Printable Version of Topic

QUOTE

[2] Hello, and welcome to our Elder Scrolls Role Playing threads, where we adventure and socialize in the vibrant land of Tamriel.

Before we begin, we'd like to clarify a few things:

Loranna's Roleplay, while an open roleplay where everyone is invited to join, is not a limitless or unregulated game. There are rules we have set ourselves that make roleplaying easier and more enjoyable for everyone of us. Please take the time and read the following guidelines carefully and, more importantly, act according to them.

1. Have fun!

2. Fun does not mean you can do whatever you want, though.

Let us please clarify some points. While everyone is welcome to join in, they are NOT welcome to jump in and do big, world-changing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST. Let's be very clear about what cannot be done without permission:

Affecting other characters:
Any action that effects another person's character, for ill or good.  Although most people realize they can't harm another person's character without permission, many don't realize that you can't HELP another character without permission, either. Many characters have flaws for a reason. Don't go healing, saving, or otherwise fixing another character without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the player involved.

Major Events:
Any event that would drastically change things that have been done to the world, whether the change is physical (rebuilding destroyed locations), political(converting a population to a new cause), military (killing off all the badguys) or anything else. Almost every situation, good or bad, that exists in the RP was done for some reason. Don't go changing or fixing things without DISCUSSING IT FIRST with the group.

For the purpose of coordinating this RP, backstage fun and discussing current and future events, we have established a chatroom on chatspike.net, chatroom #Loranna_RP. We strongly recommend that you have a glimpse in there, since it is the easiest and most convenient way to discuss characters and settings, explain rules, plan and give you the background information you need to play in this RP.  If you cannot get on the channel for some reason, or if the player whose character you would affect with your plan is not there, then PM them using this board's PM function. That's what it's there for.

If you do not have MIRC, you can http://www.chatspike.net/?p=javairc. Enter in a nickname where prompted and hit Submit. You'll be asked if you want to trust the signed applet. Hit Yes, and you'll be in the main chatspike channel. From there, type /join #Loranna_RP  You'll enter our chat channel and we can talk to you.

Here are various other rules, tips and information you should take time to read before joining this RP:

1. Background History:

Loranna's RP has accumulated a rich background history. Of course, no-one can know all that has happened in this RP, but it is important that you have at least an idea about the major events that took place during the last one-and-a-half years. There are a few posts of Loranna that explain the history of the RP from her character's viewpoint and a summary of the events in the RP is in progress, you can find them http://www.tc.umn.edu/~rhod0091/lrp/temp.html. Another summary is available as text file from Nalion, please ask via our chatspike channel or per PM to Nalion for the time being. We are working on a more permanent solution to provide this information.

The chatroom #Loranna_RP on chatspike is probably the best and fastest way to get yourself informed about the RP, just ask the moderators and long-time players there if you need any information. They will gladly help you. It is also very advisable to read up on the most recent posts and threads to become a grasp of what is happening right now in the RP. This will significantly help you in finding a way to join the action and will reduce the probabiliy of mistakes.

2. Reading and catching up on the RP:

We're a dedicated lot of players, and we love this RP. This means we put a lot of effort in our posts, do a lot of planning and discussing to create our plotlines. This requires time and dedication. And we require this of you as well. This means, take your time to read the posts of the other players and take the time to catch up on the plot if it progressed while you were away. This simplifies your rejoin into the action. It is also a sign of respect to the other players. If you don't have the time to read their posts, why should they bother with yours, then?

Again, please let me repeat this, for it is very important. If you are not able or willing to put time and at least reasonable effort in this RP, think again whether you want to join this RP or not.

3. Gathering information

Gather information about the RP, be it asking in chat, by reading older posts and getting up to date on the history or by asking via PM. No-one can know everything, sure, but everyone can ask about what happened. We're glad to assist! Again, this can not be done without some interest in the ongoings in the RP, effort and a good bit of dedication.

4. Roleplaying

Roleplaying doesn't just involve making your character say something (in-character chat). It also has a descriptive element. Motions and emotions of your character, worries, joys, mimics, movements... we want to see them! Describe how your character acts, this gives you a better grasp of your character and will help your fellow players build up a relationship to your character. It's not only action and big fights we have here in this RP, there is a major social aspect to it as well.

5. Posting

Try to take your time to post. Yes, we are aware that there are hectic scenes, like in big combats, where some things move faster, but is it in general a good idea to look over your post again to check it. Yes, we know it sounds stupid and obvious, but please care about spelling, punctuation and grammar. They are not just things you learned in school once to forget afterwards. We are no decryption experts. Those grammar rules have their meaning, and there are tools out there to help you(word spell checker for example). Again, the chat is a perfect way to ask for
time and coordinate with other players if you have problems.

6. Character control / multiple characters

Once more, about controlling characters that belong to other players: You cannot control a character that is not your own (with a few exceptions, like having talked to the player of the character beforehand).  This means most of the time the following:

* In combat, you can only try to attack another character, but whether you hit him or how much damage is inflicted is up to the player of the character, and only him/her.

* This applies to healing or helping the character as well; feel free to try and offer help to a character, but let the other player describe the effects of the healing/helping.

* Especially in combat, you have to work closely with the other players, the chatroom is the best and easiest method to discuss these things.

Another thing related to this topic is referring or speaking to other characters whose players are not online. If possible, try to avoid involving characters when their player is not present. It ties down your character while waiting for the other player to come back, and you don't know whether the respective player has other plans when he is back.

Additionally, avoid generating scenes where you involve a character, affect him with an action and finish the action before the player can react (stealing, attacking, casting spells or similar actions). Example: No running up to someone, rob him and run away to safety all in one post. This is a no go.

Controlling multiple characters. We have no written limits on how many characters you may control; the limit is you. In general, it is very advisable that you stick to one character when you are new to RPing. When creating a character, it is VERY important that you consider your character carefully. Again, this has something to do with effort and dedication. It is generally a bad sign if you join up, post a couple of posts and then say you are bored with this character and make a new one. Other players might get annoyed greeting and introducing their characters to a new character when it is obvious that this character will not last long because the player gets bored with the new character. This RP is a social RP as well, and it is very difficult to socialize with a character that is badly played, where you can see by the style of writing that the player is already bored with the character and will throw him away at the next opportunity. RPing is all about characters and your character is your "representative" in this RP, your voice, your arm, your mind. Please take this into account when creating and playing your character.

As a general rule of thumb, use only one character until you feel comfortable with him, can control him, have fun with him and the character is established in the RP. The rest will run automatically after a while when you get more confident and experienced in RPing.

7. Secret plans

Secret plans and surprises are seldom fun for anyone else. Before they're revealed they're boring, because nobody knows about them, and afterwards they're just annoying, because nobody knew about them. Examples: Your character suddenly remembers that he has a castles all over Tamriel and calls in troops to help. Or: Your character suddenly reveals he is a spy of the Emperor and knows everything.

8. Ingame consequences of character actions:

Morrowind the game was rather lenient when it came to direct consequences after a character's action. This is not the case in our RP. There are laws and local customs, and there are guards and other authorities that are there to enforce them. So, starting tavern brawls, stealing, murdering, open assault and all other related actions are very likely to be persecuted and punished (this can go up from your character ending up in jail, being banished or to be executed). This doesn't mean that there are no murders or thefts in the RP, but it does mean that if you do that, be aware of the consequences your character will have to deal with.

9. Additional helpful information:

Please make sure that you read the following post of Allerleirauh http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=141737&view=findpost&p=2871855, dealing with some of the above mentioned rules, as well as the hints on character generation done by Loranna http://www.elderscrolls.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=141737&view=findpost&p=3828224. Please take the above mentioned rules and information into careful consideration, they will help you in joining this RP quickly and are useful to avoid problems. And more importantly: act according to them!

** Not following the above advice will only result in two things: your post is likely to be completely ignored by everyone else as if it did not happen and/or you are asked to leave the RP. This is obviously not good for anyone, so please, discuss major events before doing them and act according to the rules mentioned above. **

Thank you, and have fun![3] 

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Mar 12 2006, 09:43 AM)

[11] Vaan's Summary:

Vaan is in the fortress at Kalaan, and he's preparing to defend himself against a homicidal dragon, along with the rest of the army.

Turning to the Leader of the Army, a one Mrs. Warhaft, he asked:

"So, ma'am, do we have a plan against this?"

[12] 

[16] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 04:45 PM)

[17] Kalaan
"Yes," Leretha Warhaft replied quickly, directing the mages to cast protection from fire and shield spells to the north, and directing the warriors to launch their trebuchets at the creature. "We try to survive."

[18] 

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 11:45 AM)

[22] "Yes," Leretha Warhaft replied quickly, directing the mages to cast protection from fire and shield spells to the north, and directing the warriors to launch their trebuchets at the creature. "We try to survive."

[23] 

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Mar 12 2006, 09:54 AM)

[27] "Might I suggest something?"  Vaan asked, and without waiting for an answer, carried on:

"In Vvardenfell and Morrowind, we had to deal with two specific blights: One was Corprus, and the other took the form of flying creatures known as Cliffracers.  In the northeast, the mages used to attack any Cliffracers with Burden curses first, in order to slow them down and eventually disable their flying abilities.  The fallen creature could then be blasted with spells and arrows from a distance until it died.  We did this because they often carried disease, and didnt want to contract it by getting scraped or bitten by them.  Do you think think this same tactic could work against a dragon if we hit it enough times with the curse?"

[28] 

[31] QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 12:00 PM)

[32] Kalaan

Dana cast protective spells onto her newfound companions Samson and Harg, as well as herself. She hoped, protection against fire and magic in conjunction with the walls of the fortress covering them, would provide enough cover and shield them from the dragon's breath.

Then, she waited for the dragon to get in range and to place a good shot at it.

[33] 

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 12:02 PM)

[36] Kalaan
"I think it's worth -- Stendarr!" she shouted as the dragon's fire boiled over the northern wall of the fortress, destroying the trebuchets, and vaporizing any soldier not saved by the mages' shields and fire resistance spells.

As the dragon circled back up, preparing for another sweep, she said. "We can dedicate some mages to that task, but the others need to keep up the defenses.  We cannot survive too many more attacks like that ..."

[37] 

[40] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 05:02 PM)

[41] Kalaan
"I think it's worth -- Stendarr!" she shouted as the dragon's fire boiled over the northern wall of the fortress, destroying the trebuchets, and vaporizing any soldier not saved by the mages' shields and fire resistance spells.

As the dragon circled back up, preparing for another sweep, she said. "We can dedicate some mages to that task, but the others need to keep up the defenses.  We cannot survive too many more attacks like that ..."

[42] 

QUOTE

[45] "You are not thinking of ... oh Arkay, you are thinking of it," Samson sighs. "Ah well, what the heck ... anyone with summons, throw them at the dragon while we regroup! Maybe an Ogrim or two sitting on its back will distract it enough for us to get the defenses together!"[46] 

[49] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 12:02 PM)

[50] Kalaan
"I think it's worth -- Stendarr!" she shouted as the dragon's fire boiled over the northern wall of the fortress, destroying the trebuchets, and vaporizing any soldier not saved by the mages' shields and fire resistance spells.

As the dragon circled back up, preparing for another sweep, she said. "We can dedicate some mages to that task, but the others need to keep up the defenses.  We cannot survive too many more attacks like that ..."

