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#Post#: 78--------------------------------------------------
A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 15, 2016, 2:31 pm
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A New Era
Part I: Solace
Solace approached the gate on Azura, the steed slowing slightly
in response to her change in demeanor. He is one the most
intelligent being she's ever come across and Solace is very fond
of him. Azura stopped a few feet from the gate and Solace took
notice of the slouching guards dozing at the posts. She smirked
and decided to have a little fun at their expense. She
dismounted smoothly and quietly and signaled for Azura to stay
where he was. When she was about two feet away from the first
guard, she bellowed, "Excuse me, gentlemen! My apologies for
disrupting your nap, but perhaps you could escort me to the
Steward?"
The guard nearly leaped from his armor and probably soiled
himself. Solace had to tap her reserve of self control to keep
from laughing. Azura was not quite so disciplined.
"Y-y-yes, miss. Of course, miss. Right away. May I ask who to
introduce please?" The guard stammered. Solace could see the
other guard fighting to compose himself out of the corner of her
eye.
"Solace," she replied simply.
"I don't think the Steward will take kindly to those seeking
refuge, miss. This keep is to be the home of House Dragonsbane
and the Steward won't have any nonsense on his watch, miss."
"How I despise the formalities," Solace thought. "Why is all
this etiquette and such necessary? Torm, help me..."
To the guard she said, "These are the words you will say to the
Steward: Solace has arrived to take her place as Guild Master
and assist in the repairs and rebuilding of Dragonsbane Keep."
The guards eye grew wider than is natural. In his shock, he
didn't even excuse himself. Solace led Azura through the gate,
thinking with amusement of how quickly manners and etiquette are
forgotten.
The guard returned with the Steward at his heals. Solace gave
Azura a pat and instructed him to find a stable for food and
water. The two men watched the valiant steed go on his way in
amazement.
The Steward sent the guard back to his post and introduced
himself. As he explained his rules of addressing the Cleric,
Master of Coin, Builder, Ranger and himself, Solace glanced
around at the Guild's new home. Her eyes eventually returned to
the Steward.
"Right, then. If this place is to be our home we need to
complete an immense amount of work. Let us begin."
#Post#: 79--------------------------------------------------
Re: A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 15, 2016, 2:33 pm
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Part II: Adalynne
Adalynne dismissed Kota long before reaching the gate. She
doesn't want to frighten anyone by riding up on the great cat
and knows he will stay close by in case he is needed.
Approaching the Guild's new home gave Adalynne mixed feelings.
She is excited and hopeful about the possibilities, but now that
she's seeing the Keep for the first time... A short pang of
pessimism fluttered through her.
Adalynne took a deep breath and released it slowly.
"Selune led me here. Here is where I am needed. Here is where I
can do the most good. Please continue to grant me your guidance
and blessings, Lady of the Moon and Stars."
The guard at the gate quickly greeted her. For a moment she
wondered why he seemed so nervous, but as he led her to meet the
Steward she knew exactly: Solace. She smiled to herself, knowing
that things are about to get very interesting and thanking
Selune again for guiding her.
#Post#: 80--------------------------------------------------
Re: A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 15, 2016, 2:34 pm
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Part III: Korynah
Korynah could hear them speaking from her perch atop the crumbed
wall. She wasn't surprised that Solace and Adalynne arrived
shortly after she did and wondered if perhaps they'd made a race
of it.
"I'll find out later," she thought.
The discussion the two women were having with the Steward was
getting heated so Korynah decided to do what she does best: pop
in unexpectedly.
"Greetings to all," she flourished, bowing as she materialized
right between Adalynne and Solace. Her grin was wide and her
expression full of mischief when she noticed there startled
faces. "I couldn't help but overhear and though I appreciate
your opinions, I tell you the first thing that needs to be
assessed is security. It could use some work."
The three friends greeted each other as the Steward struggled
for words.
"Naturally I arrived first," the rogue gloated. I hardly put
effort into exploring the place unseen. The guards... Well, let
us say they need discipline. Everyone else just needs a name. I
refuse to be called 'Adventurer' just because the Steward
refuses to address us properly" Korynah feigned an innocent
expression, which usually means she's about to bait someone into
an altercation. "Or perhaps he doesn't have the mental capacity
to remember names?" she said, her angelic smile never faltering.
The Steward blustered, "How dare you speak to me in such a way!
