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Post by Jagathara on Jul 4, 2005 23:54:14 GMT -7
JURNYMAN
He sat and watched the ribaldry around him. He nodded and smiled as his men came up to clank steins and exchange bravados. He knew these men loved and respected him- Hell hadn't they pitched in for new armour and the gleaming black and magical sword that was always with him? The sword so perfectly forged it sang in his hand when he swung it.
But things had been tough since his last encounter with the Elder Dragon. He'd crawled out of the dragon lair in the volcano barely able to breathe after that last battle.
The Elder was defeated but what price did he pay? He was lucky some forest dwellers had picked up his poor sorry ass and nursed him back to health.
Yes, very lucky indeed. How long was he there? Lost to the world in nightmares and hallucinations. He could not remember....
No matter, he thought, here we are together- a new beginning; better; stronger; wiser-
He held up his stein- [/size] WE ARE HERE! __________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 15, 2005 1:33:09 GMT -7
G_3
In a back room of the old inn he sat studying maps and considering strategies...
A new team! But really they were all old comrads. They'd just never been united under one banner before.
He watched the hustle and bustle of his Captains and Lieutenants coming and going; bringing field information or stopping to give a word of encouragement.
He could feel his heart race with the excitement of the new venture! Long considered the strongest warrior in the land, he wondered if he could live up to these men's expectations. Sure he'd done more than most- slayed more dragons and lizards then some had ever seen; travelled everywhere; fought in many battles.
Yes, even led a small group of rebels.
But this was different....
"General, sir?"
"Yes, Captain," he replied absently.
He looked up to see his Captains and Lieutenants at attention before him-
"AT YOUR SERVICE SIR!" WE ARE HERE! DOS MAKE NO MISTAKE! __________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 18, 2005 10:35:03 GMT -7
CHAOTICA "What was this place?" he thought. It was damp and dark. He could hear the rats scurrying along the walls and feel them under foot. "How long had he been here now?" he wondered. He wasn't sure - days, weeks or was it months? -ever since he'd been bewitched by the powerful socerer who'd taken the form of a young maiden. Her sweet innocence and beauty had easily seduced him. Now he was here - a captive; powerless to escape; weak from the lack of food and the pervasive damp. He'd once been a strong warrior and leader; skilled with weapons and magic; revered and respected by his men. Now this. He'd had dreams ( or were they visions? ) of himself side by side with his men; fighting the monsters and men who opposed them. So real he could feel his sword pierce the heart of a dragon. Or touch a wound and heal it with his hand. In the distance he could see a faint light. Was it a torch? It was coming nearer. He stood up. He knew somehow this would be his salvation. I AM HERE!DOSMAKE NO MISTAKE __________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 30, 2005 0:27:59 GMT -7
STRANGER
The messenger was wearing a cloak and hood; his head was bowed so his face could not be seen. Stranger had seen the others cloaked and hidden behind hoods also. He’d encountered one man on the town outskirts and had helped him into the town. Now he needed help again. He read the note and looked at the man waiting. He could see the DOS symbol embroidered on his bodice where the cloak fell open.
He and the General had once been comrades. They’d traveled together; fought side by side. But after that last great battle he traveled more and more alone. Finally he’d become almost a ghost himself.
A Watcher perhaps - hidden in darkness and stealth.
He nodded an affirmative to the messenger.
Long hours later he could hear the approach of footsteps. He could see it was the Captain and his men.
“I’m here to assist you past the sentry sir.” “Yes, G said you would be here. I thank-you sir for your assistance.” He looked at him quizzically,”Have we not met sir?”
“They call me DarkOmen!” I AM HERE! DOSMAKE NO MISTAKE!__________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 30, 2005 0:32:14 GMT -7
YAWN
Once his men had been safely taken into the town, he was free to wander.
The magic that had seduced him so long ago had become stronger and stronger. Sure he could conjure up the mundane spells -storms, fire, lighting. But he was more of a shape-shifter now, spiritually and physically able to take the form of things around him - a bird, a snake, even a dragon one time! It was terrifying and thrilling both at once.!
He thought he might be losing himself to the magic - it grew stronger with each spell cast and it began to take over more and more of his - what? Soul?
He carried weapons now only for show - he needed them no longer.
Sure he was once like the other warriors - -wild; reckless; quick to temper; even something of a brawler. But that was before the magic took over.
