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The Elder Scrolls Forums _ Elder Scrolls Lore _ RP: Playing Houses

Posted by: Loranna Feb 7 2006, 09:33 PM

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!
===

IMPORTANT: WE HAVE JUMPED SIX MONTHS INTO THE FUTURE; IT IS NOW SUN'S HEIGHT IN THE RP (i.e., July)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/Shardie/mapofmorrowind2.jpg is a map provided by Shardie showing the current division of territory between the forces loyal to the crown and the rebels in Morrowind, pre-attack on Ald Raathim.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v622/Shardie/MorrowindMap.jpg are the current borders, post-attack. Note; this map is a work-in-progress.
===

Summary for Loranna: Loranna is in Ald Raathim, planning the raid on Tel Dresori to drive the bellicose Diodata clan of vampires out before their rivals, the Korgari, show up and turn Tel Dresori into a hellground.

Gram Pyrel, on the other hand, is up in the Velothi mountains, exploring a Dwemer ruin still .

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 7 2006, 09:38 PM

Reeds is preparing to attack incredibly powerful vampires.

Valerius is training in the barracks with his men, after having dropped off the report and the map to Loranna.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 7 2006, 09:40 PM

Summary

Kethiah, ex-assassin currently on hiatus as co-proprietor of the Nymph and Noggin (her husband Isidor is assuming the duties), and the Duchess of Ald Raathim's Excise and Import/Export Agent (and secretly her Spymaster) is resting in her room, while learning the arts of magic with her stepchildren Tyradil and Tilitalia. She is nine months pregnant, and not allowed to leave her bed.

Alas and Alack, ex-smugglers Khajiiti "brothers" (though their parents are not the same) are currently Priests of Zenithar, supervising the construction of a massive temple called a Resolution of Zenithar on the harbor of Ald Raathim. They are the Duchess's Excise and Import/Export Agents (and secretly her Spymaster) while Kethiah is on maternity leave.

Zadion, Altmer magister of the Ald Raathim Mages Guild, is with the group at the Nymph and Noggin, telling them what he knows about Tel Dresori, the Diodata, and the Korgari. Additionally, he knows he will soon be facing his superiors in the Mages Guild on grounds that he abandoned neutrality in the current war.

Kingston, Breton vampire, has left the Nymph and Noggin after exchanges a few fairly friendly and barely hostile words with Anya. Whether he left Ald Raathim or is just keeping out of her "hunting domain" remains to be seen.

Posted by: Shardie Feb 7 2006, 09:48 PM

Faryon's Diary

Today we left Cheydinhal, but not before I gained the latest news dispatch. It seems this Tel Dresori matter is much deeper than we first thought. We sent a party to scout, but only one returned, telling of the horrors that are within that place. The area is under the Redorian Sphere of influence, luckily, not mine, so its thier problem. My forces are very much overextended at the moment, and I doubt I could send a single troop to assist. What the Council will do about the Tel Dresoni problem is up to them, I guess.

I also read the latest rumours that were being released to the populus about Hesleth and the Royal Family. The latest one is quite good, claiming that Hesleth is the son not of Symmachus, but in stead the son of Jagar Thawn. Quite a good one too, since the dates match up farely well, when Jagar Thawn seduced Barenziah in order to get the Staff of Chaos. Perhaps somthing else happened between the two of them? I believe the royal family will brush this off fairly easily, but if the masses can be convinced is another matter. Perhaps its somthing to put to his Step Sister, Queen Elysana when I meet her?

Anyway, The horses that pull this carrage are reputed (by thier owner, none the less) to be the fastest in the Empire, and that I will reach the Imperial City by Sunrise the next day. And intill then, I must sit around intill I get my audience. I also have other appointments, with arms dealers, spys, smugglers, and the merchants guild about trade with Kragenmoor. Seriously, the hassle of running a city is nasty, a real nightmare. Perhaps Morrowind will become a fragmented nation, similar to High Rock in the future? A desterny I hope is not ours. For Tomorrow is another day

Posted by: Loranna Feb 7 2006, 09:54 PM

The meeting over, Loranna walks over to Anya, smiling a bit.

"So ... tell me more about this person who told you about the Diodata?" she asks, her tone friendly.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 7 2006, 10:06 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 7 2006, 08:54 PM)

The meeting over, Loranna walks over to Anya, smiling a bit.

"So ... tell me more about this person who told you about the Diodata?" she asks, her tone friendly.

Anya frowned in thought, "Well... his name was Kingston. A handsome enough Breton, blonde hair. You wouldn't know he was a vampire with just a look. He was very amiable as well, as I said, he left a warm presence. Arrogant, if I say so though, he was very sure he would defeat me in a one on one fight. Still..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 7 2006, 10:08 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 7 2006, 10:06 PM)

"Just what id the two of you say to one another?" Loranna asks, raising her eyebrows curiously. "He seems to have left an impression on you."

Warm pressence; possibly a Korgari on his way to Tel Dresori, Loranna muses. Hopefully not with any plans to stay in her city ...

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 7 2006, 10:12 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 7 2006, 09:08 PM)

"Heh, not much actually. When he spotted me, he just apologized for hunting in my domain, and suggested I mark it with my tribal mark. I just made small talk, suggesting that that's all there was. I mean, I saw no sense in letting him know I wasn't quite ready to act as they do."

Anya shook her head, "He left an impression because he was the farthest thing from the pigs that were eating the children. Maybe it's because I'm a vampire too, I don't know."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 7 2006, 10:17 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 7 2006, 10:12 PM)

Loranna pauses for a moment, and gives Anya a brief, one-armed hug around the shoulders.

"There seems to be a lot more to vampires as a whole than I ever thought," she says quietly. "Who knows? Perhaps he isn't a monster like the ones we've been fighting ... only time can tell."

" ... What about you dear? You're sounding more reflective than usual; what else is on your mind?" Loranna asks. "Why did you feel the need to say you couldn't promise me anything?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 7 2006, 10:36 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 7 2006, 09:17 PM)

Anya paused, gathering her words, "It's coming to a head, Loranna. I'm going to need to find a way to accept this, or embrace, but I can't keep living this two halves of lives I've been trying to do."

"I said I couldn't promise anything, simply because I don't know if I could. This is more for me than routing a potential disaster."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 7 2006, 10:43 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 7 2006, 10:36 PM)

Loranna takes a deep breath. "I wish I had new words for you, dear," she says gently. "I fear though there's not much more I can do, save to just be here for you."

She looks at Anya for a long moment, her eyes showing sorrow and dismay. "Good luck in Tel Dresori; may you find what you're seeking," she says, her tearstreaks giving her face an ethereal light.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 7 2006, 10:51 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 7 2006, 09:43 PM)

Anya adopted a grim expression, "Me too, Loranna."

Anya waited for a minute, then turned around, "I'm going to go to my home and see that my equipments ready, this wont be easy, I think."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 7 2006, 10:56 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 7 2006, 10:51 PM)

Anya adopted a grim expression, "Me too, Loranna."

Anya waited for a minute, then turned arouns, "I'm going to go to my home and see that my equipments ready, this wont be easy, I think."

"Most likely not; they've probably dug themselves in," Loranna mutters, nodding slowly. "They're likely expecting the Korgari to show in force soon, so they'll be set for a seige. Your advantage lies in the fact that you're not the enemy they're expecting - I hope."

"Good luck," Loranna sighs quietly. "I'll be thinking of you all while you're there ..." She looks down at and rubs her belly, thinking Darling child, forgive your mother for being a Pyrel at heart ... hopefully you'll understand someday ...

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 8 2006, 07:39 AM

ooc: Isidor, male nord, is running his tavern while his wife is in bed.

Ingmar, Isidor's half-brother, is getting ready for the raid on Tel Dresori.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 8 2006, 08:12 AM

Summary

Nalion
Nalion, a male Breton mage is currently preparing himself for an expedition to investigate and remove the vampire infestation in Tel Dresori.

Gistral
Gistral, a male Redguard warrior is currently out in the fields, scouting for Ald Raathim.

Dana
Dana is a female Redguard bard and healer, doing her duty in Ald Raathim and helping the reconstruction as best as she can.

Posted by: syronj Feb 8 2006, 08:39 AM

Summary: Shaka, an Argonian battlemage, is preparing for the raid on Tel Dresori.

Shaka looked through the wooden chests within the yurt and selected various scrolls, potions, and ebony throwing spikes. He had already readied his silver-inlaid ebony axe for the mission, as well as the Spear of Bitter Mercy.

I wonder whether Dres Minsero is still alive, and where he is now, mused Shaka. Tel Dresori had been his domain. Shaka had heard that Minsero was considered the thrall of the vampires before that noble's disappearance.

The older mer wouldn't remember Shaka, but the Argonian had seen him the same day that he had first glimpsed Loranna and the Dres noble Vendama (now named Dinara; Helseth's wife). Shaka had liked Minsero's straightforward if crusty manner.

With a sigh, Shaka locked the chests with a spell and pushed aside the doorflap of the yurt. Looking at his grounds, Shaka wondered briefly if someday it would be his last sight of it. He had willed the land to Anya and Telera for that day.

The walk back to town would take an hour, but Shaka had allowed enough time for it. He shouldered his gear and started down the camouflaged trail to Ald Raathim.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 10:36 AM

Anya stepped through the forest, mentally counting off the things she would still need to do. She would need to gather the armor Slyvos enchanted, as well, she hadn't used that in several days. Anya pushed the door open to her mine.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 8 2006, 12:23 PM

Summary for Erenius:

He's currently getting ready for the raid on Tel Dresori, searching for a silver blade to his liking.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 02:41 PM

Anya's "Mine"

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 11:36 AM)

The moment she did, she felt the familiar chill of another vampire's presence. The mine itself was dark, but she could see movement ... It was only the "cattle" shuffling about in the gloom.

But there was a vampire in there somewhere.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 03:10 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 01:41 PM)

Anya's "Mine"
The moment she did, she felt the familiar chill of another vampire's presence. The mine itself was dark, but she could see movement ... It was only the "cattle" shuffling about in the gloom.

But there was a vampire in there somewhere.

Anya froze, then cast Invisible. She crept forward silently, noting the locations of the three cattle brothers. Where are you? she thought to herself, claws flexed. Her nose and ears twitched as she sought out the intrusive presence.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 03:28 PM

Anya's Mine

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 04:10 PM)

The vampire was somewhere hidden, possibly invisible as well. The chill Anya felt only told her that there was one nearby, not precisely where it was.

There was only one light in the gloom, a burning torch.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 03:32 PM

Anya frowned. She pulled out a single throwing star, with a dispel area effect enchantment. She threw it into the middle of the room, causing her to flair into visiblity.

She quickly recast Invisible, moving to a new location, frantically searching, hoping that the Dispel was strong enough.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 03:36 PM

Anya's Mine

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 04:32 PM)

"Cheryl?" a voice called out from nowhere. The candle flame spouted upward into a roar of fire.

Kingston stepped out of the flame, looking around.

"This is your domain too?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 03:39 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 02:36 PM)

Anya's Mine
"Cheryl?" a voice called out from nowhere. The candle flame spouted upward into a roar of fire.

Kingston stepped out of the flame, looking around.

"This is your domain too?"

Anya shimmered back into view. "Dammit Kingston, don't you ever knock? Yes, this is where I sleep during the day, when I don't feel like taking a walk through the burning sun." She slid her claws back, her body relaxing.

She had guessed about his abilities after talking with Loranna, but it was still a shock to see him use it so effortlessly. Thinking quickly, she hoped to maybe get a better understanding of his powers, "How did you do that? I don't even have any powers that close."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 03:45 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 04:39 PM)

"I don't have claws myself," Kingston said, looking at his fingernails, and then cleaning them a bit. "Sorry about invading your place and hiding like that. I didn't know it was you until you turned visible ..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 03:53 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 02:45 PM)

Anya frowned, glancing at her fingers, "Well, I suppose that could happen. Still, you hid in that one candle? Mine is a simple physical change."

"Did you happen across this place simply for a place to rest? I thought you planned to prowl the city for a bit."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 04:05 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 04:53 PM)

"You liked the candlestick trick?" Kingston grinned, pleased. "It's a very basic Korgari maneuver, any neophyte of my tribe learns it early on. I wasn't actually resting here ... I took your advice and tried to keep a low profile by getting out of town. I was thinking about going to the royal forts on the border, but I smelled your cattle and I thought they might be prey before I realized they were already enthralled. I was just about to leave when I sensed you come in, and not knowing it was you, I decided to hide. So, no, I'm not looking to rest just yet."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 04:13 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 03:05 PM)

Anya nodded her head in slight amazement. "But, as you said, you have no claws, a most basic trick for my clan."