I run a tight ship and I will not-"
Solace cut him off, her soft voice somehow stopping him
mid-sentence. "Master Steward, please excuse our halfling
friend's manners. It seems she's misplaced them, probably in
Luskan." She gave Korynah a warning glare before returning her
attention to the Steward. "We will continue this conversation
once the Guild Officers arrive"
Adalynne shook her head, shocked and embarrassed by her friend's
behavior, but also slightly amused. "That little rogue has no
sense sometimes. By the gods I've missed her!"
Solace guided them to the upstairs tables where they each took a
seat. After some catching up, they went over the rules the
Steward put in place.
"He's a grumpy one," Korynah offered, a sly grin on her face.
"It didn't help that you insulted and baited him, Korynah,"
Adalynne replied. "We need his help, which means you have to
behave yourself. We should be grateful for the aid we're
receiving and treat all the people here with courtesy and
respect. Otherwise we will fail."
Korynah took a deep breath and sighed. "I will do as you say,
but I was serious about security. In the shape we're in right
now, one raid would be fatal."
"All the more reason for us to get to work," Solace implied. "We
need resources: wood, stone, metal, laborers. We cannot expand
the Guild until we have a place to bring them." Her eyes
traveled around, taking in all the damage that needs repairing.
"It will take much work and dedication, but I believe we will
triumph."
Adalynne smiled, "I do, as well."
"You're both very fortunate that I adore you," Korynah said. "If
I didn't, I wouldn't agree to take on this very painful
endeavor.
#Post#: 81--------------------------------------------------
Re: A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 15, 2016, 2:35 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Part IV: Korynah
The halfling was at her favorite perch again, keeping a close
eye on those coming in and out of the Keep.
"Stronghold," she muttered the correction to herself. Korynah
was eager for the Guild Officers to arrive so plans could be
made and adventuring could begin. She is looking forward to
exploring the hills and abandoned buildings and considered going
off by herself, but she promised Solace and Adalynne she
wouldn't. She already finished doing what she could with the
Stronghold library and requested specific volumes to be found.
"First a scholar, then a warrior," she remembered her mother
saying. Korynah heard those words many times as her parents used
them to cool their daughter's hot temper.
Just then the Steward came into view and Korynah had to repeat
those words many times while taking slow, measured breaths. The
man drove her completely mad! He barked too many orders for her
liking and seemed to forget who the Stronghold actually belongs
to. An impish grin made its way across her face as she thought
of the scream the Steward would make if he found his bed
occupied by spiders. Unfortunately, she'd also promised Solace
and Adalynne she wouldn't prank anyone.
Korynah sighed deeply. "What's a girl going to do for fun around
here?"
#Post#: 82--------------------------------------------------
Re: A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 15, 2016, 2:42 pm
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Part V:Solace
Solace enjoyed a swim in the early morning hours when the sun is
just waking from its nightly slumber. She likes the way the sun
gradually warms the water and glistens on her metallic scales
when she steps out to lay in the grass. She could hear the two
Beholders already deep into their morning ritual of bickering
and boasting nearby and smiled to herself. "We'll come back for
them later," she thought.
The Guild is growing, changing, evolving, becoming something
wonderful. Solace couldn't be more proud and happy of the people
and progress made over the last months. Plans were in place to
continue building and everyone was participating. There is still
much to do and sometimes it's overwhelming... and also much to
celebrate.
She realized she was drifting when she caught a flash of gold
from the corner of her eye. She stretched, completely confident
that she could reach her mace and plant it in the brain of
whomever was sneaking around before they could cause her harm.
"I'm going to step out now," a rumbling voice said. "I would
prefer to keep my blood and organs inside my body, and my scales
in tact if you don't mind." Solace recognized Drac's voice and
relaxed. "Come out, reptile. I promise the mace will stay where
it is... for now."
Drac came from around the stone pillar to settle beside her in
the grass. For a while they sat in silence, watching the sun
rise and the rest of the shadows melt away.
"Your pants rival the sun," Solace grinned.
"Yes, but I can change pants. You can't change scales." The
shared a laugh and silence fell again. It was nice to sit
bathing in the sun with no worries for a spell.
* * * * * * * * * *
The day melted into night and Solace found herself on the
rooftop under the full opal moon. She caught a soft scent in the
air, honey suckles and rose with a hint of lavendar- Kaira
making herself known. Directly following the scent came her
voice, "Do you mind if I join you?"
Solace welcomed the company, as always. Kaira is so much more
than a comrade and guildmate. She has become Solace's good
friend, trusted advisor, her twin in all ways with the exception
of being born from the same parents. Kaira and Solace have an
understanding and acceptance that neither has had with many
people in their lifetimes, human or other.