And he'd always possessed a fierce loyalty that had kept him tight with his men and his superiors.
He knew deep inside what he had to do....
He entered the town through the catacombs. He was ready....
I AM HERE!
DOS
MAKE NO MISTAKE!
__________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey.
yaWn quit for a short time and I repeated his story along with a footnote:
After helping to bring the clan to a tight -knit group, yaWn assisted in the revival of the SOC clan; found his mortality and retired to a a small cabin just on the outskirts of imagination where he continues to mentor the tyros and torment those foolish enough to confront him.
Any one brave enough to venture there will truly benefit from having known him!
*Additional footnote: Always the shapeshifter yaWn once again became a near immortal as a Lich magician and returned to active duty as a Captain of 'Chaos True Commandos'.
And these comments as well:
I think that when I said that yaWn retired to the 'Outskirts of Imagination' it was really a serendipitous choice of words as we all reside there in a way when we participate in the Shade experience. Reality and imagination become intertwined in such a way that it is difficult to pick the two apart. The adventures I write of are true but more then that they are truth as seen by the Warriors in the game. Very big truths exist here: Valour, Honour, Integrity, Loyalty and a Brotherhood (not to exclude the sisters of course) that we aspire to and keeps us bonded. It lives in the imagination and in the game and some of it spills into reality so all of us together reside in that ephemeral place, somewhere in the 'Outskirts of Imagination'.
To all my Brothers and Sisters: Salute!
And anyone brave enough to venture here will benefit from the experience.
And no...no hot chocolate is being served. You want hot chocolate you bring your own!
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Post by Jagan on Jul 30, 2005 0:51:09 GMT -7
STARRY
To them she was always the baby sister. They would pat her on the head and laugh as they went off to hunt or fight their battles. Occasionally they’d let her tag along and show her how to use a bow or fight with a heavy sword. But the weapons had magic she knew. Despite her small size she learned to wield a sword as well as any man.
That Warrior-Wizard, Nephilim, had taken her under-wing for a while. He taught her magic; how to hunt and most of all the Warriors Code of Honour.
During that last great battle with the Elder Dragon, she’d shown her mettle: she was invaluable as an aid to G; helped organize the men (no small task there considering egos and different clans involved); healed their wounds and certainly fought in many small skirmishes.
All that was before the coming together of the two great allied clans.
Now G was leader; and she was there beside him, standing tall, one of the daughters of Shade.
I AM HERE DOSMAKE NO MISTAKE__________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 30, 2005 2:03:19 GMT -7
Jagan
It was a cold day in the mountains and she had been hunting for what seemed like days. Her journey had been long and tiresome her backpack nearly full she sat on the damp ground to reflect.
Could it be that she had really seen it all? Taken part in everything that she had inscribed in the book she guarded so closely? It almost seemed as if it was all a dream but she knew better. It was she who had slain more creatures than almost anyone in the land, who could tell of everything in a way only an experienced warrior could.
Enough of the past she thought as she rose to her feet wiping clean the blade that had served her so well over time. It was time to carry on, she had an important meeting and she could not delay.
She wondered how the sorcerer would receive her gift, would he approve? Would he scorn her as he had so many others? Would she be dismissed or even worse disgraced? Only he knows for sure therefore only he can tell. She carried on with newlyfounded speed, she was determined to meet her fate.
As she approached the closely guarded Keep the power from within coarsed through her viens. The guards stepped aside almost as if her arrival was expected. It was true, he must know. The only thing that stood between her and destiny was a lagre ornate door which opened as if on command.
Jagan entered the large room eyes glazed over feeling rather weak at the thought of what lie within. As she approached the throne it became clear that the grand sorcerer was even more powerful than legend had told.
Before her stood Grimm, The Grand Sorcerer of Shade clad in armor of gold. His presence was humbling almost divine. His outstreched hand accepted her offering, a book with the words "Chronicle of Shade" carefully inscribed across the spine . He began to read. Maybe it was her imagination but she would later swear that the mighty Grimm had actually laughed once or twice while reviewing the text.