Anya hesitated for a moment. She enjoyed talking with Kingston, oddly enough, but she warranted her recent idea was good, as it allowed her to keep an eye on him a little longer.

"Well, you can stay if you want. I find myself busy enough as it is. All I ask is you keep the argonians alive. What do you say to that, brother?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 04:17 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 05:13 PM)

Kingston smiled. "I haven't slain a mortal in fifteen years. You have a deal ..." The smile faltered a moment. "Though, I do have a question about your tribe ..."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 04:18 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 03:17 PM)

Kingston smiled. "I haven't slain a mortal in fifteen years. You have a deal ..." The smile faltered a moment. "Though, I do have a question about your tribe ..."

Anya looked at Kingston with a queer glance, "What question do you have?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 05:09 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 05:18 PM)

Anya looked at Kingston with a queer glance, "What question do you have?"

"You can manipulate your shape, and I've seen the mark on your cattle ..." Kingston returned Anya's searching look. "I guess, I just have to be blunt and ask: what tribe are you? The evidence seems to point towards the impossible ..."

Posted by: Aki Feb 8 2006, 05:23 PM

OOC Summary

Reichi Sari is preparing for the raid on Tel Dresori.
----

Reichi turned the silver blade over in his hands examining it before lowering it and grinning at the nordic smith. "Very fine work," he said. "You sure you haven't been to Solstheim? Nearly as finely wrought as their silver weapons, and they make those 'cause they got weird things up there. Survivial's dependant on it up there. Werewolves they say."

The Nordic smith smiled at him. "Glad ye like it, elf. That'll be a thousand, give or take," the nord replied. Reichi handed the nord his money, mentally grumbling about damn wars making weapon prices sky rocket. Even though it was a good blade.

Reichi sheathed the short blade and, with a flask of water headed down to the docks. He stopped and dipped the flask into the water, filling it to brim before pulling it out and closing it. "Just incase we run into the Korgari or I get thristy.." he muttered to himself. Reichi paused a moment to take stock of his equipment.

All his armor was with him, save his helmet which was in his room in the castle. He had his ring on, the other was in his room, seperate from the helm, in case of theives. He had the Dagger of Senses, and Bloodfang, as well as this new well-crafted silver shortblade and a flask of water.

"Oh right..." Reichi mumbled, and headed to the castle. Once in his room he pulled open a drawer and withdrew what scrolls he had bought but not used in the battle of Ald Raathim. Among them was a fire-sheild scroll. this'll come in handy, he pulled out the satchel of scrolls. Once he obtained what curative items Loranna had to offer he would be set. He just hoped she didn't intend to waste any cure disease potions on him, vampires and werewolves we immune to each other diseases once the curses had fully taken hold.

Bah, not like they're expensive to make...

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 8 2006, 06:15 PM

Reeds had closed up shop. He had taken Loranna up on her offer of ebony weapons, and was now in possesion of an ebony replica of his old Saber, perfectly balanced and amazingly beautiful.

Reeds made a note to pay Loranna back for it.

He had gone to the smith that day as well, and, with a good portion of his money depleted, was now armored. It was only chiton, but it would fit inconspiculously underneath his cloak, and it was flexible.

Reeds made another note to ask Slashes for training with this if... when he returned.

He restocked his medical satchel and added a few restore magicka potions in it. He also grabbed a few scrolls he thought might be useful from the spares in the Barracks. All of these new purchases he placed in a neat pile ready to don as soon as was needed.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 06:42 PM

The Mages Guild of Ald Raathim

Zadion had gathered a meeting and spoken to his Guildmembers, telling them what they were facing.

Twelve members volunteered to accompany Loranna's group to Tel Dresori.

VITUS, a Cyrodilic battlemage, perhaps a bit past his prime fighting condition with his paunch, but who had the most beautiful old ebony armor that made him fast, strong, and sturdy.

LHERES, an Altmer sorceror, particularly skilled at healing.

BAORIAH, a Dunmer battlemage, beautiful and dangerous in her armor, the spitting image of Boethiah.

ANDRYK, an elderly Breton enchanter and alchemist, whose billowing robes hid a variety of herbs and soul gems, capable of "field enchanting" to repair and recharge magickal items.

ZARA, a female Khajiit nightblade, quiet and quick.

MUTHOG, an Orc shaman, wielding a massive enchanted ax.

DOLKIRRE, a very eccentric Dunmer mage whose destruction magicks were unpredictable even to himself.

FRAGON, Dolkirre's brother whose job it is to make sure others are shielded if Dolkirre's destruction effects are too strong.

WARD-BACKS, another eccentric, an Argonian mystic, master of the withershin.

XYLLINA, a female Altmer master of Illusion. Pale and serious.

EGIN, a Dunmer mystic, trained to act as Guild Guide.

and, of course, ZADION, Altmer master of the schools of Destruction and Restoration.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 06:57 PM

Word was sent to all of Loranna's companions that the time to raid Tel Dresori had come; after sharing a sober conversation and a fierce embrace with Slyvos, Loranna herself made her way to the Mage Guild, bearing her gifts for her friends.

She brought a few extra ebony weapons, the bounty of Dremora and Golden Saints she had faced in the past, and potions to heal wounds and cure disease, to restore magicka for the spellcasters, and to increase the strength and speed of the warriors to hopefully match the inhuman might of the Diodata.

Loranna looks grim, keeping the worry she felt from showing outright, but those who knew her well could tell it was there. As she had whispered into Slyvos's ear that morning, she had had another dream that night, a dream of the Azura giantess - only this time, before she had crushed Loranna underfoot, she had smiled, and shown fangs.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 06:58 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 07:57 PM)

Zadion and his eleven mages met the group at the Guild.

"We are ready," he said, simply.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 8 2006, 07:10 PM

Nymph and Noggin
Dana sat on a chair in the tavern, her feet resting on another chair. She gave off a relaxed aura as she was playing on her lute, obviously trying to compose a new song.
Nalion entered the tavern and headed towards her. The mage knew of her and her abilities from Gistral.

"Mind if I join you for a bit, Dana? I have to ask a favour of you.", Nalion said.
The Redguard woman smiled, put her feet back on the ground and her lute away. She motioned the mage to sit and explain. Nalion nodded as he took the offered chair and began talking to her in a low voice. Almost immediately after Nalion began to speak, Dana's smile vanished. She opened her mouth, almost in disbelief, and in her eyes was something like fear. The mage continued to explain, then she finally nodded. She safely stowed her lute away and buckled on her sword belt. The sheath slipped a bit and revealed the sharp edge of a glass sword. The Redguard woman stood and nodded again.

Together, Nalion and Dana walked towards the Mages Guild. Once there, the mage nodded towards those present.
"For those who don't know Dana, she came with Gistral and is an accomplished healer - when she doesn't play her lute.", he explained.

"Pleased to make your acqaintance.", Dana answered, her smile being weak and traces of fear still remaining in her eyes. "I don't like the thought of fighting those vampires, but I would hate to see our people dying when no healer is around."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 8 2006, 07:11 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 06:57 PM)

Slyvos had done preparing of his own that morning, but of a less supportive to others sort. He brought to bear several scrolls, with a pack of potions for himself when needed, mostly healing and magicka restorative ones. Cure disease would not be nessescary, he had something ready for that just in case. And, for what he mainly focused upon, was getting several silver weapons that he found not in use, to begin placing enchantments upon.

When Loranna nearly crushed him in the hug they shared, he promised to himself a single thing silently; he would not fail, if not for his sake then for that of his wife and his unborn child. To fail, would make all that they had done be a waste...

When the group went to gather at the Guild, he brought along all he had prepared, a grim look plastered on his face, and the Mace of Molag Bal on his shoulder.

He did not wear any of his normal dark purple robes though, but an exquisite one that seemed to be made for one thing; to cause intimidation, with it's red edges and black hue, which would soon be covered in unholy blood and ash. "I'm ready, as always."

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 8 2006, 07:13 PM

Erenius too was ready, his gear checked, potions, and food stored away in his satchel. After the run in with the Atronach, and the pain in his back, some of which still lingered, he figured a few health, and some minor fatigue potions, wouldn't hurt, much.

Posted by: Shardie Feb 8 2006, 07:17 PM

Word had spread that a group were going to slay vampires at Tel Dresora, and a messanger had arrived to inform Llana about this, to which Llana said, 'I've already risked my life once this week, Im not going, whenever Im away from my business, Im loosing money, and not all the glory in the world will get it back,' she shooed away the messanger, and got back to work, making a trade pass for the Shadowgate Pass for a merchant who wanted to illegaly trade there...

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 07:20 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 8 2006, 07:11 PM)

Loranna looks at Slyvos's robe for a moment, then looks up at Slyvos's face, walking over and taking his hands.

"Remember the gift I bought for you in the Spheres," she says softly to Slyvos, kissing him one more time before letting him go.

"... I'll be back; I'm going to go find some of the others," Loranna tells the assembled group. "Dana, thank you for offering to help ..." She nods to everyone, then heads out, starting first with Anya's cave.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 8 2006, 07:33 PM

The time had come. Reeds donned his armor underneath his clothes, strapped the sword to his belt, slung the stachel over his shoulder, locked up the shop, and made his way to the Mage's Guild.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 07:36 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 04:09 PM)

"The cattle were a gift, form the one who turned me. The mark was not put there from me. As it stands, you're liable to know as much about my tribe as I am. Not even the name is known to me." Anya replied, truthfully.

Posted by: dentris Feb 8 2006, 07:37 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 8 2006, 07:10 PM)

Summary for P'Rassha

Like always, P'Rassha was doing what he's doing best: storytelling at the Nymph and Noggin.

The sight of a nine feet tall bipedal jaguar, combined with good storytelling aptitudes always made sure P'Rassha's crowd to be favorable.

Usually, the khajiit wouldn't notice the redguard woman at the table, nor the mage speaking to her, but Dana was different. P'Rassha hated her. She was a competitor, an arrogant lady and...so beautiful. She had the ability to make P'Rassha doubtful about himself. She had the power to defeat him just by a single look. And that P'Rassha didn't like.

He managed to end his story while Dana went out with Nalion and followed them to the Mages' Guild. He knew something was going on...

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 07:43 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 08:36 PM)

Kingston took Anya's hand, and brought her to the Argonian brothers.

"Look at them closely, on their chests near their hearts, there is a symbol there but you have to use all your new senses to see it," the vampire said.

It took Anya a few minutes to see what Kingston was talking about. Three curved lines intersected to form a loose triangle. It was actually quite beautiful.

"That is the symbol of a tribe of vampires who could change their bodies into virtually anything," Kingston said quietly. "Their name has been whispered for a thousand years, but it is believed that the last of them disappeared in the 2nd Era ... They are called the Bathogorgen."

Barely had those words left his mouth when the vampire started, looking towards the door.

"Someone approaches!" Kingston snarled. "A warm blood!"

In a flash, he transformed into a spark of fire, traveling quickly across the cavern floor and under the door where Loranna stood.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 07:47 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 06:43 PM)

In a flash, he transformed into a spark of fire, traveling quickly across the cavern floor and under the door where Loranna stood.

"Bathogorgen?" Anya whispered. Her head jerked around when Kingston sparked away, "Dammit..."

She based the door, pausing to stare at the chests of the argonians one more time, then she opened the door, "Loranna!"

Posted by: Aki Feb 8 2006, 07:47 PM

Reichi entered the mages guild, his helmet already upon his head, but he had at leaast not draw his blades yet. His eyebrows raisedat the eleven mages Zadion had brought. "With this much magical fire power we could level Tel Dresori..." Reichi commented aloud. "We of course, won't need to do that."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 07:48 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 07:43 PM)

Loranna was already knocking on the door and calling out "Anya? It's Loranna; it's time dear."

The spark that appeared under the door made Loranna take a step back, muttering "Huh?"

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 07:47 PM)

Loranna gives Anya a grim smile, saying "Hello dear; we're getting ready for the raid now. You ready?"

"Lot of people going; Zadion talked a dozen of his Guildmates into going with you all," she adds. "The extra firepower will be helpful, but you'll want to be extra careful around them too."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 07:51 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 08:48 PM)

Loranna was already knocking on the door and calling out "Anya? It's Loranna; it's time dear."

The spark that appeared under the door made Loranna take a step back, muttering "Huh?"

