead collected his left over gold and walked out of the tavern.

Merick knew that there was still a while before Gorion was ready so he walked to the barracks in the hope to find some work. He hated having to help people with errands but he had run low on gold and needed a bow. He spoke to the head of the barracks, Fuller, who got him to deliver some bow bolts and a sword to some soldiers. Merick grudgingly did the task only to get the gold, which he took to purchase a bow (a short bow was all he could afford). He walked to the library but bumped into Imoen on the way.

Imoen was a young girl almost the same age as Merick. She was the only friend Merick ever had, and the only other he had ever cared for. She was like a sister to him and could not remember her parents either. She was human and beautiful of face and was quite skilled as a thief. She scuttled up to Merick and spoke “Hey ya! Why are you in such a hurry?” “You’re right, I am in a hurry and I’ve no time to speak.” Merick replied and barged past her. Merick didn’t fear anything but the feeling of not knowing what was happening made him feel uneasy. So uneasy that he wasn’t at all comfortable. He could see Gorion and began walking towards him, but as soon as Gorion lay eyes on him, he ran straight down to Merick and asked “Do you have everything you need child?” Merick nodded. “Then lets go.” They immediately started walking. On the way Gorion explained that if anything happened or if they were separated, to head to the friendly arm in, just north-east of Candlekeep and to look for a couple of elven travelers named Jaherra and Khalid. Merick asked again what was happening but Gorion gave the same response, that he would explain in due time. Merick lost patients and yelled “Stop being a wise old coot and tell me where we are going! NOW!” Gorion’s eyes lit up in rage. “How dare you speak to me that way. If you know what is good for your safety you will follow me now!” Merick and Gorion left the gates of Candlekeep and headed north east, through a forest trail, to the Friendly Arm Inn.

[ 04-03-2007, 10:40 PM: Message edited by: Rockstar ]

[Rockstar]

CHAPTER 1
ACT II
The Armoured Figure

Gorion pressed forward at quite a quick pace. It was as if he was trying to get away from Candlekeep as quickly as possible. There was no chance for conversation as all effort was aimed at moving forward quickly. By the time the moon rose they already been walking for a couple of hours. Merick and Gorion entered a forest, only guided by one torch held by Gorion. Gorion did not have age on his side and visibly needed to rest soon, yet he still pressed on. The two walked up a steep hill covered in trees and when they got to the top they were greeted by a series of dark figures standing under one hundred metres away. “Stop.” Gorion said calmly. Merick found himself with his hand resting on the handle of his dagger. Clearly they had both run head on into the danger that Gorion was trying to evade...

Both Gorion and Merick put their hands on the hilts of their blades as they saw the party advance on them. The leader of them was obvious. A tall dark armored figure, and with him, two ogres and a young female mage. The man stood at a menacing near-seven feet, carrying a large sword and covered in heavy armor that seemed magical upon appearance. The sword the armoured man carried would have needed to be held in two hands by a normal man, but their enemy held it comfortably in his right hand. Merick started to feel his heart pounding but I was not afraid. Finally his foolish father might have the courage to use his powers for what they are meant for.

Gorion did not chose to run as he knew that they were outnumbered and all they could do now was stand and fight. The dark party stopped about twenty metres away from them. The armored man addressed in a deep, dark voice “You know why I’m here. Hand over your ward and you will remain unharmed.” Gorion replied angrily “You are a fool to think I would trust your benevolence… now step aside and you and your lackies will remain unhurt…” The armoured man laughed in a deep taunting voice and spoke “I’m sorry that you feel that way old man.” Gorion wasted no time and started casting and launched a large bolt of lightning at one of the ogres. The ogre did not see it coming and got struck in the heart then feel to the ground dead. Merick’s eyes gleemed as he thought to himself “finally the old fool actually uses the power the gods gave to him!”