When he was done Grimm placed the text in his vault which was reserved for only the most sacred of items and approached Jagan. "Jagan your chronicle is the most complete and accurate account of happenings within the world of Shade to date! I am proud to bestow upon you the title Bard of Shade, Third Order"
Her journey having been completed, Destiny having been fulfilled she smiled, walked to the side of the throne and sat beside the Sorcerer. She would enjoy the moment but not for long, there was work to be done, much to see and even more to tell.........
JAGAN
DOS
Bard Of Shade, Third Order THIS STORY WAS WRITTEN BY SOMEONE I TRUST AND RESPECT AND I THANK HIM FOR ALL HE HAS DONE TO HELP ME IN THIS GAME AND FOR THE GREAT STORY!! (rumour has it he likes pink?)
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Post by Jagan on Jul 30, 2005 12:02:43 GMT -7
VIRUS
He stood pressed against the wall of the the volcano; his heart pounding so hard he was sure it would burst from his chest. He started counting quietly to himself to calm down.
He could see the lava flowing near his feet; it glowed softly and the occasional burst of flames lit the caverns casting dark quivering shadows on the cave walls. He listened as the dragon moved heavily past him; he could smell its heavy pungent scent of sulphur; and he could see its scales luminescent in the glowing light.
Suddenly a burst of flames! His robes were singed! The dragon had not actually seen him. It was just a warning shot. But too damned close! He quickly patted out the flames trying not to bring attention to himself. The dragon knew someone was there alright - it just couldn't see where yet.
"Keep counting... Keep counting," he repeated to himself trying to calm his racing heart.
CRACK!!! The great tail smacked against the volcano wall like thunder! The very ground below him shook with the shock!
That was close! Too close.....
Time stood still it seemed as he waited... .finally he could hear the heavy footsteps and tail dragging noisily as the dragon wandered off.
He started laughing to himself.... how many times had he done this he wondered? And everytime the burst of adrenalin.. And the feeling of relief to know he had survived yet again.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He watched as a Dark Cleric darted by - those remnants of humanity who dealt in magic so black they had long ago lost their humanity. Or so people said. Since the release of CHAOS, he was now able to come down here and obtain spells ( anything was available for a price ) and the knowledge of these spells had made his clan very powerful.
In the deeper recesses was a town of sorts - Bal Rak. Here blacksmiths forged weapons so perfect and magical they were prized by all warriors.
He'd come down here many times for his clan and was proud to do so - but Bal Rak had made him very rich also. He wanted for nothing and he often wondered if he was getting soft....
He walked into the town, met with the wizard, CHAOS and purchased the prized spells.
He chatted briefly with some locals and clanked a couple of pints with them in the pub.
Soon he was ready to make the treacherous journey back. He looked at his scorched robes - "No I'm not soft yet!' He laughed to himself and started down the path back home I AM HERE!DOS MAKE NO MISTAKE! __________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 30, 2005 12:16:10 GMT -7
@)ANGL~
The dragon lay on its side labouring for breath, her heavy sword protruding from its chest. The thick, pungent reptilian blood was flowing down its luminous scales. . She stood staring at the injured creature, paralyzed with fear. She had somehow managed to stab it (bludgeon was more like it she thought) in that one vulnerable spot that dragons have up under the scales and into its chest.
Still shaking with fear she plunged the sword into its heart and with a spasm the breathing stopped...
As she pulled out the still gleaming Screamer she could feel the tears welling up in her eyes.
Where was he?
They had been dragon hunting together. Something they had done many times before. He always took the more dangerous role as ‘bait’. He would attract the attention of the big monster and it would focus on him while she used magic to weaken it. Then at last, that fatal blow. That one killing blow that he usually made but had taught her as well. You had to hit that one vulnerable spot that all dragons have....
But this time something went wrong. A misstep on his part had sent him flying when that great heavy tail swung around and hit him square on. She was left alone to face the heaving fire-breathing behemoth.
Somehow she managed to summon up the courage to do it on her own...
“Jurny?!!” She called his name. She was beginning to panic now for fear of his safety.
Suddenly she could hear a low moaning sound. There he was! Under the tail! The great beast had pinned him with its tail when it fell.
She ran over to him. He was conscious and trying to wiggle free. The two of them together managed to get him out from under the heavy tail. Crouched beside him she looked at his slightly singed but smiling face. The tears were flowing freely down her cheeks now.
I AM HERE!