The flame rose into the air, dancing, and attached onto an extinguished torch. There it bloomed up into a burning facsimile of a face: Kingston's face to be exact.

"This is a friend of yours, Cheryl?" Kingston said, looking at Loranna. "Anya?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 07:53 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 06:48 PM)

Loranna was already knocking on the door and calling out "Anya? It's Loranna; it's time dear."

The spark that appeared under the door made Loranna take a step back, muttering "Huh?"
Loranna gives Anya a grim smile, saying "Hello dear; we're getting ready for the raid now. You ready?"

"Lot of people going; Zadion talked a dozen of his Guildmates into going with you all," she adds. "The extra firepower will be helpful, but you'll want to be extra careful around them too."

Anya hurried to put her armor on. She slung her bow, checked the throwing weapons around her belt, and secured her quiver to her side. The Ebony Arrow of Slaying was safetly tucked away as well. She grabbed her spear, it's resistance to fire would be immensely helpful, since she gained a weakness of her own.

"Well, Loranna, shall we go? I believe I have all my items in order." Anya stepped out, casting Lock as she latched the door.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 07:53 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 07:51 PM)

Loranna looks nonplussed.

" ... Did I come at a bad time?" she asks Anya, her fingers flexing ...

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 07:56 PM

Anya winced, and frowned. In her fluster, she had forgotten she had used another name on Kingston, "Yeah, not Cheryl, just Anya. Loranna, this is who I told you about in the Nymph."

Posted by: dentris Feb 8 2006, 07:56 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 8 2006, 07:47 PM)

P'Rassha entered soon after, noticing the heavy crowd gathering at the Mages Guild.

"What is going on here? You made a party without P'Rassha? Fortunatly, P'Rassha has good ears and keen eyes and P'Rassha knows some serious fighting is going to happen soon enough.

Where do P'Rassha signs?"

He made a few steps forward to greet the ones he didn't know, namely the mages.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 07:59 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 08:56 PM)

Anya winced, and frowned. In her fluster, she had forgotten she had used another name on Kingston, "Yeah, not Cheryl, just Anya. Loranna, this is who I told you about in the Nymph."

A shower of flame poured from the torch to the floor, and Kingston stepped out of it. He looked at Anya, eyes narrowed.

"For a creature who does not know her tribe, you are very comfortable with the warmbloods," he said, and then turned to Loranna. "What raid is this you're going on, Your Grace?"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 08:01 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 07:59 PM)

Loranna frowns herself. "You would be the Korgari called Kingston, I take it," she says, looking at the Breton with narrowed eyes herself. "And why, might I ask, are you showing such interest in my friend Anya here?"

She gives Anya another glance, her eyes asking just how much this strange fellow can be trusted.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 08:07 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 07:01 PM)

Anya's eyes offered the barest of shrugs, suggesting she wasn't sure, but didn't care, "He's amiable enough. And I was able to get some information from him no one else would, or could, give."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 08:11 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 09:01 PM)

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 09:07 PM)

Anya's eyes offered the barest of shrugs, suggesting she wasn't sure, but didn't care, "He's amiable enough. And I was able to get some information from him no one else would, or could, give."

“I am interested in her because she is a rarity, indeed, most of our kind would think those such as she are no more,” Kingston replied. And then he smiled at Anya’s words. “And I am amiable because she is. I believe in responding in kind. Now, what is this about a raid?”

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 08:16 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 08:11 PM)

Loranna looks Kingston over for a moment, wishing she had more than a first impression to go on - she knew from personal experience that amicable people could still be quite monstrous, without even realizing it. Still, there seemed little point in not answeing his question.

"If what I'm told is true, then chances are you're already aware of our targets," Loranna says, watching Kingston carefully. "We're going to Tel Dresori; the Diodata have decided to openly take it over."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 08:18 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 09:16 PM)

Kingston's eyes went wide. "Is that to the south?" he asked. "I felt drawn there. Korgari always are drawn to the Diodata, even if we don't know exactly where they are ... What are you going to do? Destroy them?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 08:20 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 07:18 PM)

Anya's face soured, settling to determination. She nods her head, "I have more faith in these warmbloods than those running around, massacring when not needed."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 08:23 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 08:18 PM)

"They haven't left us much choice," Loranna says, still watching Kingston. "They've gone in, killed many of our people and turned others, taken over our farmlands for themselves ... we can't regard it as anything other than a hostile invasion. And then there's the worry of what happens when your clan clashes with them - I'm told the hatred between your clans is explosive."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 08:24 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 09:20 PM)

Anya's face soured, settling to determination. She nods her head, "I have more faith in these warmbloods than those running around, massacring when not needed."

"It may already be too late," Kingston replied quietly. "If there are Korgari closer to Tel Dresori, they may already be gathering, ready to attack ... Are you confident in the force you're sending against the Diodata?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 08:31 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 07:24 PM)

Anya frowned, and, "I don't care. I have my own reasons for going. You may be perfectly happy with your exsistence, but I have a few problems gnawing at me that won't go away."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 08:34 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 08:24 PM)

"Several of those going have fought against the Azurites and stronger foes yet," Loranna says, looking at Kingston with a thoughtful glance. "I have faith in the people that are going ... but I'd rather they not walk into the middle of an all out war between your clan and the Diodata, for their sakes, Anya's included."

She raises her eyebrows to the Breton vampire, letting him make the next move.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 08:35 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 09:31 PM)

Anya frowned, and, "I don't care. I have my own reasons for going. You may be perfectly happy with your exsistence, but I have a few problems gnawing at me that won't go away."

"Well," Kingston shrugged. "I was going to head down south anyhow. If you want me to come along, you might find me useful. For one, I've fought the Diodata before, and secondly --"

Fire enveloped his body, and the vampire smiled.

"I can be useful in other ways."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 08:41 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 08:35 PM)

"You do know," Loranna says casually, "that at least one of the Mage Guild members, if not all of them, are familiar with what a Korgari is? And that few of us would find it easy to trust a vampire, even with your clan rivalry well known?"

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 08:44 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 09:41 PM)

"I can't believe Anya's true nature is known to all either," Kingston replied. "I wouldn't tell them that I'm a Korgari. I'd say I'm an expert on matters vampiric ... With a few neat fire spells ..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 08:54 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 08:44 PM)

"I can't believe Anya's true nature is known to all either," Kingston replied. "I wouldn't tell them that I'm a Korgari. I'd say I'm an expert on matters vampiric ... With a few neat fire spells ..."

Loranna frowns. "The worry I have is that the Diodata themselves might give it away - but that's equally valid for Anya, and if there really are other Korgari already gathering, it could be helpful to have someone who can tell them to not fry our people in the crossfire."

She sighs. "In the Arena, you don't always get a chance to get to know your allies before the fight sweeps over you both."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 09:04 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 09:54 PM)

"That's true," Kingston nodded and smiled. "I don't have any particular reason to trust you more than you have to trust me, except that neither of us have attacked each other so far. I told Anya that I haven't killed a mortal in fifteen years -- there's never been a reason to. If I'm found out, and the mages unwisely decide that it is in their interest to attack me ... I'll escape. I won't fight them unless I have no other choice."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 09:20 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 08:04 PM)

"I suppose the issue is settle, Loranna?" Anya said, "He is right though, not many of the people going would know about me either."

Why am I so eager to have him with us? It was a matter of hours since we met. Is it simply because we are one and the same? Anya thought, confused by her own feelings.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 09:23 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 09:20 PM)

" ... All right then," Loranna says, taking a deep breath. "May you all return safely from this mission; should you survive, Kingston, I would like a chance to talk with you some more."

She motions for the two of them to follow her. "The others are waiting; we'll say you're a vampire expert like you suggested, Kingston, and that you and Anya have been conversing recently. Though I suspect some of us will figure it out eventually."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 09:27 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 10:23 PM)

Kingston nodded. "Well, I hope that any who are smart enough to figure it out will be smart enough not to attack us while there are more dangerous adversaries about."

He followed Loranna and Anya through the woods back towards the village and castle, to find the rest of the heroes.

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 8 2006, 09:32 PM

Ingmar arrived at the Mages Guild, as fully prepared for what was coming as he could be. He had taken Loranna's invitation of an ebony weapon, and now had a heavy ebony axe slung over his shoulder.

He waited for the rest to arrive.

Posted by: dentris Feb 8 2006, 09:32 PM

At the Mages Guild, P'Rassha noticed with his keen eyes the arrival of three people. Two of them he knew: Lady Loranna and Anya.

The third one was unknown to him though. Good for them, it was a new pair of arms to help them fight the vampires. P'Rassha knew there will not be too much help for this adventure.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 09:37 PM

QUOTE(dentris @ Feb 8 2006, 10:32 PM)

The third one was unknown to him though. Good for them, it was a new pair of arms to help them fight the vampires. P'Rassha knew there will not be too much help for this adventure.

"Kingston Mune," said the Breton with the shoulder-length blond hair and the ruddy tan complexion. His handshake was warm and solid, as he introduced himself to P'Rassha and the other heroes present. "Her Grace thought I might be useful on this expedition. The study of the vampire has been a hobby of mine for some years now. Hopefully, I can prove myself useful."

Posted by: Nalion Feb 8 2006, 09:42 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 09:27 PM)

Nalion turned as he saw the trio approaching.
"There you are! I was contemplating to search for you, Loranna, Anya.", Nalion said as they approached, then looked curiously at Breton.
"What leads you here, friend, aside from two beautiful women?", he asked.

Dana frowned, anxiety marking her face.
"I honestly say that I'd like to be done with this sooner rather than later...", she muttered.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 09:45 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 8 2006, 10:42 PM)

"If you're a fish expert, you head for the sea. If you're a vampire expert," Kingston said with a wink. "You head to Tel Dresori."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 09:47 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 8 2006, 09:42 PM)

"I agree," Loranna says, looking to everyone and saying "Kingston is right; he has knowledge that will be helpful in your current quest."

She takes a deep breath, and says "Nine watch over you all, my dears; my thoughts and my heart will be with you as you venture forth. Be careful, and watch over each other."

Posted by: dentris Feb 8 2006, 09:49 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 8 2006, 09:42 PM)

Dana frowned, anxiety marking her face.
"I honestly say that I'd like to be done with this sooner rather than later...", she muttered.

P'Rassha took an amulet out of his pocket and handed it over to Dana...

"For once, P'Rassha shares your opinion...Here, Dana should take this. This is a small thing P'Rassha found during a travel. This is a recall amulet. Cast a mark spell and if friend Dana is ever in trouble, just activate it and you'll be transported there."

He turned towards the others and approached the guild guide, obviously avoiding Dana's eyes afterwards.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 8 2006, 09:53 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 09:45 PM)

"If you're a fish expert, you head for the sea. If you're a vampire expert," Kingston said with a wink. "You head to Tel Dresori."

"Then I am wondering why I do not go into some library...", Nalion said, and stretched out his hand. "Nalion, pleased to meet you."

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 09:47 PM)

"I trust your judgement, Loranna, and this gentleman seems to have confidence in his abilities.", Nalion replied and nodded. "In case anyone forgot something, now would be the time to remember what it was and go fetch it. Otherwise, I think we should go. Take care, and whatever happens, stick together and don't go out on your own."

"I certainly will not go out just on myself when there...", Dana said, hugging herself, then taking a deep breath to collect her courage.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 09:54 PM

Zadion stepped onto the platform, and told the Guild Guide. "Send me to Tel Dresori, and then bring me back right away ... I want to see what the conditions are ..."

In a twinkling, the magister of the Mages Guild was gone.

In another moment, he was back.

"They're in the Guildhouse," the Altmer said. "Be prepared to go in fighting."

Posted by: Osano Feb 8 2006, 09:58 PM

She takes a deep breath, and says "Nine watch over you all, my dears; my thoughts and my heart will be with you as you venture forth. Be careful, and watch over each other."

Athaso walked into the guild inconspicuously just as these words were said. Not having much money, the only supplies he could afford in preperation for the raid were a few restore health and cure disease potions, although he helped himself to a few made available there at the guild. He tightened up the straps on his pauldrons and secured his potions as he waited...

OOC: can anyone else not get into the chat? i get "Unable to connect : java.security.AccessControlException : access denied (java.net.SocketPermission irc.chatspike.net resolve) "...

