The Birth of the Order of the Skull and Crossbones (In Parts) New Chapter Added 12/13! [Archive]

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SkullandBon

11-09-2004, 01:22 AM

<DIV>Trobb the Ogre loved his job. Every day, he walked the streets of Freeport and delivered the mail. Everyone was glad to see him, because he always had lots of interesting letters and packages with surprises to deliver. Sometimes, someone would hail him from an open window just to say hi. That always made his day. And after all those years of turmoil and despair, Trobb was finally happy. He had delivered all the mail and was about to head to the Inn for an extra tall Lucan's Lager (his favorite brand) but he noticed that there was one more envelope in his sack. Trobb wondered how he could have ever missed a letter, because he knew that delivering a letter meant seeing a happy face. He reached into the bag and looked for the address on the envelope. The Stormhorse Twins, Freeport Trobb scratched his head. "Not very complete," he told himself. But he loved a challenge. Besides, being the best deliveryman in Freeport wasn't an easy job all the time. "Okay," he told the letter, "I will deliver you and then have a nice long lunch." So Trobb scamped about town asking those he knew if they had ever heard of the Stormhorse twins. After a few bad leads, and a lot of head shaking, he happened upon a Dark Elf who said, "Oh yes. I know those two. Dark Elves, like me. They live over in the Tier'Dal quarter. In fact, I think today they are celebrating their birthday. But I don't know. I don't know them too well. Just going by what I heard." Trobb thanked the elf and headed over towards the Dark Elf section of town. "Turkey," he told himself. "I think I might have a turkey or two with my beer." * * * * * Octavian and Darkwyn Stormhorse were in a festive mood. It wasn't everyday that you turned twenty one years old and dozens of their friends had gathered in their small apartment to help them celebrate the occasion. Although most of the guests were Dark Elves, like themselves, there were a few human guests as well. Two of them were playing music and some of the guests had taken to dancing, when three booming knocks shook the apartment walls. A belllowing voice filled the room. "Delivery for the Stormhorse twins!" Darkwyn's ears perked up. "Sounds like an ogre!" she said as she ran to the door, opening it. She stepped outside and looked up to meet Trobb's eyes. "Stormhorse?" he asked. Darkwyn curtsied. "That's me. Or I am one, I should say." "Here's your letter," Trobb said as he handed it to her. Octavian ran into the door, stopping himself from flying out of it (there was beer at the party too) by grabbing the door frame. "Thanks, friend," he said as he flipped him a coin. Trobb pocketed the coin and smiled. He would have thee turkeys now. The twin gathered over the letter. "Who's it from?" asked Octavian. "I don't know," said Darkwyn. "Well open it!" Darkwyn carefully opened the envelope and pulled out the letter, and gazed at the beautifully written script. Octavian pointed to the letter's upper corner. "See that date, sister?" Darkwyn looked at her brother in disbelief. "This letter is over five hundred years old!"</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> Message Edited by SkullandBones on 11-09-2004 07:48 PM Message Edited by SkullandBones on 11-10-2004 05:07 PM Message Edited by SkullandBones on 11-12-2004 12:50 PM Message Edited by SkullandBones on 11-15-2004 11:01 PM Message Edited by SkullandBones on 11-17-2004 07:39 AM Message Edited by SkullandBones on 11-30-2004 10:13 PMMessage Edited by SkullandBones on 12-13-2004 10:42 AM

trem

11-10-2004, 01:21 AM

<DIV>Nice lil story arc. Keep them coming. They are nice to read when I'm bored at work. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

SkullandBon

11-10-2004, 05:01 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE>The twins stared at the letter for what seemed like an eternity, forgetting all about the party as it faded into the background of their conciousness. My children (it read), If you are reading this, then the events the farseer has foretold have come to pass. Terrible events have happened, and the world that I once knew is not the same world you two live in. Norrath has been forever altered by wars, by men, and even the gods themselves. Our beloved Neriak has been sealed, our proud home denied to my children. And if the words are true, then this letter has found you in Freeport, once a city of men. Twins, all is not lost. Not for the Dark Elves, not for Neriak, and certainly not for the Stormhorse family. Power, beyond even my comprehension, can be yours. But you must seek out others to join you in your task. Band together and work behind a shroud of mystery. Noone other than your clan must know your ways. Yet all those within your circle shall benefit well as your power and influence quietly grows. Seek out one called Erelas and one called Gavin. Each of them have been given a sign. Tanaelye Stormhorse ***** Darkwyn looked at her brother. "Do you know either of these names?" "No, sister," replied Octavian. "But I think I know who can find them." To be continued...</BLOCKQUOTE>

trem

11-11-2004, 01:38 AM

<DIV>I knew it was possible to be entertained while being stuck at work. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Thanks!</DIV>