Kaira seemed to materialize from the shadows, blending out from
the dark night into moonlight and starshine, her features soft
and glowing.
"Something is on your mind. Shall we get it out in the open?
It'd be much better than where it is now," Kaira smiled.
Solace took a deep breath and unloaded her burden. Her soft
voice drifted on the midnight breeze as she explained her
feelings, wishes and dreams for herself and her guildmates. As
she finished, she turned her gaze toward the moon and saw
something she'd never seen before: a shooting star. And for the
first time in her life, Solace made a wish.
#Post#: 83--------------------------------------------------
Re: A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 15, 2016, 3:18 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Part VI: Solace
Solace notices Atlas and Chantal training vigorously each and
every day; always in full armor, always to the fullest extent of
their abilities. She could not for the life of her fathom the
strength it must take to heave such heavy weapons, but they both
make it look effortless. For hours they worked, honing their
skills to perfection, constantly striving for perfection. Solace
was always amazed at their strength of body and will, and today
was no different. She admired the way they worked in concert,
inspired others to put their best forward and constantly strive
to be better.
Today, however, was a special occasion for only one of them.
Solace waited until they broke for midday meal to approach
Atlas. He never failed to impress her, never failed to be there
to advise or assit, and never failed to keep her on track. Her
heart had grown soft over the years and Atlas was there to
remind her that though we wish to be kind and helpful, we must
care for our own and what is best for the whole of the Guild
first. She didn't always like what he had to say, but more often
than not he was absolutely right and that made him a priceless
friend and adviser. As he headed toward the shop, Solace fell in
line beside him.
"Solace," his deep voice rumbled. "How goes it?"
She chuckled. "It goes well. Walk with me. I have something to
show you." She heard a rumble and realized it was his stomach.
"Don't worry," she grinned, "It involves food."
"Well, in that case lead on!"
As they walked, Solace found that she was actually struggling
for words. "Why is this so hard?" she thought, "Stop being
foolish and just say it." She took a deep breath.
"Sometimes I have a problem getting my mouth and my brain to
work together. Sometimes I have a problem getting my mouth and
my heart to work together. And getting the three of them to work
together used to seem impossible." She led him up a ramp to
where tables laden with food and drink were ready and waiting.
One table had platters of every type of sweet you could think
of, one had grilled meats, vegetables and fresh breads, and
another had beverages of all kinds with glasses, plates and
utensils. Lanterns of every color shined over the tables, making
the environment merry and cheerful. Solace gestured for him to
take a seat anywhere he liked before she settled herself and
continued. "You helped me with that last bit more than I can
ever say. You have been my adviser, my muscle, and my friend...
I know it is a day late, but I wanted you to know I did not
forget. Happy birthday, Atlas!"
Suddenly the courtyard swelled with song and music as every
guild member sang birthday wishes. Solace joined in with a huge
smile at the expression of surprise on her Knight Commander's
face. He was obviously stunned and deeply touched. As the song
ended, the clapping began as she and Atlas stepped to the
railing.
"You have to say it," Solace laughed. "It's your party so you
have to do the honors."
Atlas looked out at all their friends gathered in the courtyard.
He truly didn't expect such a huge gathering of smiling faces,
expressions of appreciation and well-wishing, to greet him.
"Thank you," his voice rolled over the crowd. "Thank you all so
very much. Let the feast begin!"
#Post#: 84--------------------------------------------------
Re: A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 16, 2016, 10:14 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Part VII: Korynah
Korynah Silvermoon was no coward. She travels all over Faerun by
herself, even toured the streets of Luskan. Even the blind knew
how ruthless she could be- a dangerous aura rolled off her,
telling those within range that she was not to be trifled with.
She enjoyed the challenge of pushing herself, testing her
limits, so much that it became a way of life. She hardly ever
ran from a fight, but she was running now.
She was out scouting the new Stronghold plots when a rift
appeared and demons started pouring out of it. She was able to
take out a few with throwing daggers, but when she saw the
continued invasion bursting from the portal she did the smart
thing. Running as fast as her legs could carry her, Korynah ran
to warn the Guild.
As she arrived at the gate, Korynah snatched the closest guard
and growled, "Prepare for battle. Demons are invading so get
ready." When the guard hesitated she shook him and yelled,
"NOW!" The guard closest heard and both sprang into action
calling all to arms.