The dark figure pointed his sword at Merick and the ogre advanced on him. The female mage created a flaming arrow with her hands and cast it at Merick. Merick jumped out of the way but the arrow hit him in the shoulder and he fell hard on his back. The fire arrow dug deep into Merick’s shoulder before falling into a pile of cinders which burnt his chest, which he frantically brushed off. Gorion looked at Merick in desperation and cried out “Run child! RUN!” Merick knew that he was not ready for a battle like this, especially now he was wounded. For him to become truly powerful that he would have to live and fight another day. He scrambled to his feet and ran deep into the forest till he found a thick hedge to hide behind. There he could see the fight without being noticed. The ogre lost sight of Merick and turned around to face Gorion only to be greeted by a lightning bolt to the face, killing him instantly.

The dark, armoured figure was still a distance away, but began slowly advancing on Gorion. The female mage stood back and cast four red magic stars at Gorion. Gorion replied by casting four of his own which destroyed hers in mid air. Gorion then took the initiative and created a fire arrow and launched it at her as she was casting another spell. The arrow hit her unarmoured chest and exploded into cinders that left her on her back, brushing away the cinders of her face and chest until she slowly stopped and died. Gorion turned to see the dark figure was nearly in front of him and quickly cast four magic missle stars at the figure. Each star hit Gorion’s enemy but each missle only seemed to wind his enemy for the moment and almost straight away, the armoured figure stood upright again and began advancing on him again. Gorion quickly launched an arrow made of pure acid, but the armoured figure was now right in front of him and blocked it with his hand. The man hissed lightly as the acid ate away at the armour on his wrist. Before Gorion could began to cast again the dark figure smashed him in the face with a backhand from his empty fist. Gorion tumbled to his knees with his back exposed to his opponent. He forced himself focus and rose to his feet. He clenched his fists ready to cast and went to turn around. In an instant, Gorion arched his back and howled in pain as the armoured figure ran his blade all the way through Gorion’s mid-back. The dark figure ensured the blade was pushed in as far as it would go and Gorion went loose before the sword was removed from him and he fell lifelessly to the ground.

The dark figure began walking around searching for Merick. He only looked around for a few feet before giving up on what he knew would be a waste of a search. The armoured man made his way back over the hill he came from and passed the female mage, who was actually still barely alive but now blind from her injuries. “Help my lord. I cannot see! Take me with you.” plead the women as she grabbed the man’s leg. The armoured man drove his sword into the women before continuing over the hill. Merick could hardly believe what he had just seen. His eyes burnt with anger and the lust for revenge. Merick lay down against the bush he had been hiding behind and slept for the few hours left until the sun rose.

[ 04-01-2007, 09:46 PM: Message edited by: Rockstar ]

[Rockstar]

CHAPTER 1
ACT III
Unwelcome Company

Merick awoke still stunned by the events that had transpired the night before. That strange man had killed his foster father and more importantly made an attempt on his life. Merick checked his equipment. He still had his bow, some arrows and the long sword he had got from candlekeep. He had chain mail but it was not of the best quality. He would have to find better equipment soon in order to feel safe. There was somebody after him and he knew he would have to be ready. Merick knew the next best step would be to follow Gorion’s advice and to head north-east towards the Friendly Arm Inn. Merick made his way down the road.

After an hour of lonely walking Merick heard a russling in the bushes behind him. He drew his bow and an arrow and aimed it at the bush. “Hey, don’t shoot!” said a familiar young girl’s voice. “What are you doing here?” Yelled Merick. “I’m here to look after ya.” Chirped Imoen. “You are foolish to have followed me here and you will only slow me down! Gorion was killed last night and you will have no better chance if you don’t go back home to Candlekeep now!” Imoen’s face went pale and her eyes welled with tears. “Gorion’s dead? …” Merick stared cruely at her impatiently. “I’ll head back … ya know where best friends still but I’ll wait till you change your tune.” Imoen wiped the tears from her eyes. “I’ll tell the others about Gorion’s passing. Goodluck.” Merick didn’t say a word and watched her walk in the distance. Just as Imoen was nearly out of sight he called out “Travel safely child!” Why Merick did not slay her where she stood for stalking him, he did not know. As ruthless as he was, she was as close to kin to Merick as any other ever was and what honour he had, he would use to stop her from coming to harm. …Even still if she returned he would remove her head from her shoulders for simply disrespecting his power.