SkullandBon

11-11-2004, 06:06 AM

<DIV align=left>"Hurry up and get this to his table!" barked Dreas, pointing to a large barrel of Lucan's Lager. "You know he's one of our best customers!" Now, a barrel of lager might apear small to an ogre, large to a human, but to Waldorf and and Statler, who were both Ratonga, the barrel looked absolutely huge. Waldorf, the stronger of the two, leaned his back up against it and slowly began to lift it Statler, the weaker of the two (and also not really the brains behind the organization either), pushed his hands into Waldorf's chest as if to create some sort of living buttress and the two of them slowly walked over to Trobb's table. Trobb had already worked his way through his first barrel (which was what he called "an extra tall") of Lucan's Lager and was eagerly anticipating his second one to arrive so he could wash his appetizer of Mutton Fingers down. He wondered if he had already may have had enough to drink (or if possibly this batch of Lucan's Lager was stronger than usual) because from his vantage point, he could have sworn that a new barrel was actually floating towards him. "I don't care if you're wheeled to me or if you fly your way over," he said, smiling, "just get here. I'm thirsty." With a mighty heave, Waldorf lifted the barrel up towards the giant Ogre. Trobb easily palmed the barrel and set it up on his table, filling his glass once more. When the two Ratonga were in the back, Waldorf whapped Statler across his nose. "What was that for?" Statler asked. "For that," replied Waldorf, pointing to a dolly propped against the wall. ***** The Stormhorse twins didn't have to do too much searching to find out where Trobb was. Almost everybody in Freeport seemed to know him. It was simply a matter of narrowing down the eateries and inns he liked to frequent. Most of them were on the same street. And sure enough, when they entered The Red Griffon, he was sitting at exactly the table (down towards the left, kind of far back, but not too far back, by the booths, but at a table, kinda near where that picture of what's his name is hung, you can't miss it) they were told he would be. The two twins slowly approached his table, allowing him time to devour the turkey leg he was holding in his left hand. "Excuse me, sir," Octavian interjected. Trobb looked curiously at his two blue visitors. "Yes I have been asked if I read the Book of Innoruk. No, I don't wish to attend any meetings tonight. Can't you see I'm busy eating?" Trobb pointed to the three turkey carcasses in front of him, waving his arm across the great expanse of the table, displaying proudly all he had eaten. "No it's nothing like that," replied Darkwyn. "It's about this letter you delivered us tonight." She pulled it out from the inside of her coat, waving it in front of the Ogre. Trobb took a second look at the pair. "Oh yes, I remember you two. You're the Stormhorse twins. At least I think you are. The letter was for you, right? I'd hate it if I delivered it to the wrong person, er people." Darkwyn smiled at Trobb. "Yes, don't worry, you did deliver it to the right people." Trobb was curious now. "So, umm, what can I do for you then? Return it to sender?" "No," said Octavian. "We need your help. You seem to know most of the folks around town. We would like to hire you to find us two people." "Sounds easy enough," answered Trobb. "Who are they?" Octavian and Darkwyn showed Trobb the letter and quietly told him the names. To Be Continued....</DIV>