DOS __________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 31, 2005 14:10:15 GMT -7
Arthurian Legends Redux
He knelt in front of the small fire he had built just outside of the cave. All through the mountains other such fires were also burning. He could see many of them from his campsite now that the sun had set. His men were scattered throughout these hills where they’d been bivouacked for many weeks.
The skirmishes were over. Now they were bringing back fallen comrades and slowly making their way back home. Still they suffered daily battles with the denizens of the caves and mountains - the ogres and orcs, always relentless in their attacks.
He poked at the fire with a stick, sending embers flying into the night air. He brooded upon the legends passed down to him through many generations. Of Camelot and the dreams that went with it.
"On either side the river lie Long fields of barley and of rye, That clothe the wold and meet the sky; And through the field the road run by To many towered Camelot."
He thought of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table - his brave and loyal knights- and of the stories he’d heard so often.
There was the handsome Sir Lancelot, the ideal of chivalry and honour and Arthur‘s most loved friend; Sir Galahad, strong and brave; Gawain the exemplar of courtesy and chivalry; the treacherous traitor and eventual slayer Mordred; and of course the beautiful Guenevere, queen and love of his life.
How King Arthur loved her! Then she fell in love with the gallant Lancelot. The King was forced to execute her for her adulterous affair and treason. But Arthur loved them both so well that he stood at his window hoping upon hope that Lancelot would rescue her from the burning stake.
Ah, but things were not the same for him now were they? His Queen had betrayed him and lied and run to the enemy camp. And no Sir Lancelot for her either but rather that evil practitioner of black magic, Mordred was more her style. Mordred who in some legends took Arthur’s crown and married the Queen.
Now he was alone. But he knew he was stronger then ever before- in spirit, mind and body. He and the other knights errant of his clan would soon be reunited and new adventures and future quests awaited..........
DOS BECOMES SOC
HONOR TO SOC/CTC!
*quote by Lord Alfred Tennyson 'The Lady of Shallot' __________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 31, 2005 21:12:54 GMT -7
SPUNKIE
As a younster she wanted nothing more than to be a warrior. She watched the other warriors of the clan when they came to town and longed to be like them. She loved the armour and weapons they wore. She loved to hear the stories of their adventures; the great monsters they had slain; the places they'd visited; the things they'd seen.
She would sit for hours out of sight when they visited her parents to hear the tales they told and the plans they would make for great expeditions. She longed to be part of it all. Her parents had long since given up trying to get her to take interest in 'girliish' things and instead they bought her the fine bows and leather armour she requested and let her hunt the wolves and wild boars on the property.
"What harm could it really do?" they thought.
One day as a teen-ager she had packed her knapsack, pulled the cross-bow she so loved over her shoulder and set out for the day. She'd wandered pretty far into a forest she did not know.
Then she saw it! A young dragon! It was sitting preening itself. She was frozen in place. She had never before seen one. Her heart was thundering so hard in her chest she was sure she would burst. Finally the dragon moved on and she continued on her way.
After many hours of walking she came to an unfamiliar town - 'Stumpy's Outpost' - the sign said.
She entered the inn. There were a few rough-looking hunters and soldiers about. They were unkempt and boisterous for the most part and they carried the luminous dragon hides that were worth so much gold.
The innkeeper looking up from his book saw her immediately and indicated to her to come closer.
"What brings you here dear child? This is no place for a young girl! ....Okay, I'm going to find someone to escort you back."
But before he could do it she had disappeared back into the forest.
She figured he must have sent word back to the clan leader though for the next morning her parents woke her up and said Captain Chaotica was downstairs and wanted to see her.
She quickly dressed and found him waiting for her, along with another warrior in the castle's Great room.
His appearance filled her with both awe and the same fear she felt when she saw that dragon the day before. His weaponry and armour were of the finest quality she'd ever seen.
"I'm told you were at Stumpy's Outpost," he said, "you realize that is no place for an young lady, do you not?" His voice was stern.
She was shaking so badly she could barely nod.
"However you show more spunk then many men I know and I have requested of your parents to let you join the cadet corps if that would be acceptable to you?"
She was barely able to keep from leaping at him with joy and instead managed to nod and smile.
"Lieutenant Ironman will be your corps leader," he said indicating the officer on his right.