Posted by: Nalion Feb 8 2006, 09:58 PM

QUOTE(dentris @ Feb 8 2006, 09:49 PM)

Dana looked strangely at the Khajiit, almost questioningly.
"Thank you, P'rassha!", she said, smiling. "Would you be so nice and help me put it on?"
The Redguard turned her back to P'rassha and pulled up her dark red hair, baring her neck.
"I already have a mark at the tavern. Better safe than sorry."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 10:01 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 09:54 PM)

"And we can only go in one by one," Loranna mutters. "Whoever goes first shall have to create a diversion."

She begins weaving her strongest protective spells over everyone, pouring most of her magicka into the spells. "These enchantments should keep you safe from physical blows for a short while; the rest is up to you dears."

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 8 2006, 10:01 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 08:54 PM)

"They're in the Guildhouse," the Altmer said. "Be prepared to go in fighting."

Reeds drew his new sword, and loosened the clasp on his old one. Better safe than sorry...

Posted by: dentris Feb 8 2006, 10:02 PM

QUOTE(Nalion @ Feb 8 2006, 09:58 PM)

P'Rassha froze. His gigantic paws were trembling and he almost dropped the necklace on the ground. He managed to move just enough to put the necklace around Dana's neck and swiftly removed his paws.

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 09:54 PM)

P'Rassha jumped on the opportunity to put as much space as possible between Dana and him...He advanced towards the teleporting spot and volunteered to go first

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 10:05 PM

QUOTE(dentris @ Feb 8 2006, 11:02 PM)

P'Rassha jumped on the opportunity to put as much space as possible between Dana and him...He advanced towards the teleporting spot and volunteered to go first

"Be careful," Zadion said. "Remember, the Diodata's special power is their strength. You're used to being the strongest person in the room, friend, but you may not be in this situation."

Posted by: dentris Feb 8 2006, 10:08 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 10:05 PM)

"Be careful," Zadion said. "Remember, the Diodata's special power is their strength. You're used to being the strongest person in the room, friend, but you may not be in this situation."

P'Rassha, now freed from heart issues, managed to think a little bit.

"What if P'Rassha cast a chameleon spell on himself? Would that be good? P'Rassha knows few spells, but they are useful sometimes.''

Posted by: Nalion Feb 8 2006, 10:10 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 09:54 PM)

Nalion nodded gravely, then incanted a spell. The mage shimmered for a moment, then the turn undead aura around him was stable.
"I hope that will buy some time.", Nalion said at the same time Loranna's spells strengthened him. Well, actually, only half of Loranna's spells. Sometimes, being born under the Atronarch, was clearly a disadvantage. The mage grabbed his staff tighter and thought of some fire spells he could cast when they were charging in.

Dana flexed her hands, then drew her glass sword. "I certainly won't go in there first! I'm a healer, not a frontline soldier."

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 10:12 PM

QUOTE(dentris @ Feb 8 2006, 11:08 PM)

"I think an area damage effect spell would be more useful," Zadion replied.

"Or maybe Silence to keep them from calling for reinforcements," Kingston suggested.

Posted by: dentris Feb 8 2006, 10:14 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 10:12 PM)

"I think an area damage effect spell would be more useful," Zadion replied.

"Or maybe Silence to keep them from calling for reinforcements," Kingston suggested.

P'Rassha felt dissapointed.

"P'Rassha doesn't know how to do that. P'Rassha's axe is quite close to an area damage spells, though. With a chameleon spell, P'Rassha could sneak close to them and make a good diversion..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 8 2006, 10:16 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 8 2006, 10:12 PM)

"I think an area damage effect spell would be more useful," Zadion replied.

"Or maybe Silence to keep them from calling for reinforcements," Kingston suggested.

"If they saw Zadion they probably are already calling for reinforcements," Loranna says grimly. "Stealth spells are useful, but a nice large fireball to make them duck will make invisibility and chameleon even more effective. Best to combine your talents on this."

She adds a little more to her spells for the party, to keep them from running out too soon - but there was only so much she could do for the group now.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 8 2006, 10:18 PM

Anya swiftly cast chameleon, her image becoming hazy, and near impossible to see. Resisting the urge to flex her claws, she readied her spear, and prepared to teleport. She nodded to Loranna, thankful for the spells, then to the guild guide.

Posted by: dentris Feb 8 2006, 10:20 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 8 2006, 10:18 PM)

Mimicking Anya, P'Rassha made a quick hand gesture and his giant image became transparent. it wasn't as powerful as Anya's, but combined with P'Rassha natural ability to hide, it made quite a good effect.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 8 2006, 10:42 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 11:16 PM)

"I don't think they did see me," Zadion replied. "We should still have the element of surprise ... I hope ..."

(OOC -- Outta here for a couple hours. Loranna can take over GMing this)

Posted by: Shardie Feb 8 2006, 11:27 PM

Faryons Diary

Today we entered the Imperial City, right on morning, right as the carrage driver said. Finding our Inn was fairly easy, it was on the edge of town, near the harbour, not a very nice part of town, no, but the hotel is at least comfitable. I went out to the nearby fish markets, but was shocked to find that the prices in Kragenmoor are cheaper than here. Perhaps this is where the quality fish is sold? I also walked through town and found prices quite expensive. How do these people live paying so much for Bread? My messanger has gone fowarth and announced my presence to everyone I intend to meet. Now all I need is for them to summon me. I could be here a long time

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 03:22 AM

The Altmer Xyllina, a master illusionist, finally stepped forward, looking at the others. Her dark eyes against her smooth marble-like skin surveyed the group.

"I will go in and cast silence over the Guild and blind everyone I see," she said, pulling back her white-yellow hair as she stepped onto the platform. "Don't dawdle."

Zadion nodded, and in a moment Xyllina shimmered out of sight.

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 03:29 AM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 8 2006, 08:16 PM)

"A nice large fireball?" Kingston grinned. "I think I can handle that."

He stepped in after Xyllina, and in a flash, he had disappeared.

Posted by: Sheogorath Feb 9 2006, 03:44 AM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Feb 9 2006, 04:29 AM)

"A nice large fireball?" Kingston grinned. "I think I can handle that."

He stepped in after Xyllina, and in a flash, he had disappeared.

All who entered thereafter witnessed a most strange and peculiar sight.

The Mages Guild, what was left of it, of Tel Dresori was built on a mountain peak. Any windows they found looked out over an expanse of steep farmland, every parcel of land divided and separated by trenches and bushes. Water spilled through them all, created a rolling swampland.

In the Guildhouse itself, vampires crawled like cockroaches along the ceiling and walls, stumbling and bumbling, unable to call out because of Xyllina's spell. A pile of them lay dead, burned to a crisp at the floor of the tranportation room, because of Kingston's fireball. The smell of burning undead flesh hung in the air.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 12:23 PM

Erenius came through the portal last, materializing to the partially comforting smell of the roasting vampires. Kicking one of the corpses, Erenius looked to the others, preferring to keep moving instead of waiting for more of the worthless undead blasphemers from coming to greet them in the Guild Hall.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 03:35 PM

As Slyvos arrived through the guild guide, he saw the bumbling idiots that had been hit with the powerful silence spell. He really saw no point in killing them yet, so didn't even bother wasting his time for the moment.

they'll meet their end in time... as will the others in this place. Then, I can go back home... he thought to himself as a grin slowly replaced the grim look on his face.

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 05:46 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 9 2006, 03:44 AM)

P'Rassha entered the guildhouse, chameleoned and stealthy, but soon noticed how useless this preparation was. He was, in a way, impressed by the demonstration of power made by the few mages, but P'Rassha went into too many adventures to feel relieve.

"More are coming, friends. P'Rassha knows. And the spells you used burnt a lot of Magicka. Now, the vampires know what to expect."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 05:57 PM

QUOTE(Sheogorath @ Feb 9 2006, 03:44 AM)

QUOTE(dentris @ Feb 9 2006, 05:46 PM)

The bumbling vampires turn at the sound of P'Rassha's voice, their fangs bared in silent masks of hate. One of the vampires that had leapt to the ceiling to avoi getting burned by Kingston's fireball begins pounding on the surface with a crazed fist, cracking the ceiling and making a fair racket.

Other vampires, inspired by the ceiling crawler, begin smashing the walls to create a stir, in some cases ripping off chunks of stone to hurl at the heroes. Someone grabs a table from a nearby room and swings it as a giant club in the direction of P'Rassha's voice, sending potions an alchemical equipment flying everywhere, while Slyvos, Erenius, and others are assaulted by leaping, snarling, silent vampires, their hands outstretched to rend the flesh from their bones.

Posted by: Stargazey Feb 9 2006, 06:08 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 05:57 PM)

Someone grabs a table from a nearby room and swings it as a giant club in the direction of P'Rassha's voice, sending potions an alchemical equipment flying everywhere, while Slyvos, Erenius, and others are assaulted by leaping, snarling, silent vampires, their hands outstretched to rend the flesh from their bones.

After recovering from the inital site of dead, burning bodies, Ingmar swung his axe hard at the nearest vampire, aiming to hit in the midsection with the powerful ebony weapon.

Nymph and Noggin, Ald Raathim.
Isidor walked up to Kethiah's room, to see how she was.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 06:10 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 05:57 PM)

The vampires came forth, their pale grey skin forming a sea before the newly arrived party. Erenius brandishes his ebony broadsword, ready for first contact. The retired Legionairre looks to his companions, hoping that they too see the threat right before them and are equally ready to carve a path to the door when the vampires came closer.

"Let them come, don't go ahead alone!" Erenius tells the others, hoping that the order wouldn't be needed and common sense would hold true.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 06:21 PM

Slyvos jumped back a few inches, which let him barely avoid a clumsily thrown chair, which wasn't really aimed all that well, and hid behind one of the surviving collumns within the structure. first targets...

He came out from his hiding place, holding out his arm as it glowed red, unleashing a blast of a specialized Damage Health spell at one of the vampires. He didn't bother waiting to see the effects, and looked for the next vampire he could safely hit.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 9 2006, 06:27 PM

Nalion stepped off the guild platform, breathing the stench of vampires in a close confines, the smess of blood, both dry and fresh. The mage's face was a mask of disgust and determination. The thought that he might fail a spell again only briefly crossed his mind as he raised his hands to cast a weakness to fire at one of the vampires, followed swiftly by a ball of aetherial flame. The vampire could see both spells lashing out at it menacingly.
Nalion hoped that the turn undead spell he had cast earlier would hold.

Dana herself, upon seeing the bloody scenery, made retching noises, holding her belly, trying hard to ban the urge to vomit out of her mind.
She managed it eventually, though she still looked miserable. Preferring to have some distance between the vampires and herself, she cast an absorb health spell at one vampire that was too close for her taste.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 06:27 PM

Anya twirled her spear about, catching the vampires closest to her. Without vision to see, it was almost too easy to slay the vampires. She growled ferociously, gutting another vampire.

Still, their were many vampire crawling about the Mage's Guild, and it was all she could do to avoid getting hit with the mess they were making.

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 06:31 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 05:57 PM)

Other vampires, inspired by the ceiling crawler, begin smashing the walls to create a stir, in some cases ripping off chunks of stone to hurl at the heroes. Someone grabs a table from a nearby room and swings it as a giant club in the direction of P'Rassha's voice, sending potions an alchemical equipment flying everywhere, while Slyvos, Erenius, and others are assaulted by leaping, snarling, silent vampires, their hands outstretched to rend the flesh from their bones.

P'Rassha drew his axe and struck the flying table, breaking it in two, sending fluids and wood flying everywhere around the burnt Mages Guild. He kept his ground, ready to face the running vampires.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 06:34 PM

Erenius takes hold of a broken chair leg near him, using it to deflect a blow from a vampire near him before responding in kind, removing the thing's arm. He then, so as to discard of the chair leg, rammed it through the vampire's stomach. In response, the creature bared its fang and hissed loudly at Erenius.

Another being approached, this one armed with a pair of shields, one strapped to his left arm, the other held tightly in his right. Also in the new foe's hand was an enchanted shardaxe of iron.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 06:34 PM

The fight was short, but ferocious; blows and spells that could have felled a Dremora failed to take down the rampaging vampires in one strike, and Dana's healing spells would see use several times before the fight was over.

Nalion's Turn Undead effect protected him from the touch of the snarling, silent vampires, causing them to twist their mouths into silent screams, but the vampires retaliated by throwing everything they could get their hands on at him, even the burning corpses of their own. Erenius, P'Rassha, and Igmar each felt the inhuman force behind the vampires' fists and nails, an the unreasoning fury that fueled their attack.