DEVERI

11-13-2004, 01:39 AM

<DIV>It was good to be out of the refugee hold and on the main deck of the ship.Continuing to gaze out at the setting sun, he sensed someone watching him and slowly turned.He saw a young fat, well dressed human figure sneering in his direction.Not sensing any real threat, he returned to his musings. “Hey you……Refugee!What are you doing up here” the young fat human shouted at him.“Don’t you know that refugees aren’t allowed out of the hold.The main deck is reserved for a better class than you.” Slowly looking back around, he sized up his accuser.Typical son of a wealthy family, devoid of any practical skills, he chose to ignore him for the time being. “Guards….get this ragged piece of filth off of the main deck.He offends me by simply being in my presence.Typical piece of scum…doesn’t know his place in this Norrath” the young fat human said. The refugee had turned and looked at the two guards, his robe following off his wrist and displaying a strange tattoo and his eyes blazed.The guards noticed the tattoo and the hard look. The larger of the two turned to the other and said “That is the mark of Innorruk”.Sizing up their opponent the guards decided that it wasn’t worth it.“Your’ on your own rich boy”. The young man took several steps toward the young plutocrat and leaned toward him and said “One piece of advice to you….there are two types of dangerous people in the world….One are those that have the influence to have harmed caused to you.The other are those that can do harm to you themselves.Might be a good idea to learn how to pick those people out, because while the former is powerful, one on one, the latter will always win.”With that, he turned and strode back to the rail at the side of the ship. Soon, the land appeared and the ship’s captain called out “Freeport sighted. Prepare to disembark.”Chaos erupted with movement by everyone.The young man stepped off the ship and was met by a city official.Taking one look at the young man, the official handed him directions to his assigned apartment and a note for the landlord.The young man moved off toward his new home when he was stopped short.Standing in front of him was the young fat man, standing next to an older even fatter human figure, who was dressed just as well. “This is the person who threatened me Uncle.Even the guards on the ship wouldn’t do anything about it.”The young man said almost hiding behind the stomach of his corpulent uncle.” ‘Well, Ill teach him to threaten my family, I have guards on my personal payroll, we’ll have him thrown in a dungeon.” the uncle said to his nephew, and started to turn to shout….when all of a sudden, he felt a dark cloud envelope him.With almost unimaginable speed the young man was on him, taking the uncle’s dagger from his sheath.With one quick spin, he slit the throat of the uncle, and jammed the blade into the heart of the nephew. “To bad you’re not a quick learner” the young man said. “Interesting spell, my young friend.And the speed in which you took care of business is impressive.Our benefactor will be pleased” a dark man in a hood cloak said from behind him.“Where did you learn that bit of dark magic?” “The power of the Dedrick family has not faded completely, despite our current appearances.My father taught me a few of his tricks before he disappeared.” The young man said. “Ahhh, I so the once legendary family of shadowknights still serve Innorruk? I can see bear his mark” the hooded figure inquired. “No…..I serve myself now, the gods have forsaken this land, and its been a long time since there were any knights of hate in this land.What’s it to you anyway.I’ve done the job…paid for my admission and transit to Freeport” the young man said. “True….Lucien will be pleased…one more worthless merchant gone…one more servant proved his worth.Go my young friend, seek your fortune, but I suspect you will encounter some new friends.They will be worth your time….and ours.Remember as powerful as you can become alone, with the right friends, you can achieve more than you ever dreamed” said the hooded man…who then seemingly dissolved into the mist. The young man checked to make sure no one had seen the events that had transpired, and slipped away into the darkness.He soon arrived at his new apartment and banged on the landlord’s door.The landlord opened it and looked at him. “What ya want? Cant you see its late” the landlord muttered “I’m here for my apartment, name’s Dedrick” said the young main, handing the landlord his assignment.” “I see….Dedrick you say…..Okay everything seems to be in order.Funny thing though.A delivery was made here earlier for your apartment.Some Ogre named Trobb.He had a package for someone called Gavin.I told him here was no one here by that name…but he insisted….and you don’t really say no to an Ogre and hope to keep your limbs attached.He put the package in your room.Guess he was wrong” the landlord mused. “No…he wasn’t wrong……my last name is Dedrick…..its been years since someone has called me by my given name of Gavin, I didn’t think anyone knew it anymore”the young man said.With that he turned and entered the apartment, closing the door to the curious eyes of the landlord.Turning he spotted the package on the bed.It was a small box that appeared to be locked.Remember a spell his mother had taught him he cast a disarm and unlock on the box.With a brief flash the spell was rebuffed.Curious, Gavin approached the box and noticed what appeared to be an indention for a hand….Placing his hand on that spot, he heard a click and lifted the lid.Inside was a pair of crossed bones….they looked human…..and nothing else….No note, no message…nothing. Gavin picked up the bones and looked at them…intrigued he was about to examine them closely when he heard a knock at the door……….. </DIV>