[Rockstar]

CHAPTER 1
ACT IV
The Wizard in Red

Merick walked a lonely trail northeast for a near day, until he finally saw a huge castle like inn in the distance, just as Gorion said. The only company Merick was a small wolf which he put an arrow through and ate. Merick saw two evil looking travelers standing and arguing on the side of the road he was walking up. One was a mage and the other was a Halfling swordsman. The wizard introduced himself as Xzar and his hobbit companion as Monteron. They said they were headed towards the Friendly Arm Inn and offered Merick a place with them. Merick had not the patients to even speak with them after what had recently happened to him "Get out of my way. I don't need any help!" Merick spat back them. "I should smite you down where you stand." The hobbit said intimidatingly. "Come now Monteron." The wizard said, "He'll get what's coming to him." Merick muttered to himself, "I think not." The two turned their backs on him and started walking towards the Inn. Merick noticed a purse on the back of the halfling’s belt. He raised his bow and shot the mage in the back killing him. The Halfling spun around and charged at Merick. Merick dropped his bow and drew his blade and waited for the Halfling to charge at him. Merick rolled to the side of the amateur Halfling fighter and drove his sword between the halfling’s ribs. Merick packed their gold and wares into his backpack and enjoyed a peaceful walk until he reached the gates of the friendly arm in.

Just as the gates were in sight, an old man approached him Merick. The man had a heavy grey beard that sat on top of his heavy red robes, with a red pointy hat. The man was obviously a sage of sorts and spoke to Merick as if he knew of him. The man introduced himself as Elminster and tried to bore Merick with ‘sage advice’ in the form of metaphors. Merick knew he would get nothing out of this wizard so he told the wizard to go away before he could make a point… Merick saw how the wizard’s mere presence struck respect and awe in people. But Merick would get that respect. “But not through wearing robes… but through the blood on his blade…”

[ 04-13-2007, 03:20 AM: Message edited by: Rockstar ]

[Rockstar]

CHAPTER 1
ACT V
The Friendly Arm Inn

As Merick approached the Friendly Arm Inn, the guards on top of the tower saw him and called for the drawbridge to be lowered. To Merick it looked like more of a fortress than an Inn, with small houses around a large, castle like centre, where the inn actually was.

Merick had to walk up a long set of steps to get to the main entrance of the Inn. on the way up a hooded man stood up the moment he saw Merick and walked over to him. The man asked him if his name was Merick. The dwarf replied “I don’t know who yer talkin’ about.” The stranger opened his cloak and exclaimed “Liar! You match this description exactly.” The man began casting what appeared to be a swarm of magic stars at Merick. He quickly jumped out of the way to dodge two red magic stars launched at him. As he hit the ground, Merick heard a voice yell out “Fire!” It was the captain of the guards patrolling the Inn. There were three archers already aimed at Merick’s attacker, but still Merick drew his sword and charged. The guards filled the caster with three arrows before Merick could get close. Merick ran his blade through the man’s gut and stared down at the man before he fell to the floor. Merick waited till the guards weren’t looking to grab the mage’s bag. It was filled with scrolls, some gold and a bounty with his name on it! The bounty had Merick described exactly. “A dwarf in above average height with a black beard, traveling alone or with few company.” This man must have personally received the bounty description as it hadn’t said who to collect the bounty from.