"No worries, my dear," Ironman chuckled, "a great warrior you will be. 'Spunky'? Is that what Chaotica called you?" He chuckled again to himself and she followed him to what was to become her her destiny.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Today as she stood before the clan, Ironman pinned on the ribbons that represented level 12 Warrior Corps Honours. He smiled at her with pride.
"You've come a long way and seen much. You've earned your name every step of the way and it is my great honour to see you take your place with the other great warriors of this clan" __________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 31, 2005 21:17:47 GMT -7
IRONMAN
Dealing with the elves had always been a pain in the ass. Never one to start a fight unprovoked the young man got up from the table and threw some gold down for the waitress. He'd been trying to negotiate a deal with an elf assassin. Those guys had special weapons and training they learned in the 'EAST', they said. Just as he was putting down the gold, a hand came up and held his in place. The man looked straight into the Assassins eyes. They were cold and dead serious, "We'll settle this outside!" And the Assassins voice was deep and icy. The young man, filled with apprehension, withdrew the cutlass from its hilt and followed the Assasin outside. No sooner had he walked out the door then he could hear the slashing sound of the katana as the Assassin landed a blow damaging his armour. Heart racing the man rallied with a slicing cut across the shoulder of the Assassin and drew blood. Not missing a beat the Assassin continued to attack whirling around and coming back faster and stronger. Shield in one hand and cutlass swinging in the other the young man continued to defend until a swift swipe to his wrist sent the cutlass flying! He stood defenseless and watched as the Assassin flew at him in an instant. Waking up in a strange bed, the young man saw a Mage -healer looking down on him. " Where am I ? " "At my lodge in the forest," replied the mage, "I found you outside the Elf Fortress in a heap and brought you back here." The man looked at his wrist where he'd been hit, "what did you do?" "No mage could heal the damage, I'm afaid. I built up your wrist with screws and metal plates to hold the bones in place." "I have metal inside my arm?" the man asked disbelieving. "Yes, its true!" the mage was chuckling, "you are truly a man of Iron now!" [/size][/font] ELF ASSASSIN SOCWith a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Jul 31, 2005 23:58:33 GMT -7
PHANTSTR
He stood at attention waiting for the General to call him forward.
He’d finally made his level thirteen requirements and it had been quite the long road to get here. He’d been one of the first to join CTC under Captain Chaotica. They were a ragtag bunch of rebels back then. Was it so long ago? Seemed like forever now. His tour of duty in the clan left him hunting the caves and mountains on his own much of the time. He rarely saw civilization but would occasionally drop into the pub at one of the towns to enjoy the comraderie of the clan Members. Then after the seal was opened the Captain had been bewitched and disappeared. The Clan scrambled to keep itself united and he had stuck with them even in the face of the doubters that said they would never recover the loss.
During his time he’d taken many a new recruit under his wing; made sure they had the proper gear and taught them fighting techniques that would keep them alive in these harsh times of monsters and enemies of all sorts. And they’d in turn enjoyed his unique sense of humor and respect he had afforded them.
Now here he was; the clan General, G_3 was standing before him. G_3 was pinning on the clan honours and handed him a rolled up scroll. He stepped back and saluted and moved on.
Later that evening, as Phantstr read the commendation he had received his mind kept repeating the words he had read:
" For valour in the face of war and strife ;
Loyalty, when all around others faltered;
A truly great soldier who has weathered many storms and remained TRUE.
Your Clan and Leaders thank -you. "
He put down the document; looked up and smiled at his wife who was now expecting their first child. She came over and put her hands in his. And Phantstr knew his path had been the right one.
CTCWith a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Aug 1, 2005 21:16:16 GMT -7
RESURRECTION He walked into the small study that G_3 used as a ‘War Room’ and saw him there pouring over some maps on a huge wooden table..
“They’ve found him, sir,” yaWn looked over at the maps on the wall behind where the General was standing. The General was startled into alertness by the sudden company, ”When?”
“Last night. Reconnaissance found him in an old castle. Everyone had gone from there except for two sentries. They were easily persuaded to take us to him.” YaWn looked tired and he was covered in road dust that belied his pale features. Still G_3 could sense a sort of excitement bubbling just beneath the surface. “ He’ll be back in Byrendell late tonight.” “I must warn you though that he is very weak and he will be months recovering his strength.”
“Thank-you, Captain,” G_3 came over and put his hands on yaWn’s shoulders. “Brother, yaWn I do think this is a turning point for us. I’m going to consult with JURNYMAN right away.”