[51] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 10:07 AM)

[55] Samson and Harg, protected by Dana's magic, survive the fierce roasting with comparitively minor burns, though if Samson had hopes of ever growing hair on his head again he'd have to abandon them.

"What we need," Samson says sagely, "is something to distract the beastie while the mages work their tricks on it.  I've got some magic, but nothing major, and Harg ..."

"The Fist of Harg has his mighty muscles, which will be sufficient if someone would provide him with a few Dremora," Harg says, grinning madly.  "Truly it is time to show this fire-breathing terror how we did things in the days of the Blue Dawn."

"You are not thinking of ... oh Arkay, you are thinking of it," Samson sighs.  "Ah well, what the heck ... anyone with summons, throw them at the dragon while we regroup!  Maybe an Ogrim or two sitting on its back will distract it enough for us to get the defenses together!"

[56] 

[59] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 05:21 PM)

[60] Kalaan
The dragon curled up in the sky, looking like a question mark, before hurdling itself back towards Kalaan, more smoke pouring out of its mouth.

Suddenly, it veered off, and the people in the fortress could see it was covered with atronachs, ogrims, dremora, fire daedra, and scamps.  It shrieked, a sound that echoed along the beach, and then dove into the sea.

[61] 

[64] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 12:21 PM)

[65] Kalaan
The dragon curled up in the sky, looking like a question mark, before hurdling itself back towards Kalaan, more smoke pouring out of its mouth.

Suddenly, it veered off, and the people in the fortress could see it was covered with atronachs, ogrims, dremora, fire daedra, and scamps.  It shrieked, a sound that echoed along the beach, and then dove into the sea.

[66] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 10:27 AM)

[70] "I'd pay to see that," Samson says, giving a disbelieving laugh as he renews Resist Fire spells on people, in case the dragon comes back.

[71] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 09:33 AM)

[75] Gistral was at the fortress of Ramakawan and is now heading for the village of Turodon, trying to enrage a dragon enough to lure him towards the fortress and fight him there.

[76] 

[79] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 05:28 PM)

[80] Kalaan
From the vantage point of the look-out tower, they could see the dark shape of the dragon beneath the waves, rushing back towards the fortress, some miles away, but building speed.

Then, its head and neck emerged over the water’s surface, and a stream of fire washed over the sea, bringing it to a boil.

A vast plume of mist washed over the fortress, obscuring visibility to a few feet.

[81] 

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Mar 12 2006, 10:44 AM)

[85] "Anyone else, summon winged twilights to deflect the mist!"

[86] 

[89] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 05:49 PM)

[90] Kalaan
Warhaft ordered the mages to do just that, and had another idea.

"Frost spells, all around," she cried.

Which is why when the dragon was spotted in the now-clear sky, it was snowing in Kalaan, and a squad of winged twilights were present to engage it in flight.

"Burden spells!" the commander issued the next orders.

[91] 

[94] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 12:49 PM)

[95] Kalaan
Warhaft ordered the mages to do just that, and had another idea.

"Frost spells, all around," she cried.

Which is why when the dragon was spotted in the now-clear sky, it was snowing in Kalaan, and a squad of winged twilights were present to engage it in flight.

"Burden spells!" the commander issued the next orders.

[96] 

[99] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 12:54 PM)

[100] Samson, having some magical skill, threw what Burden spell he knew at the dragon, wiping snow from his eyes as he raises his shield up defensively to ward off a breath attack.

Harg, lacking magic, helped the trechebults load up, laughing at the snow; surely Kyne was blessing their efforts to fight this hellish beast.

[101] 

QUOTE(syronj @ Mar 12 2006, 09:45 AM)

[105] Summary:  Shaka, a Redguard battlemage once Argonian, is with the group of adventurers heading for Mount Dakobo.

[106] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 11:00 AM)

[110] Dana heeded the command and stretched out both her hands towards the dragon and let go of a burden spell of her own, then, she quickly ducked behind the walls and took cover, hoping that the spell would slow the dragon down so that the summoned creature could do some damage.

[111] 

[114] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:04 PM)

[115] The Dragontail Mountains
The ascent through the valley was a perceptible incline, a narrow path uphill past a clear-water stream, under a canopy of dead trees, their blackened branches looking like claws clutching at the sky.  This would have been one of the most beautiful if inaccessible areas in Hammerfell before Mannimarco’s death aura brought it to ruin.

The stream’s source was a natural spring, and passing it, the heroes came to the end of the forested slope.  Now they could see across the mountain range, and the dormant volcano of Mount Dakobo was but a few hours away across the snow-dusted ridges.

Their view was clear enough that they could see the shambling figures stumbling seemingly at random along the mountains’ peaks and slopes.

Zombies.

"Remember, no fights if we can avoid them," Red-Rock-Shadows said, her breath visible in the cool air. "We should use invisibility and try to go from cover to cover.  There are enough boulders on the terrain to shield us from them if we use them."

[116] 

[119] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:08 PM)

[120] Kalaan
Other mages heeded the order together with Samson, Vaan, and Dana, and the sky was filled with streaming magicka as the dragon swatted at the twilights as if they were bothersome gnats.

It seemed to lose its balance at the sudden, crushing effect of the burden spells, and it plummeted down, crashing onto the beach with a force that sent shockwaves through the fortress, kncoking down the lookout tower and other fortifications.

[121] 

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:04 PM)

[125] The ascent through the valley was a perceptible incline, a narrow path uphill past a clear-water stream, under a canopy of dead trees, their blackened branches looking like claws clutching at the sky.  This would have been one of the most beautiful if inaccessible areas in Hammerfell before Mannimarco’s death aura brought it to ruin.

The stream’s source was a natural spring, and passing it, the heroes came to the end of the forested slope.  Now they could see across the mountain range, and the dormant volcano of Mount Dakobo was but a few hours away across the snow-dusted ridges.

Their view was clear enough that they could see the shambling figures stumbling seemingly at random along the mountains’ peaks and slopes.

Zombies.

"Remember, no fights if we can avoid them," Red-Rock-Shadows said, her breath visible in the cool air. "We should use invisibility and try to go from cover to cover.  There are enough boulders on the terrain to shield us from them if we use them."

[126] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 11:11 AM)

[130] "At least the water up here," Gram notes, "is free of that taint we encountered below.  We're making progress to be sure."

He nods to Red-Rock-Shadow, muttering "Hacking through zombies gets tiring after a while ..."  Turning to Goranthir, he asks "Further up still?"

[131] 

[134] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 06:08 PM)

[135] Kalaan
Other mages heeded the order together with Samson, Vaan, and Dana, and the sky was filled with streaming magicka as the dragon swatted at the twilights as if they were bothersome gnats.

It seemed to lose its balance at the sudden, crushing effect of the burden spells, and it plummeted down, crashing onto the beach with a force that sent shockwaves through the fortress, kncoking down the lookout tower and other fortifications.

[136] 

[139] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:04 PM)

[140] The Dragontail Mountains
The ascent through the valley was a perceptible incline, a narrow path uphill past a clear-water stream, under a canopy of dead trees, their blackened branches looking like claws clutching at the sky.  This would have been one of the most beautiful if inaccessible areas in Hammerfell before Mannimarco’s death aura brought it to ruin.

The stream’s source was a natural spring, and passing it, the heroes came to the end of the forested slope.  Now they could see across the mountain range, and the dormant volcano of Mount Dakobo was but a few hours away across the snow-dusted ridges.

Their view was clear enough that they could see the shambling figures stumbling seemingly at random along the mountains’ peaks and slopes.

Zombies.

"Remember, no fights if we can avoid them," Red-Rock-Shadows said, her breath visible in the cool air. "We should use invisibility and try to go from cover to cover.  There are enough boulders on the terrain to shield us from them if we use them."

[141] 

[144] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:08 PM)

[145] Kalaan
Other mages heeded the order together with Samson, Vaan, and Dana, and the sky was filled with streaming magicka as the dragon swatted at the twilights as if they were bothersome gnats.

It seemed to lose its balance at the sudden, crushing effect of the burden spells, and it plummeted down, crashing onto the beach with a force that sent shockwaves through the fortress, kncoking down the lookout tower and other fortifications.

[146] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 11:14 AM)

[150] Samson gets thrown to his feet by the violent shockwave, and curses as he pulls himself back up, spitting out blood.  "Crap, bit my tongue ..."

Harg, thanks to his prodigious strength, remained standing, and gave a great yell.  "Now, lads, let us show this dragon shooting!  Let him have everything we've got!"  He unleashes the load in the trechebult, letting fly with deadly projectiles aimed at an unmoving foe ...

[151] 

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Mar 12 2006, 11:18 AM)

[154] Vaan smiled at this fortunate turn of events, though on the inside he was ecstatic.  Best not to get too cocky now, he thought.

Turning to Commander Warhaft, he commented "Your trebuchets now have a stationary target".  Before preparing some frost spells to pelt the beast with.

[155] 

[158] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:04 PM)

[159] The Dragontail Mountains
The ascent through the valley was a perceptible incline, a narrow path uphill past a clear-water stream, under a canopy of dead trees, their blackened branches looking like claws clutching at the sky.  This would have been one of the most beautiful if inaccessible areas in Hammerfell before Mannimarco’s death aura brought it to ruin.

The stream’s source was a natural spring, and passing it, the heroes came to the end of the forested slope.  Now they could see across the mountain range, and the dormant volcano of Mount Dakobo was but a few hours away across the snow-dusted ridges.

Their view was clear enough that they could see the shambling figures stumbling seemingly at random along the mountains’ peaks and slopes.

Zombies.

"Remember, no fights if we can avoid them," Red-Rock-Shadows said, her breath visible in the cool air. "We should use invisibility and try to go from cover to cover.  There are enough boulders on the terrain to shield us from them if we use them."

[160] 

[163] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 06:24 PM)

[164] Kalaan
The trebuchets and spells launched out of the fortress at the dragon, which had gotten to its feet, and was preparing to breathe fire at one and all.  A lucky shot by one of the trebuchets smashed a massive stone into the creature's head, causing its flame to blast down the beach away from the fortress, melting the sand into glass.

[165] 

QUOTE(vaanic~one @ Mar 12 2006, 11:33 AM)

[169] Vaan felt tension fill his body.  If they did this right, then it would be easy to destroy the dragon.

Firing off another burden spell at it, he prepared some low-level summons to distract the beast into attacking them instead of anything that mattered, he used mostly skeletons and scamps, nothing too magicka consuming, and also in decent quantity.

"Muatramer!  Prepare you spears!" he barked, but did not order them to attack yet.

Maybe, if luck prevailed, the dragon would entrap itself in glass by firing too much at the creatures attacking it on the ground.

[170] 

[173] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:46 PM)

[174] Kalaan
The dragon thrashed against the assaults, issuing forth a roar that could be heard from miles around.  Wherever it turned, something struck it.

Suddenly, it squatted down, its wings prone at its sides, and it launched itself into the air, disppearing into the sunlight.

[175] 

[178] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:46 PM)

[179] Kalaan
The dragon thrashed against the assaults, issuing forth a roar that could be heard from miles around.  Wherever it turned, something struck it.

Suddenly, it squatted down, its wings prone at its sides, and it launched itself into the air, disppearing into the sunlight.

[180] 

QUOTE(dentris @ Mar 12 2006, 11:26 AM)

[184] P'Rassha nodded at Red-Rock-Shadow's recommandation and casted the only spells he knew, a pretty simple, yet fairly long Chameleon Spell.