When the fight ened, moments later, the Mage Guild looked like someone unleashed a hurricane in it; it was a wonder the building still stood. But, for now, there were no vampires attacking them - but surely one or more had gotten away in the ruckus, and the fight itself must have attracted attention.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 06:47 PM

Slyvos kicked one of the charred corpses of a vampire he had defeated, his usually grim look he gets in battle having returned once more. "if that's what happens when we get the jump on them, we need to be better prepared. I would suggest we get to that temple that was mentioned, and try to get a position set up from which we can work from."

He wasn't exactly leader material, and he lacked some common sense at times, but he knew what he was doing when it came to battle and magic. When he finished speaking, he leaned against a surviving wall, moving his arm around a bit to get a few kinks out of it from a lucky hit a vampire got on him.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 06:48 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 9 2006, 05:47 PM)

Reeds cleaned the blood of his sabre, taking in the damage with a pale (for argonians anyway) face. "I agree with Slyvos. Perhaps we should split into two groups to prevent an ambush?"

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 06:51 PM

"Might be best," Erenius concurs, using the clothing of a slain vampire at his foot to wipe the little blood that remained on his blade from it. Surveying the scene, the Imperial realized there was much blood to be spilled, and there was a chance that not all of it would be that of the vampiric horde that took refuge in the relatively abandoned city.

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 06:52 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 9 2006, 06:47 PM)

P'Rassha held his stomach, injured but still standing and took a time to think about the situation.

"P'Rassha doubt an ambush is possible. The Guild is built from a mountainside. No attack may come from the rear side, unless they know the lost spell passwall.

P'Rassha suggestswe reinforce what is left of the windows and doors with the remnants of the tables and bookshelves of the guild. We could win some time and face less enemies at the time like that. Erenius, please help P'Rassha with that shelf."

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 06:54 PM

QUOTE(dentris @ Feb 9 2006, 05:52 PM)

"Can we see the temple from here?" Reeds asks. "If it's in a defensible position, shouldn't we try to get to it? What could it hurt to fortify in a building that they cannot enter?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 06:54 PM

Anya worked carefully to keep her eyes and skin a healthy color, the quick fight having hindered her concentration. She kept her face away from the others, examining the bodies, as her eyes lost the hint of glow they were starting to get. Once the sharp green returned, she looked at Slyvos and scowled, muttering something about temples and uncomfortable sensations.

Posted by: Osano Feb 9 2006, 06:55 PM

Athaso survived the battle, although was only able to land a few hits on the vampires, not killing any of them. He felt a bit sick what with the smell of burning flesh and blood lingering heavily in the air, and leaned up against a wall to try to recompose himself when he heard someone comment on a temple, he chimed in, "Where exactly is the temple?" It would seem unwise for us to corner ourselves in a building...

Posted by: Nalion Feb 9 2006, 06:55 PM

Nalion was breathing hard from the fight, having had a hard time to fend off the various throwing objects the vampires launched at him.
"We better do, Slyvos. This is not a safe place and I don't like to fight in close confines.", Nalion said. "At least, when we get to the tample, we have the closest resemblence of a base of operations that we probably get."

Dana had been busy to fling spells at the biting horde, tyring to dodge their attacks. Seeing Slyvos leaning on the wall, she walke over to him, offering a healing spell.

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 06:57 PM

"Well, that was ...interesting," Reichi remarked, cleaning dark blood from himself. "Knowing they could crawl on the ceiling and walls would have been useful though."

"I don't think we should hole up just yet. Sunlight is our ally."

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 06:57 PM

QUOTE(dentris @ Feb 9 2006, 06:52 PM)

"Gladly, P'Rassha," Erenius says, going to help the oversized Khajiit move the shelf. He then notices the cat had suffered during the battle, handing a home-made brew he had in his bag. "Best get that taken care of immediately, I'd rather you not limp about, or risk an infection."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 07:00 PM

Slyvos looks at Anya for a moment, then gets that 'oops' look on his face. Not a wise choice on his part after all. okay, now I know that anya and temples do not mix well... noted for later, in case we end up somehow fighting vampires near one.

When Dana came over to offer him healing he shook his head, as it wasn't really anything he considered worrying about. "I'll be fine." His face showed obvious annoyance at the situation, but it wasn't directed at anyone in particular.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 07:04 PM

Meanwhile, in Castle Dresori ...

"They've come," says the first vampire to the second, staring at the seated figure before her.

"The Duchess and her husband accompay them?" the seated figure asks, her red eyes shining in the darkness of the spartan chamber.

"Just the Duke, from what I could see," the first figure says, her lower body rippling a bit. "I've told the Diodata to get to their positions."

"Excellent," the second figure says. "Go, and continue observing, and bring the Duchess's husband to me when he is captured."

The first figure remains motionless for a moment. " ... My filia is with them ..."

"You never had leave to sire," the second figure tells the downcast Dayla. "My rules are absolute, filia; I alone shall determine who shall join our line."

Dayla remains motionless for another moment, and the other figure says with a seemingly gentle smile "You have already done well in Scourg Barrow, my dear. Carry out my instructions and everything will be as it once was, before the war."

Dayla says quietly "Yes mater ..." and turns, her snakelike lower body turning into merrish legs as she grabs a cloak to throw over herself. In the darkness of the chamber, the second figure's smile turns decidedly wicked ...

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 07:10 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 9 2006, 05:57 PM)

Reeds was silent for a moment, "Reichi's right, we should get moving. Besides," He added, "Is it really safe to hole up at a place that your entire enemy can see?" Reeds moved toward the door, sword drawn ahead of him.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 07:13 PM

Erenius looks about the Guild, pleased with its new status of defended last bastion should it be needed. However, time was being wasted, time in which the vampires outside could gather to larger numbers to overwhelm the numbers inside. Preferring to go out and find a way to the Temple to help what survivors remain, Erenius replaces the things he set out to rest for a few moments.

"We don't have forever you know," Erenius reminds the others, readying himself to move out.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 07:13 PM

Anya paused at the door, behind Reeds. She took a moment to glance at Kingston with an annoyed look, wishing she was more like his tribe and didn't have an aversion to the sunlight. Steeling herself slightly, she pushes past the door, eyes already scanning about for more Diodata, or the odd flame just in case.

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 07:14 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 9 2006, 07:10 PM)

P'Rassha removed his axe from the slowly ashing head of a slain vampire and turned to Erenius.

"P'Rassha is ok, do not worry friend Erenius. But it appears the shelves will not be needed after all. Let's go outside and follow P'Rassha. Don't let P'Rassha down."

With his chameleon spell still functionning, but not for long, P'Rassha took a peek outside the guild, looking at the mountain cliff, watching for potential enemies.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 07:14 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 9 2006, 06:13 PM)

Reeds muttered thanks that he wasn't the first to have to go out that door, and followed Anya.

Posted by: Nalion Feb 9 2006, 07:20 PM

Nalion followed the group, scanning the town for enemies. He was glad to be in the sunlight, at least, this would give them some advantage. In case of an ambush, Nalion had a spell of sanctuary at the ready, as well as a shield spell if it came to a face-to-face battle.

Dana herself looked longingly at the sun, flexing her fingers and quickly downing a potion of magicka.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 07:21 PM

Outside was as Zadion had described, a marketplace built on semi-mountainous land. As befitting a large plantation, there were a large number of stalls and small buildings, each presumably used by the individual farmers to hawk their goods.

Or, at least, they once were. Now, many of the stalls were in disrepair, and what small buildings the party can see are barricaded up - or were barricaded and broken into. The castle an the Temple both loom over the smaller buildings of the marketplace, the first off to one side, the second to another, both on the outskirts of the myraid buildings that face the group.

The day is silent; not a single soul stirs in the streets, living or dead, mortal or otherwise.

Posted by: Osano Feb 9 2006, 07:24 PM

Athaso, still tense from the battle in the mage's guild, followed a little ways behind Nalion quietly, watching for any signs of anything. He was nervous and a bit fearful for his life, but shrugged it off telling himself that fear let him know he was still alive and sane.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 07:24 PM

Anya waved her hand towards the buildings, "What do you think? Should we sterilize all those smaller buildings first?"

She waved at the castle and temple, "Or do you think we should strike at the center? I'm for either way."

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 07:25 PM

Reichi looked around, stepping fully into the silent town. "How...ominous," he said. "Well then, I say we start with the stalls that aren't broken into. Then the broken ones, then the temple and the castle, as the ancients undoubtably are in there."

"That way, short of vampires coming from the farms, we won't get fenced in and unable to reach the temple."

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 07:26 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 07:21 PM)

Slyvos gazed upon the ruins and remains of the settlement, not really looking too fazed by it; probably because he had caused such destruction himself at one point, on a more horrid scale. maybe this is worse though... at least when I did it all those centuries ago, I didn't hunt people down and enslave them. it was only when he thought that did he realize just what kind of of a hell these vampires had put this place through, strengthening his resolve to destroy them even further.

At Anya's question, slyvos turned and said "I suggest we see if there is anyone that isn't undead in the smaller buildings. You never know, after all."

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 07:26 PM

"P'Rassha thinks the castle is best. Do not use energy on fighting vampires around the town, just strike at the center and the surrounding will fall soon enough."

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 07:26 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 9 2006, 06:25 PM)

"Good idea. If we want to rescue survivors, the barricaded buildings are the most likely choice."

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 07:35 PM

[quote]"Good idea. If we want to rescue survivors, the barricaded buildings are the most likely choice."[/qupte]

"Agreed," Erenius says. "We'd also have a reasonably safe haven to defend ourselves from should things to not well."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 07:37 PM

Anya nodded, the general agreement being they should secure the outlying areas first. "Erenius, we're teleporting people out as we find them, so we wouldn't need to have a secure spot for them. Let's go for the smaller buildings.

Anya took point, mostly because she left first, and walked to the closest building. Raising a leg, she kicked the door, shattering the hinges and breaking the wood.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 07:39 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 9 2006, 06:37 PM)

Reeds slid into the building about a foot, sword out and his magic-vision turned on, back against the wall.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 07:39 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 9 2006, 07:37 PM)

As Anya did that, Erenius went first through the door, looking about the darkened interior, scanning the room to find someone or something, either friend or foe.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 07:41 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 9 2006, 07:37 PM)

Anya's dramatic entrance causes the occupants of the small bakery to cry out - terrified, thin-sounding Dunmer voices.

"Go away, go away!" an aged Dunmer wheeds, holding a rolling pin up to defend himself and the two shaking young boys that are scrambling away from the door. "Ye'll not take us, by ALMSIVI and my ancestors!"

That the mer is frightened out of his wits is evident; his eyes look like they've become permanently widened and Anya can taste the fear from him; it's seeped into the very walls and the floor.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 07:45 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 06:41 PM)

"We aren't going to take you," Reeds said to them, digging through his bag and pulling out three divine intervention scrolls, "Take these and escape. Hopefully it'll be safe to return here soon."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 07:54 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 9 2006, 07:45 PM)

"We aren't going to take you," Reeds said to them, digging through his bag and pulling out three divine intervention scrolls, "Take these and escape. Hopefully it'll be safe to return here soon."

The aged Dunmer stares at the scrolls confusedly for a moment, his mouth working but no words coming out. Eventually, one of the young mer walks over, ready to bolt at the first sign of aggression from Anya, Erenius, and Reeds, and picks up the scrolls, bringing them to the aged mer.

" ... Intervention scrolls ... Divine Intervention scrolls ..." he breathes. "B'Vehk, we're free; thank you serjos, thank you."

And then ... a long, piercing whistle sounds outside, breaking the silence. Barely a secon later, the air is full of arrows flying toward those who stand outside, silver-tipped arrows. Zara, the female Khajiit, is hit, and she opens her mouth to scream - but no sound comes out.

Within the bakery, there is a sudden crashing noise below, and the aged Dunmer yells "The basement! They got into the base -" before he dissapears, having fallen into the cellar below. The floor underneath the party breaks apart, smashed in by heavy mauls wielded with inhuman force ...

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 07:57 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 07:54 PM)

Outside the house, P'Rassha heard the sounds of a cracking floor and activated Violetta. Within a second, he was inside and noticed his friends falling from a hole in the groud. He leaped inside it, actually using his own strength to fall faster and tried to grab at least one of them before he hit the ground.

As soon as he reached the ground, he tried to land soflty with all the grace a khajiit is capable of and prepared his claw for a fight.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 08:00 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 06:54 PM)

Within the bakery, there is a sudden crashing noise below, and the aged Dunmer yells "The basement! They got into the base -" before he dissapears, having fallen into the cellar below. The floor underneath the party breaks apart, smashed in by heavy mauls wielded with inhuman force ...