Later that night after CHAOTICA had been secretly returned to Byrendell, the clan CTC was resurrected with G_3 as leader and yaWn first Captain. The long standing alliance with SOC would remain as always.
Chaotica had told them his harrowing story of bewitchment by the evil Sorceress and how she had kept him captive for months in the dark dungeon. How he had nearly lost his mind in nightmares and despair. How he had suffered near starvation, the damp and cold, the rats and torture at the hands of his guards. Guards who felt he should not have been kept alive at all. Then finally the light in the distance and the marching footsteps. And there before him his own troops come to rescue him!
They talked quietly through the night and when morning came, CTC was born again and the new era had begun.__________________ With a host of furious fancies Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air, To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to a tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end: Methinks it is no journey. Anonymous ballad
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Post by Jagan on Aug 1, 2005 21:27:21 GMT -7
LEGEND OF THE DRAGONS
And it was known in those days that the Great Dragons would come out at night, enter the towns and destroy the homes of the townsfolk and take their gold and armour and other valauble possesions.
And at that time there was known in the land a mighty warrior and he sought out the dragons lairs and battled the beasts and brought the stolen items back to the people.
And he was said to have knowledge and magic unpossessed by anyone in the land.
And this warrior was known as Blkdrgn.
And it came to pass that a great dragon that the people called the "Elder" was terrorizing the land and he dwelt in a magnificent chamber in the volcano.
The Mayor had commissioned Blkdrgn to hunt the Elder Dragon and free the town of its oppression.
Blkdrgn set about to do just that and battled the dragon long and hard. And finally after a fight that lasted the night he defeated the behemouth.
And there in the lair was untold treasure and gold. He began to pick up the treasures and was amazed by their beauty and abundance.
And then he heard it. What was it? A low whimpering he thought. Could the lair have hatchlings too? He searched around and then he saw it! A basket and inside bundled up, an infant child. He picked up the basket .
"What am I to do with you? A mere infant. I can not care for a foundling. Look at me. I have no real home, I'm a wanderer and soldier for hire"
And then she smiled and cooed and Blkdrgn knew his fate was sealed at that moment. [/center]
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Post by Jagan on Aug 1, 2005 21:35:46 GMT -7
DrgNSpwN
She looked over at G_3 and he nodded. They were ready. When he brought the big beast down., she gulped. Her heart was racing, now too, as it did every time they began a battle with one of the elder dragons. “You would think I would be used to this by now, ” she thought and took a deep breath before the battle would begin. She pulled her screamer out of its hilt and it gleamed as the light reflected on its blade. They had their potions prepared and the magic spells they knew so well kept getting stronger with each battle. She looked up into bloody eyes of the red luminescent beast and was ready to begin.
She had come a long way since her childhood under the tutelage of Blkdrgn. He had found her as an infant and cared for as would any father. They were an itinerant pair wandering from town to town and became known as ‘the dragon slayers‘. And the dragon names were known to hold magic and all over the land they were legendary. There were other ‘dragons’ as well and together they were a loose knit clan and were all the family she had ever known. Then one day Blkdrgn went into the volcano in search of one the ‘Elders’ as he had done so often before and never returned. It became up to her to take on the leadership of the clan but she was unsure whether she could carry the sacred Dragon name. “Don’t be silly,” she was told, “ you are the foundling of a dragon and raised up to be the leader of the Dragon clan. It is your fate and our honor to serve under you!”
She stepped just fast enough to avoid being hit by the dragon’s flaming attack. G_3 saw the scramble and looked over at her. Reassured she had found her footing, he went back to casting the magic against the huge behemoth.
Now most of her clan were well-seasoned hunters themselves and many had joined with G-3 in his CTC clan. When G_3 had invited her to join, at first she was reticent and not sure she wanted to give up the ‘Dragon’ name. But having battled many lizards and dragons with him had led her to feel comfortable under his leadership and she knew the fellowship of the clan was strong.
G_3 was looking over at her. The mighty dragon was labouring for breath. He smiled. She drew her heavy sword up and under the scales on its chest in that one unprotected spot they had; she plunged the screamer into its heart. And the beast collapsed to the ground, breathing no more. The defeated beast lay at her feet , iridescent and shimmering red. She stood there and looked at it for a long time. She was always amazed by their beauty and strength. G_3 came over and stood beside her. He put his hand on her shoulder. “Welcome home, again, Sis.” And she knew she was.