… “Nobody can be trusted any more… Nobody! I need no help anyway!” Merick thought to himself. In the tavern, two folk caught his eyes, they must be the friends of Gorions. Merick walked across the room and was approached by a stranger explaining that bandits had been attacking the caravans that deliver the iron from the outer towns. This was of little concern of Mericks so he walked up to Gorion’s friends. They were both elves by appearance, one a female named Jehira, the other a male named Khalid. They were obviously a couple and spoke with Merick and implied was that he needed protecting and that he was best with them … Merick replied sternly, “No! … I have made it this far on my own and I do not want to share my company with semi-talented card playing friends of my father’s! Take your own path because you are not welcome on mine…” Jahera spoke up and tried to convince Merick. “Your father foresaw this day and sent word to us to meet you both here. If you did not make it with him, you were to be escorted with us to the town of Nashkel.” Merick gleemed at her and rudely kept his silence. Merick only had just under 900 gold and still mediocre equipment … he knew they would have more than enough gold to keep him going for the time being. He raised his sword at Jehera’s throat and demanded all of their gold and potions. Khalid through their money and potion bag to him and Merick immediately, looked around and ensured that nobody had seen the robbery and backed away, making for the road.

Merick pondered about the events that had transpired as he walked away. He knew that the bounty on him had to be connected with Gorion’s killer. Gorion must have known that the enemy had heard word of a talented dwarf in Candlekeep and is why he was in such haste to leave.

Gorion's plan was to journey south Nashkel was owner of one of the only two iron mines on the Sword Coast. “A mine does not produce a whole area with iron ore and then suddenly go barren in a couple of months,” Merick thought to himself. "With all the bandit raids on imported iron, somebody is clearly starving the Coast of iron." Merick did not care the least for the troubles for the townsfolk of Nashkel, but at the moment he had no leads as to who his foster father's slayer was and any information might help light his way

Getting to Nashkel would mean having to go South the way he came and then continuing down through the forest and the town of Berigost, before finally reaching Nashkel. Merick thought it to be wisest to stay off the main roads for the time being, at least until he could aquire some decent equipment. He headed south but took a much more easterly route. Merick ventured into the Peldvale Forest.

[ 04-01-2007, 10:24 PM: Message edited by: Rockstar ]

[Rockstar]

CHAPTER 1
ACT VI
The Peldvale Forest

Merick was now a walking bounty holding a cruddy wooden bow and protected by a sword and armor that could fall apart if struck hard enough due to the poor iron in the area that was used to make them. Merick traveled east, into the Peldvale forest, before heading southbound to Beregost to avoid the main roads.

Merick ventured into the forest, set up camp and got some much needed rest. In the morning he went hunting for some food. After running into and killing some uneatable spiders and gibberlings, he found a large wolf that had not yet noticed him. Merick calmly drew his bow and aimed at the wolf’s torso, but as he pulled back the string the wolf fell down dead from an arrow to its side. Merick saw a hunter with a good quality large bow walk up to collect his kill. Merick new the authorities would not know who killed this man, this deep into the woods. Merick grinned as he thought to himself “Hunting the hunter…”. Merick waited till he had a clear shot and pierced the unarmored peasants heart. Merick upgraded himself to a long bow and got some arrows.

Merick knew that he would to find better equipment still to survive and the cover of forest was perfect for taking down enemies with stealth. Merick ventured further into the forest. He saw an unarmed man searching for help in the woods. Merick casually approached the man before the man introduced himself in a fluster, “My Lord, I-I am Farington… I desperately need you to find a scroll and –“ Merick ran his blade into the man’s gut. “In exchange for ye gold?” Merick smiled evilly into the dying man’s eyes. Merick took the man’s purse of petty gold before the man dropped to the ground dying. As the life left the man’s body, Merick felt as if something was entering his. His heart pounded and he felt stronger. He had felt this with all the enemies he had killed since Candlekeep, and it seemed to grow stronger in him with each he killed. He felt faster, stronger, quicker to think. As if there was more muscle inside his arms although they were the same mass. Merick could not explain what it but it was as if he was learning or gaining something more than just the experience from his battles. Strength in the deaths of others…