ErelasAlcarinque

11-13-2004, 06:18 AM

<DIV>Using the tip of his dagger, the entrails were separated slowly, gingerly, revealing the secrets of his near future slowly. Blurred shapes flitted around the edge of his vision as he leaned farther into his work, the spirits of this place could feel the warmth of the blood moving into the cooler air, feel it’s sticky, syrupy, life, pooling into the cracks of the stone floor. It seemed to feed a brief flash of green life in the the damp fungal growth that slowly crumbled the cobbles to dust. Just as quickly, as Erelas rocked back on his heels, fully embraced by his sight, the blood turned poisonous, and snuffed the little life it granted out, like snuffing a flame in between wetted fingers. The little force of life within the fire-beetle he had caught and drug down to the ruins of the catacombs below the hated city of Qeynos could not show him much, but it showed him enough and what he expected, his figure moving through the catacombs, slowly moving along, continually testing his footing, and silently warding away the remaining spectral guards that remained on the outskirts of this former stronghold of Innorruk. The vision led him forward and showed him the path he would soon take, to pull the relic he sought from it’s resting place. Very few of the remaining inhabitants of Norrath knew of the existence of these leftovers of the Age of Adventure, this area beneath Qeynos had once been refuge to worshippers of Innorruk, like himself. Nestled in relative safety beneath the city of Qeynos, so full of goodness and light above, but filled with dread and dark ritual beneath, where even loyal guards of the city had been sometimes corrupted after their deaths and animated to serve the Prince of Hate after their lives had been sucked from their bodies. Erelas Alcarinque’s employer sought a rare item, one that would have to be handled very carefully, for at the least, it’s magics would burn a servant of Hate’s fingers, or at it’s worst……..well, that is why the jingle of coins was a beautiful sound, not really requiring sight. In one of the gods endless schemes to pollute and spread decay into Qeynos, several ancient necromancer had used rats to carry pesitlence into the city and surrounding lands. As each new necromancer stepped forward to push the Plaguebringers plot forward, another damned paladin had crept out and smote these plans to dust. Each one’s reward had been a symbol of their Nobility, enchanted with the ability to grant them sight of the invisible, Erelas sought one such artifact now, to be put to the gods knew what perverse use, and why it had been abandoned by it’s owner down here centuries ago was a matter of speculation for many. These thoughts barely moved against the surface of Erelas’ oily thoughts on the pleasures he would enjoy with his payment from this errand, as he moved on his predestined track to the crevice which held his prize. Fingertips protected by gnome-skin gloves, for fear of the light held within the artifact, his fingers first probed around, then pulled loose the little legacy of Antonius Bayle he had found. Searing, blinding light pierced his mind, stopping all thoughts, arresting his movements. A small edge of the badge had pierced past his gloves and into his flesh, sending whirling colors, bright and powerful into his mind, and a picture of the noble owner of this relic, long since past. Something was so very wrong, the pain was giving way to a calm insight, though it seemed power was reversing and nearly ripping his fingernails from their beds. The insight though, placed Erelas face over the picture of the damned paladin in his mind’s eye. "Damned paladin, damned paladin……..but how can this be………?" This question seemed to ooze with the spittle leaving Erelas mouth now, as the vision’s amazing power blazed in his sight, it seemed to answer, a sword of flame, from a hilt of gold, held tight in a High Elf Paladin’s fist, whose righteous might gleamed from underneath his Tunare imbued armor, smiting the avatar of Tunare herself in a green lush land. The flames passed into the avatar’s flesh as Tunare’s curse on the paladin and his seed, moved from her to him, worded in a language higher than any he had ever heard. All these visions were searing and likely killing Erelas, as the curse issued forth from Tunare to the Erelas in his vision. "The name, why does he have MY name….." This last question seemed to grant a small enough amount of strength to the dark elf for him to overcome his grasp on the relic and he jerked his hand free from the crevice pulling the enchanted badge to cling too loudly onto the cobbles remaining on the floor. Shaking, cursing, and scarcely breathing the badly abused dark elf dropped a heavy leather bag onto the relic and scooped it up, cursing the tailor who made his gloves, his issue and the mother who bore him. Once the treasure was safely held in the leather, Erelas jerked off his glove and examined his pristine nails, which to his shock showed no harm, no sign of what should have been the maiming trauma he had just endured. He reeled as he stood again, leather pouch in hand now, as fleeting moments of the vision still tried to stab hooks into his mind, and it seemed a Thexian matriarch, macabre war cry issuing from her lips drove the traitorous paladin forward against his deity. "What is this trash……grrrrr." Erelas fought to shake it from his mind. "Lucan’s agents owe me a bit for this pain……" ********* Crow's Tavern greeted Erelas as he departed the catacombs, and there he remained hidden until his passage to Freeport and his employer could be assured. ********* "Grrrr, this pain is at least better than that nightmare in the tunnels", Erelas reflected, as he stumbled out of the tavern's quiet corner and headed off to his rooms. He had no idea why that Ogre named Trobb had chosen him as his drinking partner this evening, but he had been buying, and the Lucan Lager had just never seemed to stop flowing. Now, it sat like acid on his stomach, but he was sure the ogre was not in the best shape now either,.....maybe. Freeport taverns in Longshadow knew Erelas likes and dislikes all too well, he never stayed long, but he always seemed to make an impression when he did remain for a while. As he stumbled into the doorframe, Trobb's enormous mass appeared beside him, and kept Erelas from tottering over. "Stand up straight there, I've a delivery for you, from the Stormhorse twins." "Who are they?" "I get the impression, you might be soon finding that out for yerself Thexian." And with that, Trobb passed Erelas' cloak under his arm, with something solid wrapped in it, under his arm, and gave him a gentle, for an ogre, nudge to the rented rooms in the tavern rear. Once safely in his room, Erelas laid himself out on his bedding, wrapped cloak beside him, still concealing it's package. Rolling over, he unwrapped it, gingerly, exposing a small, ebony colored, and locked box. The smug look present could have told anyone that saw it, Erelas considered this lock to be child's play, and opened soon. Smug looks soon evaporated, when a very expensive set of gnomish mechanized lockpicks became brittle and broken after trying to navigate the locking mechanism. "Aaaaaa, I am too drunk to be playing with puzzle boxes." Erelas hand fell seamlessly into the hand shaped indention on the boxes, though barely visibile, top, and the lock clicked open. "Hmmph, probably made by some gnomish showoff as well." Lifting the lid, exposed the sharp whiteness of very old bone, the top of a skull, that appeared human...........nothing else, just a skull. He picked it up, and peered into the sockets where eyes once sat, and heard a rap on his door............</DIV>