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Post by Jagan on Aug 1, 2005 21:49:18 GMT -7
LEWD
DigMeUp stood on the bridge and watched as the young undead cadet struggled to kill the golems. Sweat was pouring down the cadet's face as he swung the sword against their stone hard bodies. He listened to the rhythm of the loud clanking of the sword and it was steady and forceful. With unwavering determination the cadet managed to down both the creatures. DigMeUp cast a healing spell while the cadet tried to regain his bearings. They were standing on the big bridge that leads to the gargoyle on the road to Xian Ra. As DigMeUp approached chuckling to himself, the cadet held up his heavy sword in defense.
"Put that thing away, there lad, you aren't gonna hit anything like that anyway." As the cadet lowered his sword, DigMeUp indicated he should follow. They came to the big gargoyle that guarded the bridge. It was a magical being but could not move from its spot. DigMeUp showed him a trick that would allow him to fight the monster and not get hit! This was incredible and the cadet was indeed awed by his new found mentor. They managed to evade the two necromancer sentries on the short bridge that led to open space filled with monsters they had to dodge to come to another long narrow bridge. DigMeUp showed him how to fool the nasty Demon lord that lived on the bridge so they could enter the townsite.
But the cadet was not yet allowed to rest. DigMeUp brought the Demon off the bridge and showed the cadet the tricks to taking down this terrible foe. And what riches they gained after they defeated the evil creature!
They stayed in town for many weeks and each day the cadet grew a little stronger and a little wiser and a little richer. After a day of hunting they would head to the pub and talk about the adventures they had and the excitement of defeating such powerful beasts and soon mentor and cadet became friends and comrads and they traveled together on many, many adventures, fighting side by side as equals, always seeking the next challenge.
And today that young cadet, once an undead with no direction, was now a powerful Lich in his own right and at just achieving level 13 honours as Chaos True Commando, his friend and mentor was still there to guide him further on their chosen path.
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Post by Jagan on Aug 1, 2005 22:05:56 GMT -7
THE CLEANER
Dear Reader,
You may or may not know me. I am what they call a cleaner. Someone gets in trouble I go in clean up the mess and fix it so they can go on. I spend all my time out in the field.
Because I am a sort of assassin I am not welcome in most towns. (Although there are ways past the sentry.) I spend my days seeking out and fighting clan enemies, rescuing the injured and helping get them resettled. If someone needs something it's me they call.
I am a working soldier- no glamour, no accolades, no fancy armour. I am true to the clan but you don't see me trumpeting it in the streets.
Lately I've been worried about my soul. I've killed many a warrior in defense of my clan. And so I have been making the pilgrimage to the shrines throughout the land. I see many swear redemption, but I can't quite feel it. Still I keep repeating the tour hoping somehow I too will be atoned.
But maybe I am too much of a cynic. I don't know.
The nature of my work makes me something of an outsider. And I often ride alone. While others are in the pubs socializing I am out there trying to make it a safe place.
You could say I am unsettled, unyielding, uncorrupted, unforgiven- but you can call me UnBrKaBL
HONOUR TO THE BROTHERHOOD OF CLANS CTC/SOC
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Post by Jagan on Aug 1, 2005 22:14:38 GMT -7
K SOZE
He entered the town amidst a bustle of activity. Vendors had tables set up just outside and were selling their wares to weary travellers. Young cadets were standing along the town wall watching the activity. Others were racing rats and taking bets. Two men whom he did not know were brawling. Another was chasing off a goblin who most likely had attacked and run. A lady of the evening winked at him. He winked back and handed a begger a gold piece. Others were chatting. But he noticed one man standing off away from the others. He was cloaked so his face was barely visible. He paused for a second to shake off an uneasiness he felt. He was being watched. But to what end?
Our traveller entered the inn which was filled with many other travellers as well. He glanced over to the far side of the lobby to see two men quietly talking and chuckling with the ease of friends well met. A glance at their armour and heraldry told him they were high ranking officers: one from GRM clan; the other from CTC.
"Was it? Yes it had to be..........the Generals themselves....MageAbel and G_3!"