Well crap.... Reeds thinks as he falls into the basement. He gets up and barely evades a sledgehammer to the face, rolling aside and getting up. He pulls his other sword out and, with a sword that can effectively reduce armor down to scrapmetal, engaged the vampires.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 08:00 PM

Erenius looks about, standing just outside the area caved in. Raising his buckler and deflecting an arrow with it that came a bit too close for comfort. Using his body as a shield, he ushurs the children to the upper floor, hoping that it isnt also overrun by the vampires. Telling them to stay, he returns downstairs and goes down the hole to give aid to his companions.

Upon landing with a thud, he notices a not so pleasant sight, six armoured vampires, mauls in hand, ready to crush the company to a pulp.

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 08:01 PM

Reichi cursed, but no sound came out. Silence, lovely, he thinks to himself before pulling a arrow that had hit the exposed flesh of his upper arm out, and rushing towards the source of the arrows, blades raised. He would have shouted out something taunting, but was incapable. No matter.
They'd die anyways.

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 08:03 PM

P'Rassha landed harder than he thought on the ground, opening his belly injury wider. He managed to save the old man from the fall, though, and put his own body between the dunmer and a sledgehammer just in time. The blow made P'Rassha take a step back.

Both the Khajiit and the vampire weilding the weapon were surprised. Never before P'Rassha was knocked back by a blow and never before someone resisted one of the vampire's blow.

P'Rassha was faster to react, though, and he plunge his claw in the direction of the vampire's throat. The latter managed to deflect the blow with his arm and tried to crush P'Rassha again with his sledgehammer.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 08:04 PM

Slyvos' eyes widened as the arrows fell upon the group, and from the sound of the cracking. He quickly ran towards the inside of the building for cover, avoiding the holes in the floorboards. damnit... which direction did the arrows come from... in the middle of the daytime.

He peaked his head out from behind his cover, hopeing he didn't see any vampiric foes running around in the sunlight without burning to a crisp. Of course, the chances of this, were very low indeed.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 08:05 PM

Anya landed hard, but on her feet. Within a fraction of the second she is leaping back, spear thrust foward to hit the vampire in front of her. She snarled at the vampires, her senses hit with thier strong presence.

Moving quickly, she squared off against the vampire, before she went Invisible and sidestepped, striking at his exposed flesh.

Posted by: Osano Feb 9 2006, 08:11 PM

Athaso stumbled back, surprised by the arrows, and quickly leaped behind the wall of the bakery. He waited a moment for the volley to pass, then peaked around the corner to get a hold of the situation. Deciding indecisiveness was the worst option, and the arrows were the most immediate threat Athaso had noticed, he chased after the muted Reichi towards the direction the arrows came from.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 08:12 PM

Erenius threw his broadsword with might against the vampire nearest him, striking him squarely in the chest. In a swift motion he sheathed the blade with his right hand, picking up the vampire's weapon with the other, ready to defend himself again with the large bludgeoning sledge.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 08:13 PM

Outside, the rain of arrows continues; most everyone from the Guild has scrambled for cover, but a few unlucky souls have found themselves scrambling into further fire, and with their healers silenced, no one can get restored ...

Reichi can see the majority of the arrow fire is coming from one of the other buildings; the Imperial battlemage Vitus joins Reichi in charging the direction of the arrows, his ol-style ebony armor turning aside most of the silver-tipped arrows. Still possessing his voice, he unleashes a ball of fire at the building, even as he and Reichi are targeted with concentrated fire.

In the bakery's basement, Anya can briefly see a crude tunnel that seems to lead away from the basement, as the snarling vampires beging striking at the trapped heroes in earnest. One vampire starts throwing around paralysis spells, knowing he can't hurt his own people with them, while the others try to pick off Reeds first, ganging up on him ...

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 08:17 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 07:13 PM)

In the bakery's basement, Anya can briefly see a crude tunnel that seems to lead away from the basement, as the snarling vampires beging striking at the trapped heroes in earnest. One vampire starts throwing around paralysis spells, knowing he can't hurt his own people with them, while the others try to pick off Reeds first, ganging up on him ...

Anya took a paralysis spell, but shrugged it off, as it didn't effected her either. Putting the spear away as it wasn't the best weapon for such close quarters, Anya lept onto the back of one of the vampires, using a clawed hand to hold on tightly, and bringing a dagger into the space above his pauldron.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 08:18 PM

Erenius, seeing Reeds in trouble, rushes forth to aid the bookseller adventurer. Coming close, he swings the maul in an arc in an attempt to both strike the vampire who's back is turned to Erenius, yet also get the attention of the others. Dropping the weapon after that charge, he draws his blade again, ready to exchange blows.

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 08:19 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 08:13 PM)

Outside, the rain of arrows continues; most everyone from the Guild has scrambled for cover, but a few unlucky souls have found themselves scrambling into further fire, and with their healers silenced, no one can get restored ...

Reichi can see the majority of the arrow fire is coming from one of the other buildings; the Imperial battlemage Vitus joins Reichi in charging the direction of the arrows, his ol-style ebony armor turning aside most of the silver-tipped arrows. Still possessing his voice, he unleashes a ball of fire at the builing, even as he and Reichi are targeted with concentrated fire.

In the bakery's basement, Anya can briefly see a crude tunnel that seems to lead away from the basement, as the snarling vampires beging striking at the trapped heroes in earnest. One vampire starts throwing around paralysis spells, knowing he can't hurt his own people with them, while the others try to pick off Reeds first, ganging up on him ...

P'Rassha dodged both the sledgehammer and a paralysis spell and pushed the old man a little bit further from the fight. His axe still outside the bakery, the only weapon he had left was his martial arts moves.

He moved to the left and grabbed a second vampire's leg with his tail. His right hand blocked the first vampire's weapon from breaking P'Rassha's skull while his free hand grabbed his head. As quickly as he could (which mean really quick considering Violetta), he pull the vampire's head towards the ground while tripping the second vampire at the same time. Both vampire felt to the ground, tumbling on each other.

P'Rassha's move wasn't as successful as it could have been, though. The vampires were stronger than anything the khajiit faced before and they resisted for the most part P'Rassha's attacks. They were on the ground, yes, but mostly uninjured.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 08:23 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 07:13 PM)

One vampire starts throwing around paralysis spells, knowing he can't hurt his own people with them, while the others try to pick off Reeds first, ganging up on him ...

Reeds was an observant Argonian and noticed the six vampires converging on him. Reeds drew his ebony sword, and switched the armor-eater to his off-hand. He backed up, swinging first with the disintegrating sword, leaving acidlike cuts of damage in their armor, then following up with the ebony blade into the already weakened spots. This suceeded in cutting the cuirass of one of the vampires in half, the severed lower half falling down with a clank.

"A Little HELP would be nice!" Reeds shouts up to the party above ground while lunging at the lesser-armored Vampire with his sabre. "Not to belittle you of course," Reeds adds to erenius as he blocks a flying sledgehammer.

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 08:31 PM

Reichi continued charging towards the building, he dodged and weaved through the spray of arrows as best he could. The strong material his armor was made of, Reichi wasn't sure of, but it was taking the blows surprisingly well. The force they were hitting with was tremendous.

Reichi reached the building, and backed up against it, next to one of the arrow slits. Reichi knew the vampires would know where he was and wasted no time in bashing through the planks the formed the slit with his Daedric blade, letting the sunlight stream in.

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 08:37 PM

pie

Posted by: Osano Feb 9 2006, 08:37 PM

Athaso ran still at the building the arrows had come from, the arrows were rather problematic for him, however he was lucky enough to take only one arrow, which stuck in his pauldron not touchng the skin. By this time Reichi had the archers a bit distracted considering the fact that he was busting holes in their little domain.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 08:38 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 9 2006, 08:31 PM)

Vitus casts a Fortify Strength spell to aid himself and Reici in tearing apart the wooden barricade, an follows up with a fireball into the window. "Never hurts to push the cooking process along," he says to Reichi with a wink. "Let's shed the light of day on these bastards some more, shall we?"

Andryk, the Breton alchemist and enchanter, was busily running around, using his enchanted items to uno the silence effect on people and to heal their wounds - but he wails in sorrow at the sight of poor Zara, pincushioned with arrows. "I was too slow ..."

By the time Andryk reaches Slyvos to undo the silence effect, his face was grim. "Good friend, they say you are a mighty wizard. I pray thee, avenge poor Zara's death with your magics."

Inside the bakery basement, the spellcasting vampire struggles to heal his companions, as two vampires turn their attention to P'Rassha, swinging their hammers in unison at him. The two that fell try to pull Erenius and Reeds down onto the floor, and the one Anya jumped hisses, her clews red with his blood as he attempts to rip her off and throw her into the wall.

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 08:39 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 08:38 PM)

P'Rassha grabbed one vampire and gave him a bonecracking jaguar hug.

Any normal human, even a Nord would have been seriously injured by P'Rassha, but the vampire wasn't normal. He managed to free one of his arm and crush one of P'Rassha's paw. His grip was loosened instantly and the vampire was free again.

P'Rassha had still 4 weapons remaining, and it was his intention to use all of them.

P'Rassha ensnared the vampire's arm with his tail, guessing the vampire's reaction.

With inhuman strength, the vampire pulled his arm and made P'Rassha leaped from the ground. At the very moment, P'Rassha released his tail the vampire's arm and used the momentum given by the vampire himself.

He managed to aim his both legs right at the vampire's head and his strength and the vampire's strength combined hit the latter's skull with fierce.

A loud cracking was heard and the vampire felt on the ground, either dead or seriously wounded.

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 08:43 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 9 2006, 08:23 PM)

"Not to belittle you of course," Reeds adds to erenius as he blocks a flying sledgehammer.

"Don't really care right now. Just kill the bastards!" Erenius shouts over the noises, turning his attention to to the next target.

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 08:38 PM)

The two that fell try to pull Erenius and Reeds down onto the floor, and the one Anya jumped hisses, her clews red with his blood as he attempts to rip her off and throw her into the wall.

Erenius hacks at the hand of his vampire, succeding into removing the digits, if not the hand itself, from it, allowing both him to turn his attention elsewhere, the crisis averted.

The Imperial pauses a moment to catch his breath and scan the dark room to get a better view of the situation down there.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 08:44 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 07:38 PM)

The two that fell try to pull Erenius and Reeds down onto the floor, and the one Anya jumped hisses, her clews red with his blood as he attempts to rip her off and throw her into the wall.

"No. NO. Bad bloodsucker..." Reeds keeps twisting his feet out of a solid grasp by the vampire, while stabbing down at his hands with his sword. He backed up into the spellcasting vampire, colliding back to back with each other. Reeds turns and stubles back away from him, tripping over the vampire on the ground.

Reeds did, however, have the presense of mind to point both blades downward as he fell, using his weight to help drive the swords into the vampire.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 08:45 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 08:38 PM)

By the time Andryk reaches Slyvos to undo the silence effect, his face was grim. "Good friend, they say you are a mighty wizard. I pray thee, avenge poor Zara's death with your magics."

Slyvos sighs, glad to hear his own voice again, before becoming grim looking once more. He would do this... with relish. "I will make them wish they had died long ago, if it will put your friend to rest, and let us finish this..."

Without saying another word, he ran towards where Reichi and the other mage were at, throwing a massive flame spell at the building itself in an attempt to flush the vampires out into the open. His arms had smoke coming off them, but were unharmed, from the energies used to power the attack. "burn it down, if we must."

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 08:45 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 06:38 PM)

Inside the bakery basement, the spellcasting vampire struggles to heal his companions ...

Kingston's hands burned with fire and he reached out, grabbed the spellcasting vampire. Smoke poured out of the open neck of the armor as the interior became an oven.

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 08:49 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 09:38 PM)

"Lets," Reichi said as the silence spell lifted, turning to bash open the planks of another slit, and ducked down to slink allow to do likewise to other ones. He grinned. Between the two fires that were surely merging into a single raging inferno inside, and the sunlight, the archer were surely doomed.

Posted by: syronj Feb 9 2006, 08:49 PM

QUOTE(Dagoth Lich @ Feb 9 2006, 09:45 PM)

Without saying another word, he ran towards where Reichi and the other mage were at, throwing a massive flame spell at the building itself in an attempt to flush the vampires out into the open. His arms had smoke coming off them, but were unharmed, from the energies used to power the attack. "burn it down, if we must."