"That is more than enough to give P'Rassha an edge over the zombies. They won't see P'Rassha if P'Rassha doesn't want to be seen."

[185] 

[188] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 06:46 PM)

[189] Kalaan
The dragon thrashed against the assaults, issuing forth a roar that could be heard from miles around.  Wherever it turned, something struck it.

Suddenly, it squatted down, its wings prone at its sides, and it launched itself into the air, disppearing into the sunlight.

[190] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 11:53 AM)

[194] Samson, his magicka dry and his head ringing, lowers his arms as the dragon takes flight, starting to laugh.  "It's turning tail!" he exults, turning to Dana and wrapping his arms around her in a comradely hug.  "We did it!  By Arkay and Zenithar, we did it!"

Harg's cheering was not as robust as the dragon's roar, but it, too, could be heard all around, as the giant of a Nord raises his massive sword overhead and yells "FOR KYNE, EMPEROR, AND HAMMERFELL!  VICTORY IS OURS!!!"

[195] 

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:53 PM)

[199] By invisibility or stealth, the heroes moved across the treeless land, the soft snow tinged with ash and dust softening their footfalls.  They sometimes came close enough to the zombies to see their faces and forms.  Most of them were Redguards, mountain dwellers who died in the death aura and were resurrected into unlife by the King of Worms.  Some seem to have been subjected to his "experiments."  A pathetic two-headed zombie stumbled along, the heads endlessly biting and gnawing at one another.  Another walked upside down, his arms and legs reversed.

It was a view of the future they were witnessing, a future should Mannimarco reign supreme.

[200] 

[203] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:53 PM)

[204] The Dragontail Mountains
By invisibility or stealth, the heroes moved across the treeless land, the soft snow tinged with ash and dust softening their footfalls.  They sometimes came close enough to the zombies to see their faces and forms.  Most of them were Redguards, mountain dwellers who died in the death aura and were resurrected into unlife by the King of Worms.  Some seem to have been subjected to his "experiments."  A pathetic two-headed zombie stumbled along, the heads endlessly biting and gnawing at one another.  Another walked upside down, his arms and legs reversed.

It was a view of the future they were witnessing, a future should Mannimarco reign supreme.

[205] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 01:58 PM)

[208] The Dragontail Mountains

Nalion felt both disgust, pity and anger deep inside him, combined with collywobbles in his stomach. The major effect on him was different though.
"We mustn't let Mannimarco win.", he muttered under his breath, steadily making his way towards their goal. "This abominations will end soon."

[209] 

[212] QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 10:53 AM)

[213] The Dragontail Mountains
By invisibility or stealth, the heroes moved across the treeless land, the soft snow tinged with ash and dust softening their footfalls.  They sometimes came close enough to the zombies to see their faces and forms.  Most of them were Redguards, mountain dwellers who died in the death aura and were resurrected into unlife by the King of Worms.  Some seem to have been subjected to his "experiments."  A pathetic two-headed zombie stumbled along, the heads endlessly biting and gnawing at one another.  Another walked upside down, his arms and legs reversed.

It was a view of the future they were witnessing, a future should Mannimarco reign supreme.

[214] 

[218] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 03:05 PM)

[219] Dragontail Mountains

As the group approaches the summit of the dormant volcano, the snow is gradually replaced by ice, with the occasional dark vein running through the blue-white crystals.  Gram treads carefully, more used than some to walking on icy slopes, and cautions people to be careful.

As the party nears the lip of the volcano's crater, however, a hideous shriek pierces the air, coming from within the crater's depths - and then, scant seconds later, a blurred, black shape rockets out of the crater, swooping overhead and casting a large winged shadow over the party.

"To arms!" Gram yells, raising Spellbreaker and Frostkiss ...

[220] 

[224] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 03:05 PM)

[225] Dragontail Mountains

As the group approaches the summit of the dormant volcano, the snow is gradually replaced by ice, with the occasional dark vein running through the blue-white crystals.  Gram treads carefully, more used than some to walking on icy slopes, and cautions people to be careful.

As the party nears the lip of the volcano's crater, however, a hideous shriek pierces the air, coming from within the crater's depths - and then, scant seconds later, a blurred, black shape rockets out of the crater, swooping overhead and casting a large winged shadow over the party.

"To arms!" Gram yells, raising Spellbreaker and Frostkiss ...

[226] 

[229] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 12:05 PM)

[230] Dragontail Mountains

As the group approaches the summit of the dormant volcano, the snow is gradually replaced by ice, with the occasional dark vein running through the blue-white crystals.  Gram treads carefully, more used than some to walking on icy slopes, and cautions people to be careful.

As the party nears the lip of the volcano's crater, however, a hideous shriek pierces the air, coming from within the crater's depths - and then, scant seconds later, a blurred, black shape rockets out of the crater, swooping overhead and casting a large winged shadow over the party.

"To arms!" Gram yells, raising Spellbreaker and Frostkiss ...

[231] 

QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 03:56 PM)

[238] *In the jungle outside Ramakawan: the final of the triplet Redguard sisters, Ota, is currently flying through the jungle on an intercept course, with the rest of the Mage Vanguard...plotting her strategy, and contemplating second thoughts of intentionally making an Undead Dragon mad...*

[239] 

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 01:35 PM)

[242] Outside Turadon
The mages discovered that they were in front of the dragon, as the last trees collapsed, and they were face to face with the beast.

It was a juvenile turned undead, scarcely a hundred feet long, and one of its wings was deformed so it couldn’t fly.  Rotten flesh and scales hung from its skeletal body like a shroud.  Nevertheless, it was far from defenseless, as smoke wafted up in its nostrils, and it prepared to breathe fire.

The mages instantly cast the spells they had been preparing.  Several of them turned invisible.  Several cast shield and resistance spells.  Others still levitated to surround the creature, to launch offensive spells in all directions.

[243] 

[246] QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Mar 12 2006, 03:14 PM)

[247] Slyvos raised his hands up defensively, instinctively casting spells to protect him against damage to prepare himself in case the creature suddenly attacked. "my guess is, yet another dragon." He said quickly, looking around in a paranoid manner to make sure he didn't get snuck up on by the thing, or anything else that may have come up behind them while they were distracted by the sight.

[248] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 03:31 PM)

[251] The Dragontail Mountains

Goranthir launches a Kynarine blast at the creature.  Even if it was too fast for his reflexes, the cone of the blast might be able to strike it.

Red-Rock-Shadow takes it upon herself to help the group with that very issue, casting an area-wide spell to increase the speed and agility of the heroes.

[252] 

[255] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 12:38 PM)

[256] The Jungle
The young dragon sent a blast of flame gouting around it in a semi-circle.  The eruption shattered defensive spells of any unlucky enough to be hit by it, and three mages, invisible but struck by the flame, flashed into sight, dropping to the ground, dead and smoldering.

[257] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 04:41 PM)

[261] Goranthir's blast misses this time, accidentally dislodging a few ice-covered rocks as the edge of the shockwave clips the ground.

[262] 

[265] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 12:41 PM)

[266] Slyvos turns out to be wrong, as the party gets to see when the creature dives down, long talons outstretched.  Great wings beat at the air, sending down a shower of obsidion shards as the guardian attacks ...

As the beast makes a diving attack on Osa and Ora, the party can see that it's made in the shape of a large ... bird.  In place of feathers, the monster has obsidian shards, roughly chiseled into the shape of feathers, and stuck into grey, leathery skin that's stretched painfully thin over the bones, almost but not quite covering the skeketal wings.  The beak looks to be carved from pure, bloodstained ebony and fused to a skull which may or may not have been avian originally, and the razor-sharp talons have tendrils of diseased flesh crawling along their length like worms, eager to burrow into any wounds inflicted.

Most horrifying, however, is the bird's torso, which is totally without flesh, exposing the skeleton within - and the three bodies that are fused together inside the creature's rib cage.  The corpses are decidedly Nordic in shape, and female - and all too well-preserved, their agonized faces constantly crying out in tandem with the creature's screeches.

As the beast pulls out of its dive, magic flares from within its ribcage, surrounding the creature in protective ehchantments.  Such is its speed that even the fastest among the party barely has a moment to react before it slices by and seeks altitude once again.
.

[267] 

QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 04:47 PM)

[271] Ota's nearly barbequed by the fire blast but decends just enough to be out of its arch...she comes about trying to get behind it as she casts a large area Fire Shield spell on herself and any lucky enough to get the effects...the second Spell is that of a Winged Deadric Seducer, which promptly gives chase to the Dragon

[272] 

[275] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 03:41 PM)

[276] Slyvos turns out to be wrong, as the party gets to see when the creature dives down, long talons outstretched.  Great wings beat at the air, sending down a shower of obsidion shards as the guardian attacks ...

As the beast makes a diving attack on Osa and Ora, the party can see that it's made in the shape of a large ... bird.  In place of feathers, the monster has obsidian shards, roughly chiseled into the shape of feathers, and stuck into grey, leathery skin that's stretched painfully thin over the bones, almost but not quite covering the skeketal wings.  The beak looks to be carved from pure, bloodstained ebony and fused to a skull which may or may not have been avian originally, and the razor-sharp talons have tendrils of diseased flesh crawling along their length like worms, eager to burrow into any wounds inflicted.

Most horrifying, however, is the bird's torso, which is totally without flesh, exposing the skeleton within - and the three bodies that are fused together inside the creature's rib cage.  The corpses are decidedly Nordic in shape, and female - and all too well-preserved, their agonized faces constantly crying out in tandem with the creature's screeches.

As the beast pulls out of its dive, magic flares from within its ribcage, surrounding the creature in protective ehchantments.  Such is its speed that even the fastest among the party barely has a moment to react before it slices by and seeks altitude once again.
Goranthir's blast misses this time, accidentally dislodging a few ice-covered rocks as the edge of the shockwave clips the ground.

[277] 

[281] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 12:52 PM)

[282] The Jungle
The dragon swats at the seducer with its working wing, sending her rocketing, head over heels, to be crushed against a tree.  The tree cracks in half by the impact, and the seducer vanishes.

The creature turns towards Ota, more smoke billowing in its nostrils.

"Turn back!" one of the mages cries. "We can't defeat it here --!"

He is instantly vaporized, along with others in the next gout of black fire.

[283] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 03:52 PM)

[287] The Jungle
The dragon swats at the seducer with its working wing, sending her rocketing, head over heels, to be crushed against a tree.  The tree cracks in half by the impact, and the seducer vanishes.

The creature turns towards Ota, more smoke billowing in its nostrils.

"Turn back!" one of the mages cries. "We can't defeat it here --!"

He is instantly vaporized, along with others in the next gout of black fire.

[288] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 05:01 PM)

[294] Gistral moved from tree to tree to take cover from the firery breath of the dragon. Lacking the magickal skills needed in this battle, he tried to give the dragon stings with his bow.
Gistral heard the last shout of the mage before he died, then aimed at the head of the creature and sent a silver arrow speeding towards it. Then, Gistral retreated deeper into the swamp, frantically searching for the recall scroll he knew Dana had given him and stuffed in his pocket.

[295] 

QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 04:55 PM)

[298] "Pesky one, arent you?" Ota thinks dodging another blast of Fire and countering with a Frostball before recasting Levitation on herself

[299] 

[303] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 01:04 PM)

[304] The Jungle
The silver arrow and frostball, together with the lightning and frost spells the other mages were hurdling at the dragon, did not even slow it down as it rampaged after the fleeing mages, as they flew or ran back towards the hidden fortress.