[Rockstar]

CHAPTER 1
Act VII
Battle with The Red Wizards of Thay

Merick finally reached a desert clearing. It was full of tall rock pillars that reached several meters in height and would at least provide some cover should he need it. The sun went down and he kept pressing on. In the distance he saw a fire and got closer, making sure he was undetected. Once close, Merick realised that these were not mere campers. They were Red Wizard’s of Thay. Powerful mages, while low in numbers were fanatical and performed group rituals, like what Merick was seeing. Merick’s heart began to pound. Even though he had killed others since leaving Candlekeep, he had not really won a fair fight yet.

The leader of the wizards told two of the four wizards to go and collect some more firewood. Merick stalked them and quickly shot them both in their backs with his bow. The arrows seared effortlessly through their red robes, but their screams were loud. Merick darted back to the camp to finish off the group, his heart raced as he had to dodge between the rows large rock pillars . Merick quickly staggered to a stop when he ran head on with the two remaining wizards, who were facing him less than ten meters away.
Merick’s heart sank but he still had hope, he was not in the open, or he would have surely been finished. The group were in the open in an area which was surrounded in rows of tall rock pillars around two meters wide and three meters apart. This with the cover of night gave Merick some advantage. The leader taunted “You will taste death this day you foolish dwarf!” Merick did not show intimidation as he replied. “And you, wizard, will taste my blade!”

The leader of the wizards cast four magic stars at Merick, but Merick was right next to a pillar and rolled out of the way. The stars chipped away large chunks of rock. The two wizards could not find Merick as they only had the moonlight to guide them. The leader walked ahead towards the pillar Merick had hidden behind. The second wizard, watching his master’s back, all of a sudden screamed a roaring scream as a blade poked out of his stomach. The leader turned around and launched a huge bolt of lightning. Merick quickly withdrew his blade and dived out of the way. The second wizard was knocked meters back into a pillar before falling down with his face black and his robes smoking. The leader was now panicking, he summoned up a ball of energy, ready to throw at his attacker in one hand, and held his staff tight in the other. The wizard frantically looked in all directions before catching a blink of his attacker jumping towards him with an overhead swing with his sword. The wizard’s spell fizzled into the air as he held his staff up with both hands to block the swing. The wizard tried to swing at Merick but Merick hooked the wizard’s staff with his sword and twisted it out his hand. The mage then aimed a ring on his right index finger at Merick’s head and screamed, “Farclah!”. Merick twisted his body out of the way to avoid a long stream of fire about the width of a fist. The same moment, Merick swung at the man’s extended hand and slicing fingers clean off. The man screamed and hunched holding his hand. Merick taunted arrogantly at the defeated Red Wizard. “Here you are, as promised.” Merick swung a lightning quick backhand swing across the wizard’s face, cutting it deep and splitting it wide open. Merick knelt down to examine the ring off the wizard’s severed finger. He put it on ring and aimed at the mage. Merick evil smile turned to an expression of hate and vengeance as he said. “Farchlah.” A jet of flame, a fist in diameter, lasting for about three seconds scorched the dying mage. The flame burnt through his robes and scorched his bare torso. Merick turned and walked away satisfied by the screams that only lasted a few moments. Merick checked the bodies for some more potions and some spell scrolls that would sell for a pretty penny when he finally reached Beregost.

[Rockstar]

CHAPTER 1
ACT VIII
The Basilisk Kingdom

Merick knew he was starting to get close to Beregost. This longer route had definitely proved much more life threatening than originally thought. The sun began to rise and he had finally gotten past the dusty pillar filled plain he was enduring. He was back to treading on grass, and what little pleasure Merick was capable of feeling, he felt it here.