Omni

11-16-2004, 11:49 AM

<DIV>The darkness became a murky haze and gradually feint outlines of dead Erudites came into focus. It was apparent that a great battle had occurred here not long ago. He was barely aware of his own existence when he felt the cold stare of a robed figure looking down on him. The figure seemed to be engulfed in shadows and no features could be seen of the face. The pain surged through his body, and with each painful breath the reality of the situation started to become clear. He started to mutter a question to the figure but the words were painful and broken. "Where...am…I?" "You are the on the battlefield of a civil war. The Erudites do not tolerate those who follow the ways of Innorruk. You and many other Dark Erudites met the enlighten ones here...this is the outcome." Although he found it difficult to move, and even more difficult to look away from the cloaked figure, he turned his head to survey the carnage. Bodies of dead Erudites covered the landscape as far as he could see. Some were stacked on top of each other in heaps and others lay atop the edges of craters made by some terrible force. "So I was one of the survivors?" "No", the dark figure said," You were one of the vanquished." This statement shook his core and he fell into visions pain and horror. "I have brought you back, so that you may serve Innorruk. I am his messenger, so listen to me carefully as there are things you must do." "Who am I?" he said. "You are no more. The Erudite that you were is dead, and I placed the ominous spirit that you are now into this shell," said the dark figure. "You are in a state of flux and will come to realize the true power Innorruk has given you in time. But you will need to develop this power and use it in the service of Innorruk." He felt the dark power stir within him as the dark figure continued. "Yes...You feel it there in the rotten core of your soul, but it will not help you until you are ready. You will be known as Omnius Flux. In addition to you there will be three more flux souls who will infect the realm of Norrath and bring doom and despair. They, like you, will have to endure struggle and strife to reach their full potential and serve Innorruk the way he wishes. They will seek you out in time and together you will help a chosen Order to rain chaos and despair on the Norrath." "Who is this Order? And how shall I find them?" Omnius said. "They will be called the Order of the Skull and Crossbones. Seek them out in a city know as Freeport. With the help of this order you will become strong and powerful. You have been imbued with unique skills that will need to be trained and focused. With the aid of this Order, Innorruk's wishes shall be done." Two small red orbs of light started to glow where the dark figures eyes would be in the shadows of the hood. As the lights grew brighter Omnius could vaguely see what appeared to be fleshless skull. This being was not even alive, but an undead servant of Innorruk. "Wait..." Omnius said. But the cloaked skeleton interrupted. "Sleep now servant, for when you awake you will be far away from here on a boat bound for a lone island. Recover and gather your strength as you need to ready yourself for what lies ahead. When you feel ready seek out Octivian and Darkwyn Stormhorse in the City of Freeport. Nothing else will be revealed to you now." The light started to fade and the horrors of the battle field became darkness. Omnius Flux has been set on the road of Innorruk, and Order of Skull and Crossbones was the first stop in the journey.</DIV>

EQ2Cerber

11-17-2004, 03:18 PM

<blockquote><hr>trem0r wrote:<DIV>I knew it was possible to be entertained while being stuck at work. <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> Thanks!</DIV><hr></blockquote>I'm actually stuck at home and about to go to bed, but cool thread nonetheless <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />Rengar