Korynah continued on through the gate moving at full speed,
meeting Solace and Adalynne in the courtyard. They were with a
newcomer and the Steward, but she didn't have time to worry
about that. She could see the expression on Adalynne's facce
change from bright smile to concern. As Korynah passed, she said
two words that would change how the day was going, "Demon
invasion." She never stopped moving, making her way through the
Stronghold calling everyone to arms as she went much faster than
the guards could. She smiled to herself noticing that everyone
was at their posts, alert and ready for whatever came their way.
Arriving at the stable, she jumped on her steed's back, not
bothering with a saddle.
"Run like the wind, Castiel, we have to warn the Homestead!" The
unicorn shimmered in the sunlight all silver and sparkling as he
raced to the Homestead. As Castiel ran, Korynah called for
everyone to make their way to the Stronghold. Thank the gods
Solace made sure they have a contingency plan in place otherwise
these people would be sitting ducks.
Korynah was making her way back to the Stronghold aboard
Castiel's back when a black and white flash caught up to them.
She laughed aloud at seeing another halfling returned home.
"Rise of the Halflings!" Ganonling bellowed, fist in the air and
broad smile taking up his entire face. Korynah shook her head.
"He is the reason everyone think Halflings are insane," she
thought and grinned. "Rise of the Halflings!" she responded.
They arrived at wagon in front of the Stronghold and dismounted,
keeping watch as people from the Homestead ushered through the
main gate. The children were taken into the Keep proper while
their parents took up weapons Chantal handed out from the
armory. Everyone knew their jobs and everyone was doing them.
Korynah grinned as the first demon came into view. The last of
the Homestead residents passed through and Korynah gave the
order to close the gates. She gave Ganonling a nod and drew her
daggers, the two of them disappearing from sight.
* *
*
*
*
#Post#: 85--------------------------------------------------
Re: A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 16, 2016, 11:16 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Part VIII: Solace & Adalynne
Solace led the children through the great doors of the Keep
proper and spoke to them. They were terrified and it broke her
heart. That heartbreak will turn to anger once she left them,
she knew. Torm would give strength to her righteous fury, but
for now she needed to calm them.
"Children, quiet down now and listen," her soothing voice
settled them almost immediately. "All will be well. You each
have your jobs just as we grown ones do and I know you will all
do them well, yes?" She saw every tiny head in the room nod in
agreement and smiled at noticing there were no tears. "Very
good. Your job is to stay right in here, together, and to help
the guards listen and keep watch. If you can do that raise your
hand." Every tiny hand raised, most of the children having
raised both. "That's wonderful! I will return as quickly as
possible and bring your parents with me. I know you will all do
a fabulous job!" The children gave a short cheer as Solace went
to the Captain of the Guard. "I do not need to tell you what you
must do, Captain. Do it well." The Captain gave a solute as
Solace slipped out the door. She waited until she heard the
locked being engaged before heading for the gate where Adalynne
waited.
* *
*
*
*
Adalynne was settled on the ground, deep in prayer under the
watchful eyes of Atlas and Chantal. Divine light bathed her as
she spoke to Selune, praying for healing, protection and
strength. She opened her eyes as Solace approached, rising
fluidly. The light spread to Atlas, Chantal, and Solace. "Let us
do what must be done," she said, her voice ringing of
determination.
Atlas looked out and growled, "Here they come."
* *
*
* *
Part VIIII: Omra & Alenthya
Kaira ran from gate to gate, ensuring that all were on locked
down tight. The Homestead residents were inside the courtyard
and she could feel their fear, but also their determination to
fight for their home. She met Omra and Alenthya at the main gate
while searching for Ganonling and Korynah.
Alenthya spoke first, her voice a song to Kaira's ears. "They've
gone to meet the demons. I say we join them," her voice took on
an aggressive edge, "and teach the beasts a lesson." Lightening
arched from her fingers.
Omra and Kaira nodded in unison and the three made their way to
where Ganonling and Korynah were waiting to engage the horde.
* *
*
*
*
Drac Norris waited patiently for signs of the demons he knew
were coming. Malkalam, Del, Krok, and Vega were at his side,
each of them on high alert.
"They're sure taking their time about it," Vega noted.
"They're coming. Worry not, there will be plenty to go around,"
Drac replied.
"Krok scout demons coming. They be here soon. Many demons for
Krok and friends to kill." He continued, "Krok and friends save
people. Good people. Nice people. Demons no return."
"That's exactly right, Krok," Del added. "Back to the Nine Hells
with them all."