Merick saw two travelers in the distance. Merick approached them, hoping they may have some useful wares. A chill went down Merick’s spine when he realised that these travelers were statues, people turned to stone, because only one creature could do this, one that Merick stood no chance against. A basilisk. A creature that could turn a man to stone in an instant in a gaze. Merick knew he would have to find another way round when a thought came to his head. He rummaged through his backpack to find a potion of invisibility he had taken off one of the Red Wizards the night before. He drank it and watch his hands disappear before him.

Merick ran as lightly and quickly as he could into the grassy area. First all he saw were statues of fallen warriors baring arms, or mages casting spells. Finally he saw basilisks… many basilisks. He made sure only to keep an eye on the road ahead and not to make eye contact with any of them. Merick’s pace quickened as he saw what seemed to be the last of the statues in the distance. Merick stopped to catch his breathe when he could no longer see any statues or basilisks behind him in the distance.

Merick ventured on and finally saw his hands and feet reappear in front of him. He let himself get distracted and realised that there was a party walking towards him. There were three of them, a man carrying an appealing long sword, an archer and a cleric holding a shield and mace. The swordsman spoke “Ho there stranger. Have ye seen any basilisk round these parts.” Merick replied rudely “That I have and you will make easy prey for them the moment they see you.” The party seemed to share a simultaneous feeling of anger and excitement as they drew their weapons. “We could always do with an easy warm up.” The archer said cockily. Merick would put an end to such arrogance.

Merick drew his blade and aimed his ring at the archer. The archer’s chest was greeted by a heavy bolt of flame that sent him falling on his back a good meter before he could fire an arrow. The other two charged at Merick. Merick, knowing no fear, charged straight into the action. Merick exchanged a few shots with the swordsman before having to roll out of the way of a swing by the cleric. Merick noticed that the swordsman was not wearing any armor on his limbs and would be the first easy take down. He ran at the two again, rapidly dodging and swinging to try and get some offense in between defending against the two men. The swordsman attempted a heavy, but reckless swing, but the dwarf ducked it and the cleric had to step back. Merick took the opportunity and swung at the swordsman’s unguarded leg. The sword struck right at the ankle and was strong enough to remove his foot from his leg. The swordsman dropped his sword and rolled on the ground screaming.

Merick charged straight at the cleric, who raised his shield. The cleric could not get a shot in and kept stepping back, blocking until he tripped over a large stone and landed on his back. Merick immediately ran his blade into the man’s exposed throat before being hit in the back of the thigh with an arrow. Merick screamed loudly as he turned to see the archer, badly injured kneeling with his bow and arrow. Merick thought quickly and took the clerics shield. He turned around to face the archer just in time to block a shot that would have hit him in the back. Merick ran at the archer and blocked an arrow before engaging the archer up close. The archer forced himself to his feet and drew his sword. Merick wound his sword right back and swung hard at the acher, who raised his sword with both hands to block the strike. Merick’s sword, made from poor iron, cracked in the middle and the length of the blade fell to the ground. Merick, knowing the man was injured jumped into him and pinned him to the ground. They both wrestled over the sword, but the less injured Merick used his strength to turn the blade into the archer and kill him.

Merick walked over to the one footed swordsman and picked up his sword. This was a finely made sword and would serve him well. Merick plunged it into the man before looting them and continuing his journey.

Merick was now limping, but could see in the distance, the city of Beregost…

[ 04-10-2007, 05:07 AM: Message edited by: Rockstar ]

[Rockstar]

CHAPTER 2
ACT I
The Town of Beregost

Merick trudged his way back to the main road and continued to Beregost. His injured leg was ailing him and slowing him but he had learnt much from the experiences he had already gone through. Slowly he felt as if he was proving himself to be the warrior that he always dreamed of. Even if it was only due to luck, Merick had managed to defeat a party of travelers and a clan of Red Wizards of Thay. Merick finally stepped foot into the city of Beregost.