SkullandBon

11-17-2004, 08:39 PM

<DIV>I control the images... The images control me... The wizard smashed his head against the ancient tome he had been poring over for what seemed like centuries. Perhaps it had been centuries. But no, it couldn't have been. He had memories of another life far away from his little room deep beneath the Freeport streets in the ancient catacombs. He would find a way back. The spell had to be somewhere. But for now, he had to survive here. And he needed books. Night after night, Malefactus (that's what I'm called here, but that isn't what they called me... what did they call me?) would venture up from the catacombs and practice his dark arts, striking dead lone wanderers with powerful magic to pick their pockets. As he searched near the inns for his next victim, he heard a male voice bellowing out from an upstairs window. Looking up towards the direction of the sound, he saw a finely dressed man and made eye contact with him. "You there!" yelled the man. "My wife is dying! Please look for help! She's bleeding to death! Please... I'll, I'll pay you to help me." Malefactus grinned. Oh yes he will. "Let me up. I can help. I know a thing or two of anatomy." The man disappeared and within a few seconds he appeared in an open doorway near the wizard. "She's upstairs, hurry!" Malefactus followed the man up the stairs, noticing how nicely decorated and large the man's house was. He had never seen its equal in Freeport. "She was attacked by ruffians near the gates this evening on her way home. They stabbed her. And when she bleeds, she can't stop." The wizard muttered a few words under his breath and layed his hands on the dying woman's wound. Within seconds, it began to bubble and steam, and then the wound closed. Malefactus looked at the man. "You're wife suffers from the curse of hemophilia. She will need my constant attention." "Anything for my wife," the man said. "I will reward you well for your services. I am a rich man." He won't be much longer, Malefactus noted. This is how it started before, wasn't it? I stopped the blood. ***** As the years went by, all the riches the man once had slowly poured into Malefactus' coffers. His benefactors had even introduced him to their circle of friends who were equally happy to hand over their gold and jewels to him in return for petty magic. He was able to buy all the scrolls, grimoires, and tomes he could find, yet he never was able to find the one spell he seeked the most. And if it wasn't for the memories (more like memories of a dream) he had, he may have been content. He remembered how they had tried to poison him. He remembered how they had thrown him in the frozen waters of that river. He remembered the thundering sound of firecrackers. He remembered sinking. That was the other world. Yet his body in this world carried all the scars from his torment in that one. He would return there to exact revenge on all who betrayed him one day. Oh yes. I will. ***** Malefactus tore through the pages of his latest acquisition stopping to note a particularly nasty spell here and there, but mostly looking for the one spell, when he felt an icy hand on his shoulder. He tried to move, but couldn't. "Strong you have grown, and rich you have become," a voice whispered to him. "But the one thing you seek is right outside your grasp. Listen to me well, and I will tell you how to find it." "What must I do?" Malefactus quickly asked. "Tonight, a new order will be formed here in the Tombs of Freeport. You must join with them. You must share your ill-gotten wealth with them so that they,too, may prosper. Follow the paths down to the center of the catacombs and look for the sign of the Skull and Crossbones. Heed my words, and I will return to give you what you most sorely want. Disobey me, and I will close the portal between the two worlds forever to you. Now go!" Malefactus felt the icy hand lift itself off his shoulder, and when he turned around no one was there.</DIV>