[305] 

[308] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 03:41 PM)

[309] Slyvos turns out to be wrong, as the party gets to see when the creature dives down, long talons outstretched.  Great wings beat at the air, sending down a shower of obsidion shards as the guardian attacks ...

As the beast makes a diving attack on Osa and Ora, the party can see that it's made in the shape of a large ... bird.  In place of feathers, the monster has obsidian shards, roughly chiseled into the shape of feathers, and stuck into grey, leathery skin that's stretched painfully thin over the bones, almost but not quite covering the skeketal wings.  The beak looks to be carved from pure, bloodstained ebony and fused to a skull which may or may not have been avian originally, and the razor-sharp talons have tendrils of diseased flesh crawling along their length like worms, eager to burrow into any wounds inflicted.

Most horrifying, however, is the bird's torso, which is totally without flesh, exposing the skeleton within - and the three bodies that are fused together inside the creature's rib cage.  The corpses are decidedly Nordic in shape, and female - and all too well-preserved, their agonized faces constantly crying out in tandem with the creature's screeches.

As the beast pulls out of its dive, magic flares from within its ribcage, surrounding the creature in protective ehchantments.  Such is its speed that even the fastest among the party barely has a moment to react before it slices by and seeks altitude once again.
Goranthir's blast misses this time, accidentally dislodging a few ice-covered rocks as the edge of the shockwave clips the ground.

[310] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 04:04 PM)

[314] The Jungle
The silver arrow and frostball, together with the lightning and frost spells the other mages were hurdling at the dragon, did not even slow it down as it rampaged after the fleeing mages, as they flew or ran back towards the hidden fortress.

[315] 

[318] QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 03:50 PM)

[319] "Oh this is wonderful it's armored" Ora thinks rolling to avoid the creatures dive and preparing to counter

Osa also rolls, avoiding the drag of the creatures leg as it passes by her, ripping a piece of her pants...getting quickly back on her feet she activates the Scroll: "Drathis' Winter Guest" is  the incantation she shouts, hoping to slow or hinder the beast

[320] 

QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Mar 12 2006, 03:53 PM)

[323] Slashes-With-Claws scurries around the ground, keeping the creature from hitting him.  If only he had a bow.  He threw a lightning bolt at it, trying to hit the creatures in its rib cage.

[324] 

QUOTE(syronj @ Mar 12 2006, 04:03 PM)

[327] Shaka levitated and activated the Adrenaline Rush.  He seemed to have a lot more time to prepare for the creature's swoop, and decided to aim for the Nord female undead within it.

Shaka sent a bolt of healing magicka against the undead, while he gripped the Spear.  When the monster was close enough, he would try to pierce its head.

[328] 

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Mar 12 2006, 04:08 PM)

[331] Tsei casts a healing spell, followed by a frost spell, at the undead in the middle of the creature.

Isidor and Ingmar on the other hand, dived out of the way of the creature's swoops.

[332] 

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 12 2006, 04:02 PM)

[335] Reichi dived out of the way of the creature, and the shards that dropped from it. He pulled himself up off the ground, and brushed himself off as he waited for it to either come back around or chase Red-Rock-Shadow.

[336] 

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Mar 12 2006, 04:12 PM)

[339] Slyvos growled as he quickly jumped out of the way of the creature, just barely avoiding getting hit by it as it went by. He readied himself now, knowing what he was facing this time so he could properly protect himself with his magic.

At seeing the three well preserved nordic corpses, the khajiit's eyes just go wide, a strong feeling of dread beginning to come over him, hopeing that they stop Mannimarco before anyone he knows becomes like these wretches...

[340] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 03:48 PM)

[343] Mount Dakobo
Goranthir dodges the rocks and the showering obsidian shards as Red-Rock-Shadow's spell enhances his speed and agility.

The Argonian mage herself flies into the crater, to provide a distraction for the creature.

[344] 

[347] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 05:20 PM)

[348] As the party's spells lance out at the creature, it banks and reverses its course, its flight clearly unnatural despite its beating wings.

Distressingly, as the spells hit, the flare of a Reflect spell causes all but Shaka's healing spell to bounce back at the casters ...
... and from the beast's ribcage, fireballs and lightning bolts lance out, striking not at the party members but at the trecherous, ice-coated, rocky slope beneath their feet, starting a landslide ...
... before it banks once more in mid air, to zero in on Red-Rock-Shadow, ignoring Shaka for the moment as it bears down on the winged Argonian with outstretched claws.

[349] 

[352] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 01:20 PM)

[353] As the party's spells lance out at the creature, it banks and reverses its course, its flight clearly unnatural despite its beating wings.

Distressingly, as the spells hit, the flare of a Reflect spell causes all but Shaka's healing spell to bounce back at the casters ...
... and from the beast's ribcage, fireballs and lightning bolts lance out, striking not at the party members but at the trecherous, ice-coated, rocky slope beneath their feet, starting a landslide ...
... before it banks once more in mid air, to zero in on Red-Rock-Shadow, ignoring Shaka for the moment as it bears down on the winged Argonian with outstretched claws.

[354] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 05:16 PM)

[360] Gistral made a run for the fortress, having his scroll of recall ready if need be. The Redguard ran as fast as he could, trying to use the cover of the trees in the swamp to shield him from the dragon's breath, repeatedly looking behind him to see if the dragon followed. He secretly hoped that it would - so that the army at the fortress could fight it - but he as much hoped that he would not be killed in the attempt.

[361] 

QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 05:09 PM)

[364] The Jungle

Ota seeing everyone else fleeing towards Ramakawan, follows in suit, pursued by the Dragon

"I'll call myself 'lucky'...if I survive this" Ota thinks

[365] 

[368] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 04:20 PM)

[369] As the party's spells lance out at the creature, it banks and reverses its course, its flight clearly unnatural despite its beating wings.

Distressingly, as the spells hit, the flare of a Reflect spell causes all but Shaka's healing spell to bounce back at the casters ...
... and from the beast's ribcage, fireballs and lightning bolts lance out, striking not at the party members but at the trecherous, ice-coated, rocky slope beneath their feet, starting a landslide ...
... before it banks once more in mid air, to zero in on Red-Rock-Shadow, ignoring Shaka for the moment as it bears down on the winged Argonian with outstretched claws.

[370] 

[373] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 01:27 PM)

[374] The Jungle
The fleeing mages fan out, to give the dragon more targets, and to keep it pursuing them.  Trying to keep an eye on their backs, to make sure the dragon is still there and to avoid its fire breath, while trying to keep an eye forward to avoid obstacles in the densely packed jungle is a tricky maneuver.

Subtlety does not seem to be the style of this juvenile undead dragon as it roars and crashes forward.  Avoiding falling trees is yet another in the mages' series of hazards.

[375] 

[379] QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 05:29 PM)

[380] Nalion had no more than a few seconds to cast a levitation spell and escape from the landslide of snow, ice and rocks. The mage got caught in the surge of the landslide however, and tumbled in mid-air until gaining his balance again, safely above the ground.
Then, he saw Goranthir tumbling down the hill and dove down towards him, trying to see where the landslide had carried him...

[381] 

[387] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 04:20 PM)

[388] As the party's spells lance out at the creature, it banks and reverses its course, its flight clearly unnatural despite its beating wings.

Distressingly, as the spells hit, the flare of a Reflect spell causes all but Shaka's healing spell to bounce back at the casters ...
... and from the beast's ribcage, fireballs and lightning bolts lance out, striking not at the party members but at the trecherous, ice-coated, rocky slope beneath their feet, starting a landslide ...
... before it banks once more in mid air, to zero in on Red-Rock-Shadow, ignoring Shaka for the moment as it bears down on the winged Argonian with outstretched claws.

[389] 

[392] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 04:32 PM)

[393] Goranthir tumbled over a cliff edge, and reached out with his left hand to keep from falling a thousand feet to the base of Mount Dakoba.  His other hand held his Kynarine blade, and he wasn't willing to drop it yet ... He struggled to pull himself up over the cliff.

[394] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 04:27 PM)

[398] The Jungle
The fleeing mages fan out, to give the dragon more targets, and to keep it pursuing them.  Trying to keep an eye on their backs, to make sure the dragon is still there and to avoid its fire breath, while trying to keep an eye forward to avoid obstacles in the densely packed jungle is a tricky maneuver.

Subtlety does not seem to be the style of this juvenile undead dragon as it roars and crashes forward.  Avoiding falling trees is yet another in the mages' series of hazards.

[399] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 05:41 PM)

[403] Goranthir felt a hand grabbing his left arm and pulling him upwards with significant effort to steady him for a moment. Then there was a whispered spell of levitation.
"I'm not letting you get away so easily, Goranthir!", Nalion gasped, still holding his friends arm and pulling. "We've got to deal with this beast still."

[404] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 05:47 PM)

[408] Seeing how the mages fanned out to further enrage the dragon, Gistral decided that he couldn't help much more in this place...
Taking cover behind a tree, he pulled out the parchment with the recall spell on it and spoke the words. With a flash of light, he reappeared in the fortress, out of breath.
"It's coming... A young dragon... and angry..!", the Redguard gasped to whoever was there. "Be prepared..."

[409] 

[412] QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 04:24 PM)

[413] Dragontail Mountains

Osa's footing is barely enough to keep her from being flattened by the landside, though a medium sized boulder smacks her right in the center of her Armor sending a shreik of pain from her lips as she collapses to her knees
Ora meanwhile is completely swept up in the landslide, being forced to the lands will, the explosions of the Reflected spells seemingly everywhere

[414] 

QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Mar 12 2006, 04:25 PM)

[417] Slashes is hit by his own lightning bolt, reflected back at him.  Luckily it was not strong and he resists it, thanks to the powers of the Wamasaii he still possesses.  He drinks one of his best levitation potions and takes to the air.  The holy sword at the ready to hit the creature should he manage to get close enough.

[418] 

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Mar 12 2006, 04:31 PM)

[421] Both Reeds and Valerius fall to the ground as the slide gains momentum. However, both can be seen a few seconds later flying above it courtesy of levitation potions. Valerius glides off after Goranthir, while Reeds chases after Red-Rock-Shadow and the creature.

[422] 

QUOTE(syronj @ Mar 12 2006, 04:32 PM)

[425] As best Shaka could tell, the group was either taking to the air or helping the fallen.  Since the healing magicka hadn't reflected off the monster, he cast it again and levitated after it.  His flight was still taking too long, even after subtracting the Adrenaline Rush perceptions.

Shaka tried to hurl the Spear into the monster's ribcage in the attempt to hit the undead within.

[426] 

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 12 2006, 04:34 PM)

[429] Reichi cursed, hastily pulling a levitation potion from his bag and chugging it. The dunmer took to the air and tossed the empty potion to the ground, where it was consumed in the landslide. "You bird-brained punk, I'll rip you several new ones for that!" he shouted, activating Hircine's ring.

Reichi's armor shifted with him, the boots becoming footsheilds similar to Slashes', the greaves changing slightly to accomodate a different leg structure, and a tail, the gauntlets changing to suit claws better, and the helmet splitting open to let a white-furred muzzle out, the metal drawing back so his face was mostly exposed, save for the top of the muzzle, which had 'nose guard' of sorts.