The buildings here were rather tall but slightly warn down. The town was rather large but was definitely less than middle class. “Pathetic flocks of peasants.” Merick muttered to himself as he limped his way to a sign post, illustrating a map of the town. He headed towards the largest tavern in the town, Fieldpost’s Inn, to sell some wares and rest without conflict. He thought he would be safe there in the midst of a heavy crowd and would stand out less there. A good place to be to rest up and let his leg heal.

Merick entered the tavern and walked over to the bar. On the way to the counter he bumped shoulders with a short but stocky and well built male. Merick stopped where he stood and slowly turned around to find the man already facing him, awaiting an apology. Merick thought it would make sense to kill the man later, when he was not so weary so he spoke first, “I’m in a good mood laddy. Apologise now and I’ll let you walk out of here in one piece.” The man, clearly drunken laughed and replied “Now, now dwarf, I think I’m going to have ta show ya some manners.” Merick heard the man’s friend call across the room, “Yeah! You tell ‘em Marl!” Merick quickly raised his hand to catch a drunken punch from Marl. Marl was not a tall man and was not much taller than Merick’s 5 ½ feet. Merick responded with an uppercut that broke the man’s jaw and sent him tumbling backwards into some bystanders. Merick sold his wares at the table, got some potions and leaves to help his leg heal and paid for a room. Merick wanted nothing more than to slice the whole bar to pieces and help himself to their valuables and rest for free, but he knew he could not yet take on the whole world… yet. He went upstairs to his room and rested.

The potions were worth the gold that Merick paid for them as he woke up walking pretty much fine. He strapped his sword, bow and arrows to his back and marched down stairs, ready to set out to his next destination, Nashkel. As he walked back down to the ground floor, through the bar, Marl was waiting for him. The barfly was sitting laughing with his friends, with his now misshapen jaw, until he caught sight of Merick and snapped to his feet. He walked boldly up to Merick and brought his face up close to intimidate him. Merick head butted the man with his helmet and sent Marl to his knees, holding a bloody nose. Merick walked out of the Inn and headed to the town’s southern exit.

Merick was nearly out of the town when he heard somebody cry out in a light, but manly voice, “Ho there traveler!” A skinny man ran up to him. He carried a backpack and a harp and appeared to be a bard of sorts. Merick stared impatiently at the man and stroked his beard before saying in a deep voice, “Ye have one minute boy. And there had better be something in it for me…” The man nervously introduced himself as Garek and told Merick that he was representing his master, who was in need of protection from three mercenaries stalking her in the town. Merick began to walk away. “300 gold!” Garek yelled out. Merick turned around and told the bard, “lead the way.” Merick had his own plans.

Garek introduced Merick to a women in a purple cape who bored Merick with the details Garek had already given him. “I want my gold… now!” Demanded Merick. “You will get your gold when you have completed your task.” Snapped the women. All of a sudden three men baring short swords approached them. The leader bowed and exclaimed, “We have found the gems you have asked for my lady.” “That’s them!” exclaimed the women, “Attack them!” Merick grinned and tilted his head. “It looks like you aren’t too good at paying your mercenaries are you. And I… am no mercenary.” Merick gleamed evilly at her before turning his back and walking away. She drew a crossbow from out of her cape and fired at one of the three mercenaries. The arrow hit the leader clean in the chest and the other two smothered her down and stabbed her on the ground.

Merick was now a good fifteen meters away when he drew the other potion he had taken from the Red Wizard of Thay he had killed in the wild. Gorion had shown him these potions and he knew what to do with them. “I like the sound of those gems on top of my handsome payment.” Merick said grinning to himself. Merick hurled the potion at the distracted group and watched it explode into flames. The flames were magical and dissipated into the air within five seconds, but had still killed all three mercenaries, the mistress and Garek as well, who was only watching the events as a bystander. Merick chuckled as he took his 300 gold as promised and helped himself to the mercenaries gems before making his way south out of Beregost and a quick rate.