Cha

12-01-2004, 11:11 AM

<DIV> The sun was burning in the sky, flickering upon the earth. It was scorching the Tall dark skinned troll's flesh, He felt like a fish out of water as he gasped for breath. He wiped his brow as the sweat dripped upon his forehead. He looked down upon his polished armour, his sheathed sword, and his Long Shield that were just as idle as can be. Just a regular day, for a regular freeport militia man. The squad ran its normal patrol, guarding the streets from a fight that was never going to come. The Squadleader shouts "FORWARDDDDDDDDD MARCH!" Clank, clank, clank clank clank. The patrol bustles alongs the street performing this redundant excercise. The Squadleader bellows "WEDGE FORMATION" Charb hurries into place amongst his comrades, bringing up conversation with the ogre next to him. "In an ALL ogre and troll platoon why must we be cursed with this wretched human as our new commander?" Grundy replies "Not sure, I don't make the orders, I just March...." Charb: "Yes, your very good at that." Grundy: "Thank you" charb: "I'm glad to see they realized BlackClaw's Potential and to promote him in rank, but to stick up with this grunt? Especially one I'm sure I could kill with a wooden soup spoon." Grundy: "agreed, but I don't make the orders, I just March...." Charb: "You said that already, Now shutup. I wanted to know if we are all still meeting at the tavern tonight?" Grundy: "Yes, We Have much to discuss later in private." throughout the day they marched in wedge formation, they marched single file, they marched, And Marched, AND MARCHED.... Charb was a soldier in a army without a battle, A fighter without a war, just a simple warrior looking for action and a simple lust for someone elses spilt blood. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- It was often at times that he would walk the streets at night looking for a fight. Often disguised in a hooded cloak and leaning on a walking cane as an old man. Awaiting Anxiously, hoping for the average street thug to attempt to rob this seemingly helpless old troll. Such Violence in his slayings, lashing blow after blow upon his enemy, ignoring all wounds being inflicted upon himself (those few that fell, not much of a fight from the weak vagrants he fought). He Never was content with the small bloodshed of the fray, often mutilating the corpse and stomping upon every bone in the corpse leaving a fine pile of "mush" for the local alley animals to feast upon. Killing street thugs and sewer alligators were not exactly the fights this troll had in mind for a decent fight, but spilt blood, was spilt blood. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- After another long day of marching. The guys headed towards the local tavern. "We must discuss this whole "new leadership" issue. Plain and simple, I say kill him." grunted one of the trolls. Everyone at the table raises their beer's and cheered to that. another Ogre growls "The question at hand is which one of us shall do it? Who deserves this honor"? Grundy: I say we give it to the one who should be our real leader. Let Charb Do it. Charb was wearing a very large necklace, made from many teeth. Made from one Tooth per Kill. There were so many He had to start a bracelet as well. Charb wore the sign of Rallos Zek on his arm, a tradition in his family. It was a Rite of passage for his family to go out and slay a sabretooth tiger. This was done with the most disgraceful dagger ever made, a blunt dull steel blade. Altho the blade itself was quite sturdy and strong, it did require quit an amount of pressure for it to puncture its victim. After the creature was slain, the victor would take the largest tooth from the corpse and fashion a necklace to wear. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- He went out with his father one day, strolling thru the mountains. Going thru the woods for what seemed hours, walking to a unknown destination. They passed terrain and ground which was unfamiliar to Charb. Eventually making it to the edge of the forest. They walked to the top of a hill where his father stopped and sat, resting on a rock. "It is time, charb" said his father "Where are we" asked Charb "We are in the plains, I want you to learn how to fight like a true warrior, take this blade" "Father, this is a blunt rusty knife" "Yes, I know..... You will have to thrust it savagely and furiously to pierce the hide of your enemy" "Father, who is my enemy" asked Charb "That sabretooth Tiger on the hill" "Are you drunk?" questioned charb A large Smack came across charb's face, knocking him to the floor. He arose, dusting himself off and slowly wandered toward the tiger. "SNAP!" A large twig snapped as he foolishly stepped on it. The Beast perked its ears up, spotting charb and locking his eyes upon him. It sprang forward, charging towards him. Charb was petrified, He had been in fist fights with other trolls, but this was different. For the first time in his life he had a fear of dying. His heart was pounding in his chest. "Thump, thump." The beast drew nearer. "Thump, Thump, Thump." It was so close he could smell the stench of its fur. "THUMP!, THUMP!, THUMP!, THUMP!" It Sprang forward, claws lashing thru the air, Fangs blaring. Without thought, Charb ran towards the beast jumping into the air, holding the knife in both hands bringing down into the tiger's skull. "CRUNCH", They both fell upon the ground, He arose to see the small knife embedded into the creatures skull, Blood oozing from the crater in its head. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- They had invited the Commander to go with them to the tavern, insisting they wanted to get to know him better. The foolish human was loaded up with many a drink during the night, and after a while he needed to relieve himself. Charb nodded at the others at the table and said, "It shall be done". He casually walked to the back of the bar and entered the stall. He walked right up behind the commander, drawing his sword he quickly grabbed his head and slit his throat. While Leaving the stall as the door opened, there was a dark elf female walking past. Charb didn't care much for dark elves, but he couldn't help notice how beautiful she was. Like a fool, he let open the door too wide and she looked in and saw the corpse on the floor. She smiled at charb then continued on. Returning to the table he nodded to the group and mentioned the deed had been done. There was a resounding cheer as the group started to celebrate. Out of the corner of his eye, Charb noticed the same dark elf begin to leave the tavern. She stopped in the door way and turned towards him. The room seemed to fade away, all was blacked out save for dark elf female herself. Her skin began to peel, the meat and flesh seemed to melt away, Flames erupting from her sockets. She then spoke. "If you really wish to serve Rallos Zek, then follow me" With that, she returned to her normal form and left the bar. Charb looked around in amazement as no one else seemed to have seen this. There was a empty feeling in his stomach, not sure whether it was from fear or excitement. Arising, he ran out into the alley chasing the dark hooded figure.</DIV>

Aer

12-12-2004, 09:30 AM

<DIV>A strange whisper comes to her as she sleeps… “Don’t worry my love it will all become clear with time” As always she is unnerved by this dream. After all she has been waiting for years, many years to find out what all was. Even something would be a good start, like a name, her name. If only she could keep the dream going she might get an answer, but the voice was one that she had heard before, one that she was certain she should not be hearing anymore. She was equally certain that she would love to continue hearing the voice, if only she didn’t keep waking up. Since she was already awake she figured she might as well get ready for the day. Although all of the items had become familiar over the years, she was still very confused by the small ring that she carried on a chain around her neck. It didn’t seem to be a ring that she would have chosen, but since she couldn’t remember not having the ring. Once again she stared at the ring, trying desperately to figure out what it meant, this skull and crossbones on a ring band. It was time for her to start her regular day, she would have time to try to figure out things later on.</DIV>