Part X: The Bitch Is Back
Bacleby Bonecrasher slammed his mighty hammer against his shield
in anticipation of the fight to come. Harley made sure she was
well out of the way of the impatient dwarf's swing out of habit,
not concern. Twin rested against the Stronghold wall, heavy
weapon resting within easy reach, the calm before the storm.
When he suddenly stood up, his back rigid but no weapon in hand,
Bacleby turned his gaze in the same direction in which Twin was
looking.
"What is it?" Bacleby asked. "What do you see?"
Twin grinned, pointing out in the direction of something
shimmering, something making it's way quickly toward them. "Your
weapon isn't necessary yet, friend," he laughed, "Or it may be.
You never know with this one."
Darkness arrived in all her glory, enchanted armor of purple and
black seeming to swallow the sun's light.
She dismounted with a smile so dangerous and intimidating that
most would have retreated right then. Her voice smooth as velvet
and as poisonous as viper venom, Darkness proclaimed,
"Gentlemen, the Bitch is back."
*
*
*
*
*
#Post#: 88--------------------------------------------------
Re: A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 19, 2016, 11:12 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Part VIIII: Korynah, Alenthya & Omra
The horde of demons was unlike anything they'd ever seen.
Alenthya felt something cold stir in the pit of her stomach and
forced it down. Today she would be fearless. Today she would
help her new family rid the world of creatures so vile and
wretched they ruined the very ground they walked upon. She could
see Ganonling and Kaira, or more the flash of their weapons, and
hear the their blades singing as they engaged the beasts. She
thought she heard a laugh here and a giggle there and thought
"It must be a thing among rogues to be so gleeful in battle."
Korynah disappeared from sight, the clinging of a new set of
blades and a bubbly laugh followed soon after that proved
Alenthya's theory.
Omra lifted her heavy war ax with ease, anticipating the
bloodbath that was to come. "Shall we?" she asked. Her scales
took on a strange purple/black glow that Alenthya never noticed
before.
Alenthya nodded and turned her concentration toward her first
spell. Ice spread out in a sheet before her, pinning the demons
in their places and freezing the lesser. Omra went after the
frozen foes, smashing them to bits before moving quickly to the
next. As Alenthya called lightening, Omra roared and leaped into
the air, coming down hard on a rather large beast that was
trying to free itself from the ice. She turned and swung with
all her strength as the lightening sizzled through the air, the
combined effort downing the beast for good.
Korynah, Ganonling, and Kaira seemed to dance among the throng
of demons, slashing and stabbing a pathway through to a rather
large beast. They rolled, cartwheeled, somersaulted, speed burst
and leaped their way to each target, their blades always finding
the weakest points of their prey, leaving their foes to bleed
out on the battleground. Omra and Alenthya took down the
stragglers with ease as they rogues made their way to the giant
beast heading toward them.
* *
*
*
#Post#: 92--------------------------------------------------
Re: A New Era
DIR By: NamelessMystic
Date: April 26, 2016, 3:09 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Part X: Solace & Adalynne
The demonic horde approached the small group at the gate.
Adalynne knew why they slowed- they fear the divine light that
shined brightly from the small band of warriors. She smiled
sweetly and beckoned them to her, encouraging them closer. The
demons came forward, unable to help themselves. It was like they
were hypnotized as they moved slowly, as if in a trance.
"Close your eyes," she told her group.
At her last word, a bright flash of heavenly flame burst up from
the ground, swallowing the demons that stepped into it and
instantly turning them to ash. Atlas nodded to Adalynne and
grinned. "My turn," he said, lifting his weapon and charging
forward. Chantal was a few steps ahead having followed her
zealous yeti into battle. The two warriors worked in unison,
dodging this attack and quickly taking down demons with deadly
efficiency.
Solace prayed and Torm swiftly answered by raising a shield of
protection over her and her comrades. She charged into battle,
attracting a small group of demons that she bashed with her mace
and slammed with her shield. With each slam came a burst of
resonating light that burned her foes, with every bash of her
mace she bellowed triumphantly.
Adalynne sent healing light and bursts of energy to her friends,
bathing them in protective light and reinforcing their
abilities. She continued to lay radiant traps on the ground that
turned their enemies to dust. She could hear the warriors
roaring threats at their foes, challenging them to come forward
and ending the encounter with another demon dead. Her heart sang
for these men and women, her admiration for them empowering her
resolve and inspiring her to burn their enemies and strengthen
her allies.
Just as the group was nearing the end of the horde, the ground
began to quake...
* *
*
*
*
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