A rage filled howl passes out of Reichi's muzzle as the airborne canine flys after the beast, holy blade held in his clawed hands, ready to carve this oversized turkey up.

[430] 

QUOTE(Stargazey @ Mar 12 2006, 04:36 PM)

[433] Levitation potion taken, Ingmar goes after Gram, who he notices isn't floating.

Isidor, levitation potion still intact, chases after the creature, Reeds, and Red-Rock-Shadow.

Tsei, also still floating, continues to cast regeneration and shield spells on the rest of the group, to keep them protected.

[434] 

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Mar 12 2006, 04:37 PM)

[437] Slyvos throws a fireball at one of the blasts of lightning heading towards the ground underneath him, preventing it from doing as much damage as it would otherwise. Quickly he casted a levitation spell on himself, so as to keep from tumbling down in the landslide caused by the magical blasts. They seemed to be coming from the three nordic women in the chest area...

[438] 

[441] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 01:50 PM)

[442] Ramakawan
Upon appearing in the fortress, Gistral discovered to his relief that he was not the first person from the expedition to Recall back.  In fact, he immediately recognized one of the mages as someone he thought had been vaporized -- apparently, she had Recalled the instant before the fire had hit her.  Professionals, these mage warriors.

[443] 

QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 05:58 PM)

[447] Ota appears in a flash, and removing her robes and throwing her Staff down, promptly attempts to extinguish the already spreading flames...her body is scratched and cut from flying through trees and even her best Healing spell cant heal all the lacerations...upon seeing the Robe is a lost cause, picks up her Staff and awaits the Dragon

[448] 

[452] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 05:57 PM)

[453] A third lighting bolt snaps out at Shaka, but the Spear, flickering in and out of Time, sails through the air in an impossibly long second, transfixing one of the three Nord women corpses.  With a shriek that could almost be construed as a cry of thanks, she slumps over, inert, the Spear of Bitter Mercy still sticking in her body.  The bird screeches in dismay.

[454] 

[457] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 03:57 PM)

[458] Reeds and Slashes-With-Claws both find that the bird creature is rather fast, and it's leaving the two of them behind as it descends upon Red-Rock-Shadow ...

However, lightning bolts surge from its ribcage to blast the two of them out of the sky.

[459] 

[462] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 04:48 PM)

[463] Mount Dakoba
Goranthir scrambled up over the cliff's edge with Nalion's help, grinning.  "Thanks for the hand," the Prince replied as they charged back up the slope towards the crater. "Just got to remember to keep my eye on my feet."

[464] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 04:57 PM)

[467] Ora find herself being swept toward the cliff face where Gram and Goranthir are both heading. 
Reeds and Slashes-With-Claws both find that the bird creature is rather fast, and it's leaving the two of them behind as it descends upon Red-Rock-Shadow ...

However, lightning bolts surge from its ribcage to blast the two of them out of the sky.
A third lighting bolt snaps out at Shaka, but the Spear, flickering in and out of Time, sails through the air in an impossibly long second, transfixing one of the three Nord women corpses.  With a shriek that could almost be construed as a cry of thanks, she slumps over, inert, the Spear of Bitter Mercy still sticking in her body.  The bird screeches in dismay.
Reichi, thanks to the speed inherent in the werewolf's form, catches up to the bird first, just in time to see its talons sink into Red-Rock-Shadow's wings.
Gram grabs Ingmar's hand gratefully.  "Thanks; first turtles, now birds, what next ..." he groans as he pulls himself back onto the mountainside.

Isidor, meanwhile, has catching up to do.
Thanks to Slyvos's quick thinking, the landslide doesn't turn into a full-blown avalanche, and given that the bird now has other things to worry about, it doesn't fire back on the ground - yet.

[468] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 05:57 PM)

[472] Reeds and Slashes-With-Claws both find that the bird creature is rather fast, and it's leaving the two of them behind as it descends upon Red-Rock-Shadow ...

[473] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 05:01 PM)

[477] Ramakawan
Digitus Eros and the rest of the fortress warriors ready themselves.

"Hopefully everyone doesn't Recall back, so the dragon knows which way to go," the Imperial says under his breath.

[478] 

[481] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 04:57 PM)

[482] Ora find herself being swept toward the cliff face where Gram and Goranthir are both heading. 
Reeds and Slashes-With-Claws both find that the bird creature is rather fast, and it's leaving the two of them behind as it descends upon Red-Rock-Shadow ...

However, lightning bolts surge from its ribcage to blast the two of them out of the sky.
A third lighting bolt snaps out at Shaka, but the Spear, flickering in and out of Time, sails through the air in an impossibly long second, transfixing one of the three Nord women corpses.  With a shriek that could almost be construed as a cry of thanks, she slumps over, inert, the Spear of Bitter Mercy still sticking in her body.  The bird screeches in dismay.
Reichi, thanks to the speed inherent in the werewolf's form, catches up to the bird first, just in time to see its talons sink into Red-Rock-Shadow's wings.
Gram grabs Ingmar's hand gratefully.  "Thanks; first turtles, now birds, what next ..." he groans as he pulls himself back onto the mountainside.

Isidor, meanwhile, has catching up to do.
Thanks to Slyvos's quick thinking, the landslide doesn't turn into a full-blown avalanche, and given that the bird now has other things to worry about, it doesn't fire back on the ground - yet.

[483] 

[486] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 05:57 PM)

[487] Reichi, thanks to the speed inherent in the werewolf's form, catches up to the bird first, just in time to see its talons sink into Red-Rock-Shadow's wings.

[488] 

[492] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 02:01 PM)

[493] Ramakawan
Digitus Eros and the rest of the fortress warriors ready themselves.

"Hopefully everyone doesn't Recall back, so the dragon knows which way to go," the Imperial says under his breath.

[494] 

QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 06:14 PM)

[499] Ota stands silently by, knowing that even if every other mage Recalled back, the crazy Dunmer she had seen semi-toying with it, would probably end up riding the Dragon back anyways...she produces a small vial from her pocket and starts applying the paste within...for those native to Hammerfell the smell of Aloe is dominant

[500] 

[503] QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 05:03 PM)

[504] *Ora find herself being swept toward the cliff face where Gram and Goranthir are both heading.*

Ora can see Gram, a few feet ahead of her, caught up entirely in the landslide as well as herself...knowing she can do little for him at this distance, she slams her Sword as deep as she can into the ground in an attempt to stop herself
Osa meanwhile is currently cussing at the Monster, thinking her sister dead,  and retreives another Scroll

[505] 

QUOTE(syronj @ Mar 12 2006, 05:04 PM)

[508] "Try targeting the female undead!" shouted Shaka.  He chased after the monster, trying to wrench the Spear out and use it again.

As he flew, still in the heightened senses and strength of the Adrenaline Rush, Shaka took a scroll from his case and broke the seal.  He recited the spell aloud and summoned two Winged Twilights to attack the bird.

[509] 

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Mar 12 2006, 05:05 PM)

[512] Reeds dives downward to avoid the lighting bolt, feeling the charged air sweeping over his head. He moves to intercept the creature as it heads towards the ground.

Valerius, seeing that Goranthir is safe, activates the enchantment on his shield which engulfs him in a magical shield. He runs after the bird, shooting weak fireballs at it.

[513] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 05:05 PM)

[516] Nalion scrabled up the slope with Goranthir, once more focusing onto the undead bird and its horrible cargo. Trying to predict its flight path, the mage cast a spell of silence at the bird's ribcage, followed by an earwig incantation likewise targeted to the same point.
He hoped that one of these would at least hinder the emeny to cast spells at them, giving them a brief respite.

[517] 

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Mar 12 2006, 05:10 PM)

[520] Seeing that hitting the nordic corpses was an effective means of stopping the blasts, Slyvos moved into a better position while levitating as quickly as he could manage. alright, just have to hit the other two hard enough, and this thing shouldn't be much of a threat anymore...

That was easier said then done though, as he attempted to hit the nordic undead within the abomination's chest area with a God's Fire spell. If that didn't work, he'd have to find another way to hit them...

[521] 

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 12 2006, 05:12 PM)

[524] Reichi floated just over the back of the creature, and drawing on all the strength granted by his lupine form, thrust the holy shortblade into the creature's back.

[525] 

QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Mar 12 2006, 05:13 PM)

[528] Hesek grunts as the lightning slams into him.  His resistance helps some, but not fully.  He gives a hiss as he sees he is not going to catch the creature.

He watches as the creature rips into Chalovk's wings.  "No!"  He screams and drinks his strongest fortify speed potion.  He heads for her as fast as he can, he casts a speed fortification spell, using much of his magicka for such a strong spell.  Going as fast as he can, he tries to get under Chalovk and catch her before she hits the ground.

[529] 

[532] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 02:24 PM)

[533] Ora manages to keep herself from going over, and as Gram pounds his way back to the battle, he pauses to help her up.  "Watch yourself there!" he says, grinning and winking.  "No cliff diving for us today."

[534] 

[537] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:24 PM)

[538] Slashes manages to catch Red-Rock-Shadow, though the wounds in her wings are severe - and he can see tendrils of undead flesh trying to burrow into her skin even now ...

[539] 

[542] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:24 PM)

[543] As Shaka wrenches the Spear out, the transfixed corpse suddenly screams and reanimates, her face a mask of utter despair.  Together with her two 'companions', she casts powerful Drain Health spells on everyone within melee range of the bird ...

The bird screeches again, and flies up like an arrow, seeking to shake everyone off its burning form ...

[544] 

[547] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:24 PM)

[548] 
Reichi's stab, however, produces a satisfying shriek from the bird, at least.

...

The bird screeches again, and flies up like an arrow, seeking to shake everyone off its burning form ...

[549] 

[552] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:24 PM)

[553] Slashes manages to catch Red-Rock-Shadow, though the wounds in her wings are severe - and he can see tendrils of undead flesh trying to burrow into her skin even now ...

[554] 

QUOTE

[557] "Put me down," she whispers. "And find the Blightstone."[558] 

[563] QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Mar 12 2006, 06:34 PM)

[564] Hesek looks at Chalovk in horror.  Her wings would take some work to heal, but could be mended with magicka, he had done it once before.

He brought the holy sword up, touching the undead maggots, they withered and fell off when he touched them.

"Chalovk, are you hurt anywhere other than your wings?"  There was great concern in his voice.
"I have not the skills to find the blightstone."

He heads towards the ground to find a safe place.

[565] 

[568] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 04:24 PM)

[569] Reeds is able to get in close to attack just in time to deal with the Drain curses.  His sword slashes into the skin of one wing, knocking some obsidian shards to the ground.

Valerius's spells succeed mostly in singing Reichi's fur.

[570] 

[573] QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 05:28 PM)

[574] Dragontail Mountains

Ora scrambles back to her feet, with Grams help "Thank You" she says "...I'd imagine that to be a rather nasty fall" she adds as the shrieking of the Bird grabs her attention
Osa watches as the creature lights up...smiling slightly "Oh you [censored] bird" she thinks preparing another Scroll

[575] 

QUOTE(syronj @ Mar 12 2006, 05:32 PM)

[578] Shaka was saved from the God's Fire spell by his cuirass.  He hung on to the monster, the Adrenaline Rush wearing off and the thunder of his heartbeat diminishing in his ears.

Pulling the spear from the zombie may have been a mistake;  Shaka now tried to decapitate the undead females at the same time he clung for dear life.