He quickly averted his glance as they began to notice his attention on them.. The excitement of seeing them both in town, caused him to have to consciously remove a silly grin from his face as the innkeeper finally turned his attention on him.
"A room and a bath, my good man." he said trying to contain the excitement that was beginning to overtake the weariness he had previously felt from his long trip.
Feeling refreshed from a bath and short nap, he went downstairs to sell some weapons to the shopkeeper and then a bite to eat and an ale from the pub.
The pub was filled wirh revellers as well. Many of them were from clan CTC. They were gossiping and moving from table to table to catch up on news from other towns and Clanmembers.
Then a messengenger came in looking somber and covered with road dust. He went over to a man whom our traveller knew to be Lewd. After a few minutes of discussion between the two, Lewd announced to others of clan that a fellow clannie had been seriously injured on the trip back from Bal Tor and was in need of gear. Everyone began piling very expensive gear on the table to send to their fallen comrad. . A few words of the brotherhood were mentioned and after a few minutes some of the warriors were mounting their horses and riding to meet the fallen warrior.
The traveller was stunned by swiftness of their actions and generosity they'd shown.
'The brotherhood of clans' ...were not just words but something they felt and lived by. Something that made the legends he had heard ...once CTC always CTC..very real. He knew they lived it in their hearts and in their souls.
And years later as he took his pledges to serve in the ranks of the clan he remembered what he had seen and knew he had found his 'home'. The spirits white as lightening Would on my travels guide me The stars would shake and the moon would quake Whenever they espied me. With a host of furious fancies, Whereof I am commander, With a burning spear and a horse of air To the wilderness I wander. By a knight of ghosts and shadows I summoned am to tourney Ten leagues beyond the wide world's end- Methinks it is no journey. -Anonymous Poem
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Post by Jagan on Aug 2, 2005 0:25:38 GMT -7
Eleonora
What’s the news?” Eleonora had risen late and the servants already had the fires going and porridge in the pot.
“There is a bustle about town milady. They found elves east across the river.. Everyone says they have built a fortress in the Great Forest.”
“And I suppose they are all out looking for it now?"
“So it would seem .”
“Ok. Well I leave them to it. I think I will hunt south for a bit this morning.”
A low fog huggged close to the ground as Eleonora made her way south. The ground beneath her feet was spongy and wet slowing her down considerably. She had passed one small pond and was now standing near the banks of a second one. The fog prevented her from seeing much further than a few feet across it.
Then something hit her from behind! The blow sent her reeling but she was able to recoup her balance and turned swinging the hefty sword of the dragon-eye that was her pride and weighted just for her.
What was this creature? She had never seen one like it before. It was thin and hit hard enough that she was wishing for a shield but the sword was forcing him back so she knew she could hold her own against him. She continued to fight him blow for blow when she noticed what seemed like a doorway appear just to the north. That was odd. This swamp was full of magic but she had not seen any thing like it before. She continued to fight the creature which she now suspected to be a bone claw, those neither living nor dead monstrosities that nannies told stories of, to make young children behave. Well they did exist!
At last she landed the killing blow and was just searching the body for weapons or gold when the doorway disappeared just as mysteriously as it had appeared. She stood up and looked around. Some of the fog was beginning to clear and she wanted to see if the door would reappear once more.
The wizard known as Grimm had warned of a doorway to …did he say Hell? Maybe not. It was Chaos’ domain…this underworld. She knew that. Some said it was Grimm’s greed for power that had unleashed Chaos’ wrath. Well Chaos was free again. That’s what they said. Free and looking for vengeance.
Just then, as if it were a mirage the doorway appeared slowly and hazily to the south. She ran to get in.
She was in a large room. Lit by torches on the walls. The floors were a mosaic. Designs like she had never seen. Large boulders were everywhere and passageways led in all directions. She heard footsteps. And more rustling; she could see them coming. She ran back to the stairway and found herself back in the swamp. It took a few minutes to realize she was a lot more east then where she had entered.
When she got back to town she sent a messenger right away to have Icedragon meet her at the inn.
After listening to her breathless tale, Icedragon was shaking his head but smiling.
“ You did it girl! You found the Crypt! And look at you, still barely a cadet.” “I just graduated level nine, sir!”
“And so you have. Well, milady, shall we go take a look at this crypt of yours?"
And at that moment the destiny of the world was changed forever.
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