Shaka, who had followed Reichi, now joined Slyvos and hurled a Greater Fireball as well. He was ready to summon a Storm Atronach at any time; the golem might prove as strong as these vampires.

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 08:51 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 06:13 PM)

Xyllina the illusionist cast a light spell down the tunnel, Dolkirre, Fragon, and Ward-Backs behind her.

Posted by: dentris Feb 9 2006, 08:52 PM

P'Rassha rolled on the ground after putting the vampire out of combat, but there was still another one swinging his heavy sledgehammer as if it was just a simple walking stick.

P'Rassha ducked in time to dodge another assault while parts of the wall collapsed from the impact that was suppose to crush the khajiit shoulders. P'Rassha rose in all his might, holding the fallen vampire's sledgehammer in one hand.

The mattock was so heavy the khajiit had difficulties keeping it a few inches above the ground, but striking the vampire higher than that wasn't his intention. He tricked the vampire into rushing at him and just when the hammer was about the break the khajiit's neck, he took a step to the left and used the weapon's pole to trip the vampire's.

The vampire lost his balance and the heaviness of his weapon made him leaped forward even more.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 08:53 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 07:38 PM)

Inside the bakery basement, the spellcasting vampire struggles to heal his companions, as two vampires turn their attention to P'Rassha, swinging their hammers in unison at him. The two that fell try to pull Erenius and Reeds down onto the floor, and the one Anya jumped hisses, her clews red with his blood as he attempts to rip her off and throw her into the wall.

Anya felt herself lifted off the vampire, taking a few chunks of the armor as she vainly tried to remain on, "Dammit, not again!" Her eyes flared as she felt herself thrown away. She grunted as she hit the wall, falling to the floor.

Standing up, shakey still, she squared off. Anya frowned when she noticed her dagger still stuck in the vampire, and pulled out her shortsword, sprinting impossibley fast towards him, ready to strike.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 09:06 PM

The building Reichi, Slyvos, Vitus, and Shaka attacked roars with flames, producing a couple of high-pitched screams. One flaming form leaps out a window and screams again, as the sunlight adds to its agony; death comes swift. No more arrows fire upon the heroes.

Inside the basement, the spellcasting vampire is spitted and roasted, the vampire P'Rashsa was dueling is not moving, and the digitless vampires are scampering down the tunnel, illuminated by the light spell. The group can see the tunnel branch off to the left and right in a crude fork, the workmanship of the tunnel looking very crude - the tunnels don't look all that safe, having been apparently hastily constructed through brute force more than actual skill.

Anya, meanwhile, slices into her opponent with a swiftness that takes him by surprise; he falls to his knees, easy prey for a coup de grace.

===

In the castle, Dayla stands in one of the towers, beside her an ancient-looking Breton whose eyes stare into the horizon.

"Well?" she asks, looking to her companion.

"One was confirmed dead - a Khajiit female. The others live; they are looking at the tunnels now as my children flee," he says in a droning voice.

Dayla frowns. "What about the Bosmer woman?"

"She lives still, though she was wounded. She and a second vampire aided the warmbloods - a Korgari." The Breton's lips curl in disgust.

"They met a Korgari? I should have guessed," Dayla mutters. "Tell your children to try and herd them - and remember, the robed Khajiit male and the Bosmer vampire are not to be killed; bring them to me."

The Breton nods as Dayla waves her hands and vanishes in a puff of magic.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 09:10 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 08:06 PM)

Inside the basement, the spellcasting vampire is spitted and roasted, the vampire P'Rashsa was dueling is not moving, and the digitless vampires are scampering down the tunnel, illuminated by the light spell. The group can see the tunnel branch off to the left and right in a crude fork, the workmanship of the tunnel looking very crude - the tunnels don't look all that safe, having been apparently hastily constructed through brute force more than actual skill.

Reeds got up, poking the vampire he had tripped over. Reeds had killed him. Looking down the tunnel, he asked, "Are we going to follow them or go back up to the others?"

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 09:12 PM

Anya peered down the tunnel, as she put away her sword and dagger. She study the crud and dark tunnels, trying to see if they lead to anywhere particular. She truned to the group with pursed lips, "Want to see where that goes?"

Anya spine shivered. She didn't like this situation, a feeling that wouldn't go away.

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 09:15 PM

Reichi stepped back, watching the building burn. After a moments he looked towards the bakery. "We should see how the others have fared," he hurried down towards it. He stepped inside and saw the hole in the floor, and the others within it.

"Everyone alright down there?" he called down. "We ran into some trouble outside. Zara didn't make it."

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 09:15 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 9 2006, 09:12 PM)

"Yes. I'd rather finish those freaks now, before they can regroup and aid their brethren above us who are dealing, I hope, with Slyvos and the others," Erenius says.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 09:16 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 9 2006, 08:15 PM)

"We're fine." Reeds replied to him, "We've found some tunnels down here, should we clear those first? They might have other openings."

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 09:23 PM

"I'd rather clear the buildings first, it'll leave only those in the castle," Reichi replied. "Tunnels are too crowded for my liking. Backing us into a tight space serves to their advantage."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 09:23 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 9 2006, 08:16 PM)

"We're fine." Reeds replied to him, "We've found some tunnels down here, should we clear those first? They might have other openings."

Anya called past Reeds to Reichi, "Gather everyone and bring them down. Well go ahead with the tunnels. Well, I'm going to see what's ahead real quick, scout a bit."

Anya stepped into the tunnel, her Night Eye letting her see clearly enough. Her nose twitched, but the stench of the vampires prevented anything her from discerning anything in particular. She shivered, the overwhelming presence of the vampires starting to affect her. Her face hardened she and pressed foward.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 09:24 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 9 2006, 08:23 PM)

"I'd rather clear the buildings first, it'll leave only those in the castle," Reichi replied. "Tunnels are too crowded for my liking. Backing us into a tight space serves to their advantage."

"Then I think we should try to collapse these," Reeds said as he clambered back up out of the hole, "Don't want them running around if we can help it."

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 09:24 PM

QUOTE(Aki @ Feb 9 2006, 07:15 PM)

"Blessed Syrabane," Zadion shook his head. There would be time for mourning later.

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 9 2006, 07:16 PM)

"We're fine." Reeds replied to him, "We've found some tunnels down here, should we clear those first? They might have other openings."

"Or we could collapse the tunnels," Kingston said. "Either sealing them in or closing off an escape route. Down here in the tunnels, they have all the advantages."

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 09:26 PM

The battle now over, for a time, Erenius makes his way upstairs to the children, he sent to the upstairs rooms for safety. As he approaches, the boys seem well enough considerring their residence was badly damaged and a skirmish raged below them in the basement, one which they likely heard every moment of.

Calming the children after telling them of their grandfather's death and explaining to them how to use the scrolls, Erenius watches the two reluctantly disappear in a puff of purple smoke and light, visibly shaken by the news.

'I should see if I can find those two later back in Ald Raathim,' Erenius says to himself, saddened for their loss, yet shrugging it off as he goes downstairs

The Imperial then spoke to Kingston: "We have won here. We are in a bad shape, admittably, but those defeated are always in a situation ten times worse than ours. We should press our advantage here below ground."

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 09:31 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Feb 9 2006, 08:24 PM)

"Blessed Syrabane," Zadion shook his head. There would be time for mourning later.
"Or we could collapse the tunnels," Kingston said. "Either sealing them in or closing off an escape route. Down here in the tunnels, they have all the advantages."

Anya shivered, and made her way out the tunnel. The oppresive feeling down their frightened her.

She laughed a little, "True, all to true, Kingston." Anya glanced back at the tunnel, "Maybe we should avoid them."

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 09:35 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Feb 9 2006, 07:26 PM)

The Imperial then spoke to Kingston: "We have won here. We are in a bad shape, admittably, but those defeated are always in a situation ten times worse than ours. We should press our advantage here below ground."

"Reeds and Reichi and Anya also agree," Kingston replied. "If we go down there, they can collapse the tunnels on us ... and the tunnels if they lead anywhere will go somewhere we will have more of a chance against them -- above ground. I think we should collapse the tunnels, and fight the Diodata in the houses."

Posted by: Osano Feb 9 2006, 09:38 PM

Athaso got to the archer building in time to see it collapse in on itself and burn to the ground. Smoke rose high into the air, which would have been a problem in any other combat situation, but not when their foes were confined to buildings and shadows. He took a kneel to assess the situation as the people who had burned the building in the first place returned to the bakery. Athaso pulled the arrow out of his pauldron and inspected it curiously, "Silver?..." he mumbled under his breath.

He returned to his companions at the bakery and tossed the arrow down on the ground. "Sliver arrows being fired by vampires. Odd if you ask me, however I don't know what to make of it."

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 09:39 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Feb 9 2006, 09:35 PM)

"I suppose that would make sense. Besides, all those above would have seen the house collapse. Would be almost as bad as one or two stragglers coming into the castle wounded," Erenius replies, his view slowly being altered by the views of the otherse.

Posted by: stargate525 Feb 9 2006, 09:42 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Feb 9 2006, 08:35 PM)

"Then let's get on with it and move on," Reeds said impatiently, "I don't want to be here any more than I have to."

The tunnel was collapsed using magic and the party moved onward.

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 09:47 PM

QUOTE(stargate525 @ Feb 9 2006, 07:42 PM)

"Then let's get on with it and move on," Reeds said impatiently, "I don't want to be here any more than I have to."

The tunnel was collapsed using magic and the party moved onward.

Stepping out of the bakery, the group surveyed the marketplace for the next location which seemed to be sealed from within.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 09:48 PM

The party continues on its quest, exploring the buildings that form the marketplace. There are maybe two dozen of them total, at least if you only count those that look to be in decent enough condition to house anyone.

The next couple of buildings proved to be empty, save for a single surviving Dunmer, who spoke incoherently about his daughters being torn apart by - or was that tearing apart? - his wife. He stammered over the words of the intervention scroll but managed to escape nonetheless.

The streets remained quiet, but the party could swear, at times, when they were looking into a builing, that they could hear scurrying down below. Soft scurrying ...

A couple of hours of intense searching later, and the group finds itself facing what looks like a schoolhouse, suitably baricaded up. This building actually looks more fortified than others, despite its origins ...

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 09:56 PM

Erenius walks to the door and, using his sword, carefully cuts the door from the rope hinges holding it in place. Removing the door, he motions for the others to enter after removing a few chairs and tables thrown against it as a barricade.

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 10:00 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Feb 9 2006, 07:56 PM)

Xyllina casts a light spell to illuminate the interior of the school house, while the others help clear away the barricades, stepping in.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 10:04 PM

QUOTE(FireMaster @ Feb 9 2006, 09:56 PM)

The inside of the schoolhouse is dark - much darker than any other building the party has entered thus far. The windows were not merely barricaded, they had heavy cloth tacked up on them, shutting out all light. Similar drapes cover the door, forcing the party to part them to enter - and then, the light from outside does not reach within.

Inside ... the schoolhouse looks ... old. Primitive. Some chairs, some tables, something like a podium. Most everything is made from wood or chitin. Faint red candles that seem to glow via magic, not flame, provide the only illumination.

Inside ... there are people. Children actually. Over two dozen young Dunmer, ranging from the tender ages of five to the early teens. They're sitting in their chairs, chanting ancient words - words which Slyvos, old as he is, would find familiar.

As the party enters, the children turn to look at them, through glassy red eyes. Bloodied lips curl into smiles as the Dunmer children rise up, and the party can see the tables bear the dessicated husks of adults - and, the walls are decorated in blood with an inscect symbol - a symbol any who raided a Sixh House base would recognize.

Singing among themselves, the children advance ...

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 10:10 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 08:04 PM)

Singing among themselves, the children advance ...

Kingston does not pause a moment, and no one sees even a glimmer of consience in his eyes about attacking vampiric children. He launches a wave of fire into their midst.

Something drops on him from above, in the rafters. He curses as the little girl knocks him to the ground. He should have thought to look up.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 10:13 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 10:04 PM)

Slyvos came towards the doorway, entering into the schoolhouse building cautiously. However, what he heard, and saw, was not something he was prepared to... "What the..." how is this possible... I haven't heard those words since...

He didn't finish that train of thought, as he noticed the House Dagoth symbols bled and carved into the walls. The children though, were some of the most disturbing things he had ever seen.

He took a few steps backwards, as he felt he could hear his heart pounding in his head. This was not right...