[579] 

QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 12 2006, 05:32 PM)

[582] Reichi forced the blade in further, holding it with one hand as he sunk his claws into the bird's back to keep himself on it. He growled as he felt the bite of drain health and fire spells, but maintained his grip. He was resistant to fire, and was going to make good use of that ability.

[583] 

QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Mar 12 2006, 05:34 PM)

[586] Hesek looks at Chalovk in horror.  Her wings would take some work to heal, but could be mended with magicka, he had done it once before.

He brought the holy sword up, touching the undead maggots, they withered and fell off when he touched them.

"Chalovk, are you hurt anywhere other than your wings?"  There was great concern in his voice.
"I have not the skills to find the blightstone alone."

He heads towards the ground to find a safe place.

[587] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 05:36 PM)

[590] Mount Dakoba

Goranthir, having reached the volcano's lip again, drops into it.  The Blightstone must be found.

[591] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 05:38 PM)

[594] Dragontail Mountains
Nalion, seeing that he wouldn't be able to cast spells at the flying obsidian bird while his friends were fighting on it, Nalion decided to move up to the volcano's crater and search for the Blightstone, where he joined up with Goranthir.
"Let's get this stone.", Nalion said, wary of possible attacks from above. "Maybe, if we can destroy the stone, the beast will weaken."

[595] 

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Mar 12 2006, 05:41 PM)

[598] Reeds, being hit both with the drain spells and the fire, falls unconscious, falling to the ground in a heap.

Valerius sees the creature rocket upwards and readies spells and the enchantment on his (non-holy)sword, waiting for everyone to clear.

[599] 

[602] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 02:57 PM)

[603] Gram grins again and starts making his wayback to rejoin the others.

[604] 

[607] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 05:57 PM)

[608] Gram grins again and starts making his wayback to rejoin the others.
The three zombie women cast spells to drain Shaka's strength, though form the looks on their faces, they wish they weren't imperilling the person who was trying to kill them.  The Spear's flanges cut into them, but the wounds heal after moments ...
... unlike the wounds Reichi is inflicting, which tear off too-thin flesh and cut into blackened bone.

The bird suddenly begins diving straight for the crater, apparently intent on smashing Shaka and Reichi into the walls.
Those entering the crater will find themselves staring at a snow-dusted landscape of ice-covered rocks and obsidian veins, of lava runs long ago cooled and of almost otherworldly beauty - save for one wall, which looks pitted and sickly, and in which a dark stone pulsates with dark light, deeply imbedded in the rock.
The bird will be close enough for nearly everyone to take a shot at it momentarily - though at the speed it's going, hitting it will be hard ...

Gram runs up to Slyvos, saying "Son-in-law, I may not be a mage, but I think next time you should be a bit more careful with the fire spells."  He looks up and sees the bird diving and growls "Kyne!" as he pulls Frostkiss back, ready to lash out.

[609] 

[612] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:57 PM)

[613] The three zombie women cast spells to drain Shaka's strength, though form the looks on their faces, they wish they weren't imperilling the person who was trying to kill them.  The Spear's flanges cut into them, but the wounds heal after moments ...
... unlike the wounds Reichi is inflicting, which tear off too-thin flesh and cut into blackened bone.

The bird suddenly begins diving straight for the crater, apparently intent on smashing Shaka and Reichi into the walls.

[614] 

[617] QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 05:00 PM)

[618] Osa is closest to where Reeds fell and she makes her way over to him, Flask at the ready...with a hard smack, she attempts to wake him up, finally just forcing the Flask into his lips...the Restorative properties of the cold water within should revive him

[619] 

[622] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:57 PM)

[623] The bird suddenly begins diving straight for the crater, apparently intent on smashing Shaka and Reichi into the walls.
Those entering the crater will find themselves staring at a snow-dusted landscape of ice-covered rocks and obsidian veins, of lava runs long ago cooled and of almost otherworldly beauty - save for one wall, which looks pitted and sickly, and in which a dark stone pulsates with dark light, deeply imbedded in the rock.
The bird will be close enough for nearly everyone to take a shot at it momentarily - though at the speed it's going, hitting it will be hard ...

Gram runs up to Slyvos, saying "Son-in-law, I may not be a mage, but I think next time you should be a bit more careful with the fire spells."  He looks up and sees the bird diving and growls "Kyne!" as he pulls Frostkiss back, ready to lash out.

[624] 

[627] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 06:39 PM)

[628] "No," she shook her head, but Slashes could see that she had been burned by the spells that had been launched at the creature, though thankfully spared the worst of it, ironically, because of the fall. "Don't worry about me.  Help the others."

[629] 

[632] QUOTE(stargate525 @ Mar 12 2006, 03:04 PM)

[633] Reeds' eyes open slightly, and with a slight groan of pain, he waves Osa off. "Go help them." He says weakly.

Vaerius trips himself running towards the bird, firing off a bolt of lightning from his sword that is now heading in the direction of the stone, though it was intended for the creature.

[634] 

[637] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:57 PM)

[638] ... unlike the wounds Reichi is inflicting, which tear off too-thin flesh and cut into blackened bone.

The bird suddenly begins diving straight for the crater, apparently intent on smashing Shaka and Reichi into the walls.

[639] 

[642] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 05:57 PM)

[643] Those entering the crater will find themselves staring at a snow-dusted landscape of ice-covered rocks and obsidian veins, of lava runs long ago cooled and of almost otherworldly beauty - save for one wall, which looks pitted and sickly, and in which a dark stone pulsates with dark light, deeply imbedded in the rock.

[644] 

[648] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 05:18 PM)

[649] The bird flails wildly, sending obsidian shards every which way, desperate to keep anyone it can from escaping before the Blightstone breaks ...

[650] 

[653] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 03:18 PM)

[654] The bird flails wildly, sending obsidian shards every which way, desperate to keep anyone it can from escaping before the Blightstone breaks ...

[655] 

[658] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 07:18 PM)

[659] As Reichi's holy blade slices into the zombie women they give thankful cries, even as the blade causes their bodies to start catching fire ...

The bird flails wildly, sending obsidian shards every which way, desperate to keep anyone it can from escaping before the Blightstone breaks ...

[660] 

[664] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:18 PM)

[665] As the bird dives into the crater, Slyvos's healing spell envelops it, the three zombie women, Reichi, and Shaka, invigorating the two living souls.

As Reichi's holy blade slices into the zombie women they give thankful cries, even as the blade causes their bodies to start catching fire ...

... and then, just as the bird is divebombing Goranthir and Nalion with outstretched talons, Red-Rock-Shadow's feather fall arrests much of its momentum, preventing it from interfering with the blasts which cause the Blightstone to be crisscrossed with a web oftiny fractures ...

The bird flails wildly, sending obsidian shards every which way, desperate to keep anyone it can from escaping before the Blightstone breaks ...

[666] 

[669] QUOTE(Stargazey @ Mar 12 2006, 03:25 PM)

[670] Seeing the bird hurtiling towards the ground, Ingmar, Isidor, and Tsei all get out of the way, as quickly as they can, not before Isidor yells, "RUN !!!"

[671] 

[675] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 07:18 PM)

[676] ... and then, just as the bird is divebombing Goranthir and Nalion with outstretched talons, Red-Rock-Shadow's feather fall arrests much of its momentum, preventing it from interfering with the blasts which cause the Blightstone to be crisscrossed with a web oftiny fractures ...

The bird flails wildly, sending obsidian shards every which way, desperate to keep anyone it can from escaping before the Blightstone breaks ...

[677] 

[680] QUOTE(Stargazey @ Mar 12 2006, 06:25 PM)

[681] Seeing the bird hurtiling towards the ground, Ingmar, Isidor, and Tsei all get out of the way, as quickly as they can, not before Isidor yells, "RUN!!!"

[682] 

[685] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 07:31 PM)

[686] Red-Rock-Shadow, among the boulders where Slashes had placed her, scrambled to get as far away as she could.  The boulders were big, but if they began rolling, she'd be flattened.  An obsidian shard struck her in the leg, and the pain of it, together with the withering rot on her broken wing, caused her to cry out.

[687] 

[690] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 06:31 PM)

[691] Red-Rock-Shadow, among the boulders where Slashes had placed her, scrambled to get as far away as she could.  The boulders were big, but if they began rolling, she'd be flattened.  An obsidian shard struck her in the leg, and the pain of it, together with the withering rot on her broken wing, caused her to cry out.

[692] 

QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Mar 12 2006, 06:40 PM)

[695] Hesek charges for Chalovk.  Several shards pierce the metal scales of his armor, punching into the flesh on his lower back, other shard glance off the plates.  He screams.  Despite the pain he reaches her.  Seeing that there is still rot on her wings he uses the holy sword once more to cure it before sheathing it and picking her up.

"You will be alright, we can get through this my love."  He says in Hist, not realizing he called her love from old habit.  He moves as fast as he can, but carrying her uphill and in pain slows him greatly.  Another shard hit his tail.  Blood runs from the wounds.  He is not so sure he will make it, but presses on.

[696] 

[699] QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Mar 12 2006, 07:40 PM)

[700] Hesek charges for Chalovk.  Several shards pierce the metal scales of his armor, punching into the flesh on his lower back, other shard glance off the plates.  He screams.  Despite the pain he reaches her.  Seeing that there is still rot on her wings he uses the holy sword once more to cure it before sheathing it and picking her up.

"You will be alright, we can get through this my love."  He says in Hist, not realizing he called her love from old habit.  He moves as fast as he can, but carrying her uphill and in pain slows him greatly.  Another shard hit his tail.  Blood runs from the wounds.  He is not so sure he will make it, but presses on.

[701] 

[705] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 07:48 PM)

[706] The implosion sucks Stalagmites, stalagtites, obsidian shards, and the undead bird into itself, the bird getting torn apart in the process.

Gram holds on tightly to an outcropping of rock, his feet pulled off the ground during the frantic few moments of the Blightstone's demise ...

... then, there is a loud crash as all the remaining debries falls, followed by the second crash of more rocks and stalagtites being loosened to crumble to the snow-dusted ground - and then, all is still.

Gram staggers toward whoever is closest, shaking his head and looking like he just got caught in a cyclone.

[707] 

[710] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 03:48 PM)

[711] The implosion sucks Stalagmites, stalagtites, obsidian shards, and the undead bird into itself, the bird getting torn apart in the process.

Gram holds on tightly to an outcropping of rock, his feet pulled off the ground during the frantic few moments of the Blightstone's demise ...

... then, there is a loud crash as all the remaining debries falls, followed by the second crash of more rocks and stalagtites being loosened to crumble to the snow-dusted ground - and then, all is still.

[712] 

[716] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 07:48 PM)

[717] The implosion sucks Stalagmites, stalagtites, obsidian shards, and the undead bird into itself, the bird getting torn apart in the process.

Gram holds on tightly to an outcropping of rock, his feet pulled off the ground during the frantic few moments of the Blightstone's demise ...

... then, there is a loud crash as all the remaining debries falls, followed by the second crash of more rocks and stalagtites being loosened to crumble to the snow-dusted ground - and then, all is still.

Gram staggers toward whoever is closest, shaking his head and looking like he just got caught in a cyclone.

[718] 

[721] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:48 PM)

[722] The implosion sucks Stalagmites, stalagtites, obsidian shards, and the undead bird into itself, the bird getting torn apart in the process.