SkullandBon

12-13-2004, 09:41 PM

<DIV align=left>Trobb smiled. "I know this name! I know this name!" "Which one?" asked Darkwyn. "This Gavin fella," he said, leaning against the table, "If I remember right, I dropped off a package to his apartment not too long before lunch today." "Does he live far?" asked Octavian. "Nope," replied the giant ogre, "I bet he’s not a ten minute walk from here." (Now, to one of Trobb’s stature, a lot of places are a ten-minute or less walk.) The three of them rushed out of the inn, and made way for Freeport’s human quarter. Statler looked at Waldorf and shook his head. "Hey! He forgot to pay! I told you to keep an eye on him! Don’t you know that the boss man told us he would dock our pay for any dine and dashers? This is going to set us back two week’s pay!" ***** Trobb led the Stormhorse twins through the dark alleys of the Freeport slums, stopped near a run-down inn and pointed. "He lives in there," he said. Octavian flipped the giant a silver coin which Trobb quickly pocketed. "Leave us for now," Darkwyn told him. "Well, actually I need to leave for the night anyways. Got to be up early for tomorrow’s deliveries. We’ll look for your other friend tomorrow night." And with that, Trobb turned and sauntered away. Just as soon as Trobb left, a dark figure stepped in front of the twins, blocking their way to the door. They had barely made out the insane look in his eyes, when he flashed a long dagger at them. "Your money or your life," he demanded. Octavian took one step backwards, and in a flash, their assaulter slumped against the ground, a line of blood trickling from his mouth. Darkwyn pointed at the dagger stuck in his chest. "Just like my Hashsh’ashin master taught me. In between the second and third rib and twist." The twins left the body to rot and entered the inn. "Take your Tier’Dal [Removed for Content] somewhere else," barked the innkeeper. "We don’t serve your kind." Octavian grabbed the man by his throat. "My sister is no [Removed for Content], I assure you," he said. "And I have killed greater men than you for less. Now if you want to live out the rest of your pathetic life in one piece, you’ll tell me where to find the one called Gavin." The innkeeper could barely squeeze out the word "322" before collapsing on the countertop. The two of them ran up the stairs, found room 322 and knocked on the door. "Who is it?" asked a deep gruff voice. "Are you the one called Gavin?" asked Octavian. The door cracked open. "They call me Dedrick. Now go away." The door shut again. "Wait!" yelled Darkwyn. "We’ve come to see you! We’ve come to see you about the sign you’ve been given!" The door cracked open wider this time. The twins could now see Dedrick’s face. "Come in," he whispered. ***** After brief introductions, Octavian and Darkwyn had Gavin read the letter. "So does this make any sense to you?" asked Darkwyn. "How could it?" whispered Octavian to Darkwyn in Teir’Dal. "He’s not one of us." After a pause, Gavin walked over to the wooden box on his bed and showed it to the twins. "It might have something to do with this." Gavin placed his hand on the secret indentation, opening the box once again. He took out the two long bones and handed them over to Octavian. "They were crossed in the box," he said. "But that was all there was. No note, no message, no nothing." "Curious," Octavian muttered, deeply examining the two bones. He handed them over to his sister, who laid them down on the bed again, crossing them. "Like that?" she asked. "Yeah," said Gavin. "That’s how they looked in the box." "Touch them again." Gavin laid his hands on them, then Darkwyn did, and finally Octavian followed suit. Suddenly, the bones began to hum and glow. All of them tried to let go, but they couldn’t. The magic was too powerful. Suddenly, the bones began to fuse together. They were permanently crossed now. The humming died down, and the bones regained their original color. "What does this mean?" asked Gavin. "That we need to find this Erelas tomorrow night and solve this mystery!" </DIV>

ErelasAlcarinque

03-30-2005, 05:38 AM

<DIV>I may be a little biased, but I really think this deserves a bump up occasionally <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /></DIV>

ErelasAlcarinque

10-14-2005, 11:09 PM

Still biased, and still saying this will always deserve a fresh look <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" />

SkullandBon

10-18-2005, 04:34 AM

<BLOCKQUOTE> <HR> ErelasAlcarinque wrote: Still biased, and still saying this will always deserve a fresh look <img src="/smilies/3b63d1616c5dfcf29f8a7a031aaa7cad.gif" border="0" alt="SMILEY" /> <HR> </BLOCKQUOTE> That, and me posting the last chapter!