Posted by: FireMaster Feb 9 2006, 10:13 PM

Erenius sees little choice but combat, despite his qualms about killing innocents, especially after helping those two back in that building earlier. Steeling himself regardless, he readies his blade.

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 10:15 PM

Reichi was taken aback by the sight, but steeled himself. These children were not normal even for vampires. They stoke in ancient tongues, and the symbol of the sixth house adorned the wall. Not to mention the eerie singing. His decision on what to do what cut short however, as a little girl jumped on Kingston.

Reichi turned, bringing his blades down upon the vampire-child.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 10:16 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Feb 9 2006, 09:10 PM)

Anya resisted the urge to retch. Snarling madly, she smacked te girl with all her strength, claws extended.

"I'm not like this!" she yelled out, thinking back to the curse yelled at her in the smithery.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 10:19 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Feb 9 2006, 10:10 PM)

A few other children drop from the rafters too, trying to knock other people down.

Kingston's flames cause the singing children to scream, their flesh sizzling - but, being Dunmer, they still retain some of their innate resistance to fire.

As one, the children leap, any childlike innocence in their faces vanishing in wouned animalistic fury; closer up, the party can see that the blood on their lips is dried, caked blood, not fresh. The husks were drained some time ago; these children had been locked in here without enough food to sustain themselves.

Shadowy movement from the far side of the room might catch someone's eye before the children leap upon the party, two or three to a person, their inhumanly strong little hands grasping and their blood-caked fangs open in agonized hunger to bite down ...

Posted by: syronj Feb 9 2006, 10:23 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 11:19 PM)

Shadowy movement from the far side of the room might catch someone's eye before the children leap upon the party, two or three to a person, their inhumanly strong little hands grasping and their blood-caked fangs open in agonized hunger to bite down ...

Shaka used a tactic that he hadn't employed since fighting Raithmat, the ghost of the former lord of Daruhn. He cast a fireball upon himself.

The Argonian was engulfed in his own flames, but protected by the Dragonbone Cuirass. Shaka embraced the several children attacking him . . . .

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 10:25 PM

The children weren't old enough to fully use their cursed gifts, allowing Anya to wade through them madly. They swarmed her though, and she felt teeth begin to latch onto her at several places. She batted at them with her hands, pausing long enough to grab her dagger.

The chill she got from their predatory visage was enough to distill any thought of innocent children left, she understood the lusting for blood mixed with a child's lack of inhibition could be a sickening thing.

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 10:32 PM

Lightning and fireballs rocketed through the school house as the mages defended themselves. The Orc Shaman's axe made sickening thuds as it sliced through the horde.

"Use it on the windows!" Zadion cried out. "Let's get some sunlight in here!"

The flames on the desks and chairs that had caught fire seemed almost alive, reaching out and grabbing at children. Kingston was able to concentrate on this since Anya and Reichi had destroyed the little girl who had knocked him down before.

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 10:34 PM

Reichi drew out the Fire-sheild scroll from his satchel and activated it. The Dunmer was encased in a sheild of fire, and twisted, swinging his silver and daedric blades left and right to fend off the vampiric children, the flames surrounding him licking at the flesh of any who got too close.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 10:36 PM

QUOTE(S'reddit @ Feb 9 2006, 10:32 PM)

Now, the shadowy figure moves, casting magic at the party; silence spells fly through the air ...

... though, most of them seem aimed at Slyvos than at the Mage Guild mages. Curiously, the children don't seem to be attacking Slyvos as vehemently as they are the others.

The others, though ... the children show no mercy toward. The orc shaman fins himself being swarmed by two chilren for every one he cuts down. Kingston seems to be a magnet for the little bloodsuckers - and movement from the edges of the room suggests that reinforcements are arriving. But for right now, there remain at least a dozen children trying to feed, strong enough to rip a man's arm clear out of the socket.

Posted by: syronj Feb 9 2006, 10:38 PM

Shaka could see the flames he had cast wouldn't be enough. He unshipped the ebony axe and began using it.

At Zadion's words, Shaka ran to a window and tried to chop at its covering. But when he saw the battle worsening for the adventurers, Shaka invoked a Storm Atronach. He had never needed a spoken spell to do so, as long as he could touch the Spear of Bitter Mercy.

An Atronach appeared with the thump of displaced air, and began wading into the demonic children. The golem would have none of the hesitation of the mortal adventurers.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 10:43 PM

Anya screamed as tossed a child vampire into the group. Quickly she makes her way through the mass, zeroing in on the spells being launched at the group. "Why would you do this?"

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 10:46 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 08:36 PM)

Kingston seems to be a magnet for the little bloodsuckers - and movement from the edges of the room suggests that reinforcements are arriving. But for right now, there remain at least a dozen children trying to feed, strong enough to rip a man's arm clear out of the socket.

Unable to concentrate on it, Kingston lets the fires on the desks and chairs burn normally. Instead he defends himself by creating a long whip of flame to push the children back, towards the wall of the schoolroom where the windows are being broken open.

One of the silence spells strikes Andryk, but he had herbs to counter it.

Lheres, the Healer is overwhelmed by the children, and torn to pieces.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 10:47 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 10:36 PM)

Slyvos snaps out of his stupor just in time, which let him dodge one of the spells casted at him. What kind it was, even he couldn't tell in his hurry to dodge it, but he wasn't willing to risk finding out.

He didn't know exact where the figure that had shot the spell at him was, so he contented himself to freezing a not-so innocent vampiric child. "this is wrong... they must all die." He said out loud to no one in particular, hitting one of the other children with his mace.

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 10:49 PM

Reichi, upon seeing the Storm Atronach, fights his way towards the golem, hoping to either divert some attention to it or at least have the large stone being pulp a few of them for him.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 10:55 PM

Though the remaining children are able to feed on poor Lheres, the combination of the flames, the now-encroaching sunlight, and their own childlike natures doom them; unableto think of anything but feeding, they swarm the rent corpse of the healer, even as flames and sunlight blacken their flesh.

Anya finds herself confronting a Nordic man, his white hair and bushy moustache almost, but not quite, hiding the glazed, dull look in his eyes. A look, Anya will realize with a flash of insight, that perfectly matches the look in the Argoninan brothers back in her cave. The figure ignores Anya and summons several Dremora to attack her and others.

A half-dozen other, adult, figures now jump into the fray, leaping for Slyvos. Furious fists aim for his midsection and cheeks while several of the figures lash out at whoever is closest by.

Posted by: Dagoth Lich Feb 9 2006, 11:00 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 10:55 PM)

A half-dozen other, adult, figures now jump into the fray, leaping for Slyvos. Furious fists aim for his midsection and cheeks while several of the figures lash out at whoever is closest by.

Slyvos actually coughs up blood as one of the fists hits him in the gut, but despite this he growls slightly, trying to fend them. He can't focus enough to get a spell off, with all the blows hitting him, so he makes due with the mace as best he can.

At this rate though, he won't last very long before they actually succeed at what they are attempting...

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 11:02 PM

Anya cried out. "Slyvos!" She tried to rush to him, but the Dremora blocked her path. She twirled her spear to keep them at bay. She thrust at the Dremora, trying to kill them swiftly, wishing to waste no time. She sent a venomous glare to the vampire Nord.

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 11:04 PM

Kingston immolates one of the Dremora with an intense blue-white flame that almost seems alive. He starts to turn towards Slyvos to help, but he catches sight of one of the men heaving what seems to be a bucket of water at him. Kingston rolls out of the way of it, cursing.

Wards-Back casts a burning sigil backwards in the air, trying to counteract the charm on the Nord.

Posted by: syronj Feb 9 2006, 11:06 PM

Since these new assailants weren't childlike in appearance, Shaka felt more able to fight without holding back. He buried the axe in an enemy's thigh, then wrenched it out and through the neck of another while the first attacker was still on the floor.

When he saw the dremoras, Shaka ran to help Anya for the moment. The daedra had the usual extraordinary appearance of their breed: darker than the Ra'Gada, with bright orange and red patches under their eyes like some tropical bird. Shaka knew from experience that they were inhumanly strong, though it was debatable if they were stronger than the Diodata. Shaka attempted to swing the axe into the neck of a dremora.

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 11:09 PM

Reichi moved to reach Slyvos but was blocked by one of the figures, Reichi shoulder-slammed into the figure as his fire sheild started to run out, forcing his way past it. Reichi lashed out at the figures attacking Slyvos, his blades seeking their flesh. "Back away from the Khajiit!"

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 11:13 PM

The schoolhouse was a flaming hell; where once vampiric children had leapt and clawed at the party, now do the flames cast by the adventurers in their struggle.

Two of the new figures, beset by blow and flame, crumple, but the one punching Slyvos succeeds in doubling him over, and wastes no time in slapping a slave bracer on the Khajiit's arm. Grabbing Slyvos in a fireman's carry, he speeds for the far end of the school with inhuman speed, screeching as he does.

The Dremora, the Nord, and the remaining asailants pull back to cover the retreating figure, and take any aventurers down they can in the process.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 11:17 PM

Anya hesitated, still combating the Dremora. She was seething inwardly, and translated to vicious blows outwardly. One fell before it was able to attack.

She took a moment to glance at Reichi and Shaka, "Those eyes! She's here, she has to be."

Anya punctuacted the sentence with a thrust to the gut of the second to last Dremora, dropping him.

Posted by: S'reddit Feb 9 2006, 11:18 PM

QUOTE(Loranna @ Feb 9 2006, 09:13 PM)

Xyllina screamed as her hair caught fire, but at a glance from Kingston, the fire extinguished itself instantly. All around the room, the fire seemed to back away from the heroes as if it had a mind of its own.

Wards-Back, disappointed that his anti-charm withershin hadn't cured the Nord, casts its reverse, trying to overwhelm the charm with another one.

The mages concentrate their fire on the Dremora, being careful not to hit Slyvos.

Posted by: syronj Feb 9 2006, 11:21 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 10 2006, 12:17 AM)

Shaka had dropped the axe for a second, and ran the last Dremora through with the Spear.

Picking up the axe again and sheathing it, though still carrying the Spear in his right hand, he said: "Dayla? Here?" Shaka couldn't comprehend how the shapeshifters could fit into this day's battle, which seemed to be spinning out of control.

As the first Atronach had run out of time and disappeared, Shaka summoned another and ordered it to help kill the enemies barring their way.

Posted by: Xyber02 Feb 9 2006, 11:29 PM

Anya shoved the last Dremora over, killed from the combined firepower. "Yes Dayla, she's the only person that can Charm like that."

Anya narrowed her eyes, making tight fists, "And I'll find her, and when I do..."

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 11:31 PM

Between the Mage Guild members and the party, the remaining Dremora are swiftly dispatched. The Nord crumples too, muttering something in Velothi with the voice of one whose will is not his own.

The figure with Slyvos disappears, and one other - and the sound of crumbling stone can be heard underneath the school ...

===

"We have the Duke," the Diodata elder informs the red-eyed Dunmer woman who sits in the spartan chamber.

The vampiress's face shows no emotion. "Casualties among the warmbloods and the rogue vampires?"

"Another fell; many were wounded; it is hard to tell exactly," comes the reply.

"The Bosmer still lives?" Now the vampiress frowns, slightly.

"Yes, Mistress."

"See to it she dies before my fool of a filia does something to make me destroy her as well," comes the steel-voiced response. "And tell Dayla to come to me immediately; it is time to welcome our guest."

The Diodata bows and leaves, and when she is alone, the vampiress slowly smiles - a childlike smile of pure dark joy.

Posted by: syronj Feb 9 2006, 11:33 PM

QUOTE(Xyber02 @ Feb 10 2006, 12:29 AM)

Shaka was silent, and glanced at Reichi, wondering if he felt the same deja vu. Last time it had been Anya who was captured.

"Anya, they can't mean to make Slyvos a shapeshifting vampire also, can they? By the Nine . . . . "

"We've got to wrap this up and go after him. I'm not going to try explaining to Loranna that we lost Slyvos."

Posted by: Aki Feb 9 2006, 11:36 PM

"Uh, guys," Reichi said, looking over at Shaka and Anya. "We have to get of this building now!" he said. He didn't know what the sound under the school was, but it was not good. Reichi bolted for the exit, making good use of the innate speed granted to him by being born under the sign of the Steed.

Posted by: Loranna Feb 9 2006, 11:36 PM

As the party flees the burning building, Slyvos's fate, and the party's next adventure, await in the next thread.

For now though, it is time to ...

LOCK ON!!!

Loranna

Posted by: Archeopterix Feb 9 2006, 11:42 PM

YEah!