Gram holds on tightly to an outcropping of rock, his feet pulled off the ground during the frantic few moments of the Blightstone's demise ...

... then, there is a loud crash as all the remaining debries falls, followed by the second crash of more rocks and stalagtites being loosened to crumble to the snow-dusted ground - and then, all is still.

Gram staggers toward whoever is closest, shaking his head and looking like he just got caught in a cyclone.

[723] 

[727] QUOTE(stargate525 @ Mar 12 2006, 06:54 PM)

[728] Reeds was pulled backwards by the implosion, and rolled to a stop in the crater, unconscious and with several obsidian shards stuck in him.

Valerius looks around after the chaos was over, and shouts out "Everyone still breathing?"

[729] 

[732] QUOTE(Stargazey @ Mar 12 2006, 06:00 PM)

[733] Tsei levitated over to Reeds next, seeing that he was wounded. She cast a heal spell on him, tried her best to remove the shards, and then cast a shield, to prevent any other shards from falling on him.

[734] 

[737] QUOTE(Slashes-With-Claws @ Mar 12 2006, 07:58 PM)

[738] Hesek finally makes it to the top of the crater.  Blood runs from many cuts on his snout and exposed joints from flying debris.  The shards in his back and tail feel like fire.  He looks at Chalovk lovingly as he sets her down in a safe place.  Reaching behind himself he wrenches the shards out.  He drinks a healing potion and a magicka restoration potion.

"Let's get to work on those wings."  He says and begins healing them.

OOC: Out for an hour

[739] 

[742] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 07:48 PM)

[743] The implosion sucks Stalagmites, stalagtites, obsidian shards, and the undead bird into itself, the bird getting torn apart in the process.

Gram holds on tightly to an outcropping of rock, his feet pulled off the ground during the frantic few moments of the Blightstone's demise ...

... then, there is a loud crash as all the remaining debries falls, followed by the second crash of more rocks and stalagtites being loosened to crumble to the snow-dusted ground - and then, all is still.

Gram staggers toward whoever is closest, shaking his head and looking like he just got caught in a cyclone.

[744] 

QUOTE

[747] Reeds sat up slowly and looked around, "I am having a really bad day... Thank you Tsei." He looks around some more, "so who's the werewolf?"[748] 

[751] QUOTE(Aki @ Mar 12 2006, 06:07 PM)

[752] Reichi raised a eyebrow as he stood again on two feet, taking the holy shortblade from his mouth. He merely gestured towards his armor, it was distinctive enough, he hoped.

[753] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 06:22 PM)

[757] From the battlements, all can see the path of the dragon, as trees crumble in its wake like a wave.

"It's coming ..." Eros said, holding his hand up, waiting for the precise moment to launch the offensive. "Wait ..."

[758] 

[761] QUOTE(stargate525 @ Mar 12 2006, 07:09 PM)

[762] "Uh-huh," Reeds says as he walks over, "Reichi, do whoever you scare the hell out of next a favor, and tell them that you're going to turn into that beforehand."

[763] 

[766] QUOTE(stargate525 @ Mar 12 2006, 08:09 PM)

[767] "Uh-huh," Reeds says as he walks over, "Reichi, do whoever you scare the hell out of next a favor, and tell them that you're going to turn into that beforehand."

[768] 

QUOTE

[771] Gram chuckles to himself. "After everything we've seen, you're freaking out over the werewolf," he says, laughing openly now. "Undead dragons and turtles and devil birds with zombies in their guts, these don't freak you out like the hairy guy with too-long nails!"

He laughs loud enough to make the crater echo with his mirth, and then finally he mutters "I need a drink ..."[772] 

[775] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 04:12 PM)

[776] Ramakawan
"Wait ..." Eros kept his hand up.

The jungle was hot and humid, but it wasn't just the climate that was bringing a sheen of sweat to the soldiers watching the jungle, waiting.  The crash of trees was coming quickly closer.

"Wait ..."

Four of the original mages from the vanguard burst out of the woods, followed by a long blast of fire that incinerated one of them.  The remaining three cast Jump spells and hurdled the wall, just as the dragon burst through the jungle into the clearing.

"Fire!"

[777] 

[780] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 06:13 PM)

[781] Gram chuckles to himself.  "After everything we've seen, you're freaking out over the werewolf," he says, laughing openly now.  "Undead dragons and turtles and devil birds with zombies in their guts, these don't freak you out like the hairy guy with too-long nails!"

[782] 

[785] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 08:13 PM)

[786] Gram chuckles to himself.  "After everything we've seen, you're freaking out over the werewolf," he says, laughing openly now.  "Undead dragons and turtles and devil birds with zombies in their guts, these don't freak you out like the hairy guy with too-long nails!"

He laughs loud enough to make the crater echo with his mirth, and then finally he mutters "I need a drink ..."

[787] 

[790] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 04:13 PM)

[791] Gram chuckles to himself.  "After everything we've seen, you're freaking out over the werewolf," he says, laughing openly now.  "Undead dragons and turtles and devil birds with zombies in their guts, these don't freak you out like the hairy guy with too-long nails!"

He laughs loud enough to make the crater echo with his mirth, and then finally he mutters "I need a drink ..."

[792] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 07:12 PM)

[796] "Wait ..." Eros kept his hand up.

The jungle was hot and humid, but it wasn't just the climate that was bringing a sheen of sweat to the soldiers watching the jungle, waiting.  The crash of trees was coming quickly closer.

"Wait ..."

Four of the original mages from the vanguard burst out of the woods, followed by a long blast of fire that incinerated one of them.  The remaining three cast Jump spells and hurdled the wall, just as the dragon burst through the jungle into the clearing.

"Fire!"

[797] 

[800] QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 07:15 PM)

[801] Ramakawan

Upon hearing the Command, Ota springs into action, Conjuring up a Frost Monarch and launching spells of Frost in the Dragons direction

[802] 

[805] QUOTE(stargate525 @ Mar 12 2006, 07:16 PM)

[806] "Not freaking out," Reeds corrects him, "I prefer 'mildly disturbed'. No offense to you, Reichi, but it's not everyday that you find your friend is a werewolf."

[807] 

QUOTE(syronj @ Mar 12 2006, 07:17 PM)

[810] "I'll buy the first round if we survive this campaign," says Shaka.  "Hold still, Nalion."  Shaka tore a strip of cloth from his cloak and gave it to the Breton.

"Maybe it will help if you bite down on this."  Shaka drank a restore potion - -  he had few left - -  and pulled the shards from Nalion's thigh and shoulder, casting a healing spell quickly enough to stop the hemorrhaging.

[811] 

[814] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 07:13 PM)

[815] Gram chuckles to himself.  "After everything we've seen, you're freaking out over the werewolf," he says, laughing openly now.  "Undead dragons and turtles and devil birds with zombies in their guts, these don't freak you out like the hairy guy with too-long nails!"

He laughs loud enough to make the crater echo with his mirth, and then finally he mutters "I need a drink ..."

[816] 

[819] QUOTE(syronj @ Mar 12 2006, 07:17 PM)

[820] "I'll buy the first round if we survive this campaign," says Shaka.  "Hold still, Nalion."  Shaka tore a strip of cloth from his cloak and gave it to the Breton.

"Maybe it will help if you bite down on this."  Shaka drank a restore potion - -  he had few left - -  and pulled the shards from Nalion's thigh and shoulder, casting a healing spell quickly enough to stop the hemorrhaging.

[821] 

QUOTE(One87xe @ Mar 12 2006, 08:15 PM)

[825] Upon hearing the Command, Ota springs into action, Conjuring up a Frost Monarch and launching spells of Frost in the Dragons direction
<ooc> out for a while <ooc>

[826] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 08:19 PM)

[829] Several Knights of the Circle unleash powerful dstructive spells, among them a serious-looking young Redguard with a moustache and goatee, Fire imbued with Turn Undead erupting from his palm to blaze a path at the onrushing dragon.

[830] 

QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 08:19 PM)

[833] Gistral, having waited at one of the catapults yanked at the trigger of the siege engine, its arm rocketing into the air and hurling a clay amphora filled with boiling tar at the dragon.
Other catapult crews heeded the order likewise and began to fire their deadly missiles.

[834] 

[837] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 08:21 PM)

[838] "I'll hold you to that," Gram says to Shaka.  "Much as haste is needed friends, rest up and heal now.  Our last stop is the most challenging - Scourg Barrow itself."

[839] 

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Mar 12 2006, 12:27 PM)

[843] In Sentinel, word of an impending dragon attack is driving the forces who did not go to Kalaan or Ramakawan into defensive positions.  Among those there are the Emperor Uriel Septim VII, the former Queen of Firsthold Hlaalu Morgiah, the King of Firsthold Reman, King Lhotun of Sentinel, and the archmagister of the Mages Guild, Hannibal Traven.

[844] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 07:29 PM)

[849] Ramakawan
The heroes' spells and attacks, coupled with those of the other soldiers and mages, expertly timed, showered the dragon with a deafening salvo.  It hissed and bellowed in pain at the countless assaults, not only from the direction of the fortress but from the summonings of atronachs and monarchs, striking it on all sides.

It shrugged off some of the attacks, and crushed some of the creatures that rushed it, but there always seemed to be more.

"Keep pressing it!" Eros called out.

[850] 

[853] QUOTE(B @ Mar 12 2006, 07:55 PM)

[854] "They do seem to be panicking over something," B replied as he surveyed the scene.

[855] 

[858] QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 07:56 PM)

[859] Ramakawan

The catapult crew rushed to reload the siege engine and bent its arms backwards again to place another amphora of tar into it that had been brought to the boiling point. Once more, the wooden arm lashed out lifting its deadly load into the air and arcing towards the dragon. Halfway on its flight path, the amphora opened and a shower of hot and sticky tar began to fall down onto the dragon.

[860] 

QUOTE(B @ Mar 12 2006, 08:55 PM)

[864] "They do seem to be panicking over something," B replied as he surveyed the scene.

[865] 

[868] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 07:58 PM)

[869] " ... Master B?  Is that you?" Loranna asks, her tone surprised.

[870] 

[873] QUOTE(B @ Mar 12 2006, 08:04 PM)

[874] As the Nord female approached, B instantly recognized her.  Turning to Loremaster Celraus, he said, “Excuse me for a moment.  I know this one.”

B turned to face Loranna and spoke, “Yes, we have come.  What is going on here?”

[875] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 09:01 PM)

[879] While the catapault crew continued to rain tar down upon the dragon, Sir Gancolm continues to unleashed blessed fire upon the dragon, downing a restore magicka potion as he casts so that he may continue casting unabated.  His palms begin to burn from the constant outpouring of magicka but he does not relent; the pain is nothing compared to what he has endured in the past.

[880] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 08:09 PM)

[884] However, her warmth at seeing the good-hearted Psijic is short-lived, and somberly she informs him "A dragon is making its way to Sentinel even now,sent by Mannimarco to destroy the city.  He's learned of our attempts to dismantle his death aura in the Dragontail Mountains and strikes at us before we can stirke at him."

[885] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 09:09 PM)

[889] Loranna smiles, her face lighting up; she never knew B all that well but she was well aware of the role he played in driving Azura out of her.

However, her warmth at seeing the good-hearted Psijic is short-lived, and somberly she informs him "A dragon is making its way to Sentinel even now,sent by Mannimarco to destroy the city.  He's learned of our attempts to dismantle his death aura in the Dragontail Mountains and strikes at us before we can stirke at him."

She doesn't ask the obvious question; there was no need to voice it.

[890] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 08:10 PM)

[894] Ramakawan
The dragon howled, its cry shaking the foundations of the fortress, and it seemed to try to launch itself into the air.  It was a clumsy, inelegant flight for a dragon, crashing into trees as it tried to make its escape.

As horrible and powerful a creature as it was, it was hard not to pity it.

[895] 

[898] QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 08:18 PM)

[899] Ramakawan

A cheer went up from the catapult crews and mages and soldiers that had fought against the dragon, a cheer of relief and of joy of still being alive.
Gistral joined into the shouts of joy, patting the soldiers around him on the shoulders and promising drinks - as well as receiving invitations to drink from most others. The relief on his face was clearly visible.

[900] 

[903] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 08:15 PM)

[904] Sentinel
Celarus and the other Psijics joined their conversation.

"A dragon?" Celarus smiled. "How marvelous.  It's been quite a while since I've seen one of those ... But I suppose the problem is that most of your defenses are near the mountains now, yes?"

[905] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 08:21 PM)

[909] Sir Gancolm does not cheer, but the prayer of thanks he voices to Arkay is heavier with tones of relief than usual.  A small smile of satisfaction does come to his face, though.

"Well fought and well done," he says to those around him.  "It has truly been an honor to fight by your sides."

[910] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 09:24 PM)

[914] Loranna's eyebrows raise slightly at Celarus's evident cheer, but she smiles and curtesies, recognizing the Loremaster by reputation.

"Truly I have yet to see one myself, Master," she says, "but you're right; our remaining defenses are ... not what we'd want.  Any aid we could get now would be warmly appreciated."

A nagging question for B dances in the back of Loranna's mind, but she pushes it aside; now was not the time to catch up on old mutual friends.

[915] 

[918] QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 08:30 PM)

[919] Ramakawan

"Well done, well, done.", Gistral said. "All of you."
He nodded to the fellow Redguard knight.
"I've seen you fight, Sir, you seem to be skilled in both the sword and magic. I have to admit, I've seen you pray to Arkay before the battle, and mention someone with the name of Dana..."

[920] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 08:31 PM)

[924] "Yes, quite right, unless Prince Goranthir is directing them ... No, even then, I'd say," Celarus ponders it. "What say you, Master B?  Is it Sentinel's time to be destroyed now, or is there something that should be done?"

[925] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 08:36 PM)

[929] Sir Gancolm stops, looking at Gistral with an earnestly questioning expression.

"I am trained in both swordsmanship and war magic, yes," he says, " ... and I did indeed ask Arkay to watch over the Lady Dana."  He hesitates a moment.  "You are a friend of hers, sir?" he asks.

[930] 

[933] QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 08:39 PM)

[934] Ramakawan

"You fought well here, Sir knight.", Gistral said and nodded in appreciation. "Dana and I are good friends, that's why I was surprised to hear someone include her in his prayers. How did you meet her?"

[935] 

QUOTE(B @ Mar 12 2006, 09:39 PM)

[939] Closing his eyes for a moment, B thought about the question.  What should be done?  Was it their place to intervene in this battle?

B opened his eyes and looked at Loremaster Celarus;  a glance, with a surreptitious meaning, passed from one Psijic to another.  “Under normal circumstances, I would say that we should not get involved, but seeing as Mannimarco is involved, perhaps we can think of something that might help.”

[940] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 08:43 PM)

[944] The faintest blush comes to Sir Gancolm's cheeks.  "She and her companions aided me on the Church's quest to retrieve Spellbreaker for the band of heroes now in the mountains," he explains.  "But not for her magic and wisdom, I might not be here today ..."

" ... So, you are friends with the Lady Dana?  Pray tell, do you know where she is now?" he asks.

[945] 

[948] QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 08:51 PM)

[949] Ramakawan

"She's good in fixing people up and setting them straight again.", Gistral answered, sitting down on the foot of a siege engine. "We've traveled around together, through the Alik'r and some other parts in Hammerfell. I've kept ties with Ald Raathim for a few months, and when the city was attacked, I asked Dana to accompany me. That's how we got hooked up in all this mess. I've last met her when we parted in Sentinel two days ago. She went to Kalaan to help in the defense there. Haven't heard any news from her since then, though, nor how Kalaan itself has fared."

[950] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 08:48 PM)

[954] He pointed to the top of the dome of the palace, and the graycloaks as one floated up to it, through the blue afternoon sky.

[955] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 08:54 PM)

[959] Sir Gancolm nods quietly.  "It is likely," he says with the calm professionalism of a career soldier, "that Kalaan was also attacked.  If the God of Worms has become aware of our preperations, he would attack us on both fronts."

He pauses a beat, then adds "Arkay and the Nine willing, the force sent to Kalaan was not greater than the one we have just repelled."

[960] 

[963] QUOTE(B @ Mar 12 2006, 08:55 PM)

[964] Sentinel

Now, floating toward the top of the palace, B was able to see for miles.  This afforded them a much better view.

[965] 

[968] QUOTE(Nalion @ Mar 12 2006, 08:59 PM)

[969] Ramakawan

Gistral concurred. "I hope there will be news soon, because I fear that Mannimarco has grown strong enough to seriously hurt us. This blasted and blighted land, the dragon here, the previous attacks on undefended villages..."

"I hope the people we sent into the blight are well. They are our greatest hope."

[970] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 09:59 PM)

[974] After a brief hesitation, Loranna floats after the Greycloaks, wanting a better view of what was coming herself.  Some half-baked idea that she could be of help to the Psijics rationalizes her choice.

[975] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 09:00 PM)

[979] "They go with Arkay's Blessing," Sir Gancolm says, nodding.

" ... If they are all even as half as strong as Dana, then we should not worry ..." he adds.  " ... Much."

[980] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 09:04 PM)

[984] Sentinel
Landing on the Dome, Celarus touched the air, and the city all around them vanished.  There was only the Psijics, Loranna, and the dragon in the air.

It was a ghastly beast, black and pestilential green, three hundred feet long, with wings twice its length.  A skeleton clotted with gore, with eyes intent on mayhem.

"Some miles away yet," Celarus said. "We have time to do something."

[985] 

QUOTE(B @ Mar 12 2006, 10:10 PM)

[989] “I agree,” B replied, staring at the beast. “It is going to take something big to stop that foul creature.”

[990] 

[993] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 09:04 PM)

[994] Sentinel
Landing on the Dome, Celarus touched the air, and the city all around them vanished.  There was only the Psijics, Loranna, and the dragon in the air.

It was a ghastly beast, black and pestilential green, three hundred feet long, with wings twice its length.  A skeleton clotted with gore, with eyes intent on mayhem.

"Some miles away yet," Celarus said. "We have time to do something."

[995] 

QUOTE(B @ Mar 12 2006, 09:10 PM)

[998] Sentinel

“I agree,” B replied, staring at the beast. “It is going to take something big to stop that foul creature.”

[999] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 09:15 PM)

[1002] Sentinel
The palace and city of Sentinel reappeared beneath their feet and the image of the dragon vanished, though now that they had seen it, it was easy to imagine its face and form almost upon them.  In truth, it was so far away to be invisible in the sky, but at the speed it was moving, it would be upon them very soon.

Celarus reached out and drew a circle in the air, which stayed there, hovering, a glowing smoking rune.

The Psijics, except for Venevria, gathered in a circle and each did the same, their smoking circles becoming floating links in a chain.

Venevria whispered to herself, "Like the War of the Isle ..." but a quick glance from one of the Psijics, and she shut up, and stared.

[1003] 

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 09:15 PM)

[1007] 
Celarus reached out and drew a circle in the air, which stayed there, hovering, a glowing smoking rune.

The Psijics, except for Venevria, gathered in a circle and each did the same, their smoking circles becoming floating links in a chain.[1008] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 10:16 PM)

[1012] Now Loranna watches the Greycloaks, fascinated; her heart begins to pound, as she senses the workings of something powerful and mysterious around her.

[1013] 

[1016] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 09:21 PM)

[1017] Sentinel, the Dome of the Palace
Celarus turned to Loranna. "My dear Duchess, do you think you can arrange for some kind of a distraction for that rather gruesome creature?  It would be a shame if it arrived before we had quite completed the ritual."

[1018] 

[1021] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 10:28 PM)

[1022] This would be a distraction to tell the others about.

[1023] 

[1026] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 09:41 PM)

[1027] Before Loranna even saw the dragon in the sky, she could feel it.  There was added pressure, added heat in the air.  Below, she could see the stalks in the grain fields of Hammerfell bend and quiver as the beast approached, the beat of its wings creating a wind from miles away.

When she saw the tiny dot in the distance, she knew it was minutes away from her.  As the old saying goes, if you see the dragon, it's already too late.

[1028] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 10:52 PM)

[1032] Loranna hastily shoots upward, daring only to stay long enough to make sure the dragon is distracted before she Recalls away ...

[1033] 

[1037] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 09:59 PM)

[1038] Sentinel
The explosion of frost fills the sky around the dragon, and through the mist, she can see it twist in mid-air and plummet ...

And then she is back on the Dome, where suddenly she is bathed in rain.  A dark cloud, billowing with wind, crashing with lightning and rolling thunder, already twice as big as the palace itself, is rising up, being fed by the energy of the Psjiics' circle of smoke.

"Watch your step," Venevria whispers. "The dome's pretty slippery now."

[1039] 

[1042] QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 11:04 PM)

[1043] Loranna hovers just above the dome, shaking all over - both from the sudden rush of magicka and from the exultation of having just faced down a dragon and come away alive.

"Oh Dibella, did I really just do that?" she asks, starting to laugh at her own brazenness; the rain soaks her hair and the lightning makes her tearstreaks fairly glow in the overcast light.  "Is it working?"  she begs Venevria, "is the dragon ..."

[1044] 

[1047] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 10:09 PM)

[1048] The storm continued to expand, rapidly covering the city.

"I think you did it," Venevria whispered. "It would have already been here by now ..."

The townsfolk ran for shelter as the wind and rain swept over Sentinel, and in the palace, the nobles looked out in wonderment at the tempest that had come on such a clear day.

Celarus pointed out into the distance. "It comes yet, but you have given us the minutes we need to drive it away ..."

The dot on the horizon grew larger.

[1049] 

QUOTE(Loranna @ Mar 12 2006, 11:13 PM)

[1053] Loranna smiles, her face radiant with joy and relief, though as the dot grows larger her joy is replaced by hesitation and concern.

[1054] 

[1057] QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Mar 12 2006, 10:22 PM)

[1058] Sentinel
Within minutes, the storm had increased manifold, and the tiny dot became the recognizable shape of a giant, skeletal dragon hurtling itself directly for the city of Sentinel.  The Psijics in the circle held their arms aloft, and the storm shook and quivered.  Before now, it had been a sudden but seemingly natural tempest.

Now it was the sword of Artaeum.

The great dragon sailed into it as it exploded, white lightning filling the sky, cyclonic winds of unimaginable pressure circling the beast.  The creature’s wings folded against its body as it was whipped across the sky.

With a deafening crack, the heavens seemed to expel the dragon, flinging like a limp rag, spiraling northward, out to sea.

“Nicely distracted.  Now then,” said Celarus, smiling with a rain-wet face as the rumbling storm turned into a simple gentle rain. “Any other problems, your Grace?”

[1059]